Politics

Heinrich, Daines: Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Designating Week Of Feb. 2 As ‘National Tribal Colleges And Universities Week’

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) announced that the U.S. Senate passed their bipartisan resolution they led to designate the week of Feb. 2, 2026, as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.” This resolution seeks to uplift and celebrate the achievements of students pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities in Tribal Colleges and Universities.

“Our resolution affirms the important role that Tribal Colleges and Universities play in preparing Native and non-Native students for careers they can build Read More

RCAA To Host Four Community Listening Sessions On Lower Rio Chama Watershed Project

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RCAA News:

The Lower Rio Chama Watershed Project, led by the Rio de Chama Acequia Association (RCAA), is an acequia- and community-led effort to improve watershed health and resilience in the lower Rio Chama region, from below Abiquiú Dam to El Guache.

Guided by community priorities, this effort aims to bring together acequias and neighbors from across the region to co-develop a shared plan and vision for a healthy watershed – from the uplands through the arroyos and down to the acequias along the Rio Chama. A key focus is on slowing and spreading destructive flood waters from arroyos to mitigate Read More

‘We’re Willing To Do What It Takes’: New Mexico Health Councils Push For State Funding

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By Margaret O’Hara
The Santa Fe New Mexican

In Santo Domingo Pueblo, Anthony Yepa serves as a health care explainer. 

As an adviser for the pueblo’s Hopa Health Council — named for a Keres word meaning “the people” — Yepa helps members of his community understand complex state and federal health care policy.

People ask: What’s in New Mexico’s more than $11 billion budget? What’s a managed care organization? How might federal health care cuts affect Santo Domingo Pueblo residents? 

Yepa answers.

“That’s what health councils do — from the Roundhouse Read More

Microgrid Oversight Act Receives Message From Governor

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STATE News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate received a message from Gov. Lujan Grisham to permit legislative consideration of an updated version of Sen. Jeff Steinborn’s (D-Las Cruces) legislation, the Microgrid Oversight Act.

The new bill, Senate Bill 235 would:  

  • Require the Public Regulation Commission to begin rule making by July 1, 2027, to establish a “renewable energy portfolio” standard of required renewable energy usage for microgrids, to be increased over time and be carbon emission free by 2045. 
  • Prohibit utilities from increasing customers’ electricity
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Faith-Based Climate Advocates Arrive At State Capitol After 300-Mile Trek

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Desirée Bernard participates in Climate Solutions Day at the state Capitol Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. Bernard, the executive director of the New Mexico and El Paso branch of Interfaith Power & Light, set out with others on a more than 300-mile faith-based, climate-focused trek toward the Roundhouse. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican

By ALAINA MENCINGER
The Santa Fe New Mexican

GALISTEO — As Desirée Bernard walked between Roswell and Corona in January, local farmers and ranchers warned her of a big storm coming. Some offered a lift.

Bernard wasn’t looking for a ride. Instead, she asked Read More

Lawmakers Promise More Big Wins For New Mexico As Governor Signs Year’s First Bills

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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signs one of the first bills to reach her desk this legislative session in the governor’s Cabinet room on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. Bills signed Thursday included a $1.5 billion bonding package to improve New Mexico roads, interstate compacts for doctors and social workers and a prohibition on local governments operating immigration detention centers. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican

By Margaret O’Hara and Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican

As Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the first laws of the year to reach her desk, legislators Read More

Attempt To Overhaul New Mexico’s Education Administration System Rapidly Fails

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Bill Sponsor Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces

By ANDRÉ SALKIN
The Santa Fe New Mexican

A yearslong effort to return public education oversight in New Mexico to an appointed state school board and superintendent, rather than a Cabinet secretary, saw a quick end this week.

The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday rejected Senate Joint Resolution 3, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Bill Soules of Las Cruces, by a vote of 6-2.

Soules billed the proposal as a way to bring stability to New Mexico’s education system “regardless of which party is in power,” following a high turnover of education secretaries Read More

Legislative Roundup: 14 Days Left In Session

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Brothers Sebastián, 6, and Santiago Casuas Natale, 8, play under the large table where Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and leaders from both parties were present to sign the first bills of the legislative session into law on Feb. 5, 2026. Sebastián Casuas Natale was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer and required care from out-of-state doctors, something he couldn’t get in New Mexico without the medical compact bill, SB 1, signed into law Thursday. Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican:

Here comes the judge: A bill that would add a judge to the First Judicial District Court,

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New Mexico House Republicans Urge Governor To Veto HB 9

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From New Mexico House Republicans:

SANTA FE — New Mexico House Republicans are urging Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to veto House Bill 9, the so-called “Immigrant Safety Act”, following its passage on the Senate floor.

The legislation represents a dangerous step away from public safety, the rule of law, and constitutional cooperation between state and federal government. 

HB 9 prohibits public bodies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities to house individuals detained for federal immigration violations and effectively ends New Mexico’s participation in the federal 287(g) Read More

Council Makes Strides To Improve Recreational Amenities

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By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Efforts to improve amenities for recreational enthusiasts in Los Alamos, from the athlete all the way to the pedestrian, are progressing.

During the Los Alamos County Council regular meeting, Jan. 27, council unanimously approved the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan as well as the installation of the High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Signal on N.M. 4.

In the discussion of the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan, County Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker highlighted the fact that while the plan was up for approval, Read More