State

‘Fair Pay for Women Act’ Clears House

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STATE News:

SANTA FE – The “Fair Pay for Woman Act” sponsored by Rep. Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe-47) and co-sponsored by all the Democratic Women Representatives sailed through the House Monday, Feb. 26.

The committee substitute provides clear guidelines and remedies for wage disparity in New Mexico.

It also allows the employer to assert an affirmative defense of good faith and reasonable grounds for believing the act or omission did not violate the Fair Pay for Women Act to avoid treble damages.

The Democrats in the New Mexico House have been committed to equality in pay for women Read More

Luján: New Report Reinforces Need to Prevent Sequester

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. Congressional News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District highlighted a new report that was released by the Obama Administration that reinforces the need to prevent the sequester’s indiscriminate cuts from taking place.

The cuts are scheduled to begin on Friday, and threaten to harm the economy and result in significant job losses in New Mexico and around the country.

The sequester was part of the Budget Control Act of 2011, which Luján voted against.

“From education to public safety, the sequester’s Read More

Winter Storm Continues in New Mexico

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Courtesy/NWS

NWS News:

Blizzard conditions continue to impact far east-central New Mexico early this morning, especially areas between Tucumcari and the Clovis and Portales areas.

Snowfall levels of 8″-10″ have been reported in these areas, but needless to say, measuring snow in 50-plus mph winds is extremely difficult.

Regardless, the impacts of this major winter storm have been widespread and significant. The I-40 corridor, as expected, appears to have seen the greatest impacts.

The latest indications are that the heaviest snow bands will shift farther east into the Texas Read More

Utility Assistance for Deployed Soldiers Passes House 65-0

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STATE News:

SANTA FE – By a vote of 65-0, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed legislation Friday that would allow members of the military who have just been deployed or given a temporary assignment to discontinue and re-establish utility services without paying a penalty or reconnection fee.

HB 175, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Steinborn (D-Doña Ana-District 35), would affect utilities including water, gas, electricity, and telephone. It would also allow service members to selectively shut off services when a municipality bundles them together.

The inspiration for this legislation Read More

Valles Caldera Trust Awarded $545,000 For Solar Powered Shuttle System

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VCT News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS—Valles Caldera Trust has been awarded a $545,000 federal grant that will allow visitors to tour the Valles Caldera National Preserve in the quiet comfort of a solar powered all-electric shuttle bus.

The grant is one of 29 awarded nationally by the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Authority.

The grant will fund the purchase of an all-electric 26-passenger ADA-compliant shuttle bus to replace two gasoline-powered 12-passenger vans currently in use.

Construction of a solar photovoltaic Read More

‘YMCA Day’ Honors Organization at Legislature

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Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, holds YMCA Day in New Mexico Proclamation with members of New Mexico State Alliance of YMCAs, from left, Youth Gov. Valeria Ojeda (YMCA Youth In Government Program); Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, CEO YMCA of Central NM Steven Paternoster, CEO of The Family YMCA Linda Daly, Family YMCA Board President John Wolfe, Family YMCA Board Member Sharon Stover and CEO YMCA of El Paso Kevin Pearson. Courtesy/Family YMCA
 
 
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House Delivers $5.9 Billion Budget Now Headed to Senate

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STATE News:

SANTA FE – The House of Representatives has passed a budget for the next spending year that begins July 2013. HB 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 would provide $5.907 billion in state spending, an increase of $255 million over this year’s budget.

That amount includes both recurring and non-recurring items. The total appropriations contained in the bills would leave the state with reserves of $589.2 million or 10 percent of fiscal year 2014 recurring appropriation levels next fiscal year.

The bulk of the budget would go toward education – 57 percent. Public education gets 44 percent and higher education Read More

House Clears Free Elk Licenses to Disabled Vets

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HB 272 will allow disabled New Mexico veterans to receive free elk hunting licenses. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

SANTA FE – House Bill 272 passed the New Mexico House of Representatives Thursday with a vote of 65 to 0.

HB 272 was introduced by Rep. Phillip Archuleta (D-Dona Ana-36) to help disabled New Mexico veterans get free elk hunting licenses.

Archuleta recognizes veterans’ commitment and service to New Mexico and the United States and wants to show them thanks.

This program would be monitored by the Game and Fish Department to make sure licenses are given out in a fair manner.

HB 272 provides Read More

Fireworks Restrictions Bill Clears Committee

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Two ignited pinwheels consisting of a powder-filled spiral tube mounted with a pin through its center that rotates quickly, producing a display of sparks and colored flame when ignited. Courtesy/Wikipedia

STATE News:

SANTA FE – By a vote of 6-5, House Bill 373 “Local Governments Fireworks Restrictions” has passed the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

HB 373 sponsored by Rep. Emily Kane (D-Bernalilllo-15), changes the standard for local government fireworks restrictions – it is not based on drought conditions only.

The bill also authorizes the Forestry Division of Energy, Read More

Public Comments Sought on STIP

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NMDOT News:

SANTA FE – The public is invited to comment on the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s (NMDOT) seventh amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP.)

The program will serve as a four year plan for the state’s federal aid highway program. The NMDOT has posted the 2012-2015 STIP amendment online asking for public comment until March 20.

In addition, the NMDOT will be soliciting final public comment in conjunction with the State Transportation Commission meeting in Albuquerque Thursday, March 21. 

The STIP contains proposed road and bridge Read More