NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/commentary/page/123/)
Many New Mexicans are unaware of the potential tax revenue that could be generated through taxation of gasoline purchased on Native American reservation lands. The exemtion is no longer needed, thanks in part to the casino revenues that are boosting the economies of many Native American pueblos and tribes. Continue Reading
We know our tax policy is not raising an adequate amount of revenue. If it were, we would not be facing a revenue shortfall. So while we must and will cut state spending, we cannot cut it enough to cover the revenue shortfall. Continue Reading
On Friday, a controversial piece of legislation narrowly passed the House while two Democrats were ostensibly hiding out somewhere in the Roundhouse to avoid voting. I’m pretty sure that isn’t what those representatives’ constituents wanted them to do. Continue Reading
My complaint is not about stupidity, which at times is my middle name; rather, it is that our political leaders think Ron White is wrong and they can legislate stupid out of our society. They are being stupid trying to outlaw stupidity. Continue Reading
The only long-term way to dig out of our severe and historic budget crisis is to grow the New Mexican economy by helping our businesses thrive. That includes helping, rather than demonizing, the energy industry. Continue Reading
In my recent travels around the state, one thing has become obvious: People are angry. Some are frustrated because they have lost faith in government, others because they believe big corporations are trampling the public in the pursuit of profit. And everyone is scared about the lack of good jobs. Continue Reading
There’s no way — none — to continue using a cuts-only approach to balancing the state’s budget without directly hurting New Mexicans even further. The good news is that there are a variety of sensible revenue ideas that don’t hurt economic recovery. Continue Reading
Our state funds, in addition to tax revenue, are the basis for our annual budget and are the $30 billion endowment for our state’s educational services. I hope New Mexico can lead the way in passing comprehensive investment fund reform, the first in reform that will likely follow in other states facing similar crises. Continue Reading
I appreciate the fact that same-day registration will make it more convenient for our citizens to vote. If a photo ID requirement is added to the legislation, I will wholeheartedly support such an initiative. Continue Reading
As a candidate for land commissioner, I applaud the actions of three legislators who have introduced bills that strengthen the pillars of transparency, accountability and ethics in government. Continue Reading
The No Child Left Behind Act may someday be remembered as the Every Parent Left Behind Act. Loss of control is a key reason why so many New Mexican parents and teachers have expressed dissatisfaction with our education system. Continue Reading
Here in New Mexico there are a number of disasters locally and statewide just waiting to happen, and our political leaders are fighting over things like transparency in government as if that is the end-all and be-all. Continue Reading
(UPDATED) The New Mexico House of Representatives took three giant steps forward in the area of government transparency today by approving resolutions that allow the expansion of webcasting and require, for the first time, that floor roll-call votes be posted online. Continue Reading
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding political spending by corporations and unions was more than just a blow to democracy. It was a blow to states’ rights. All across the country, lawmakers are scrambling to determine the extent to which their local campaign financing laws are still legal. Continue Reading
Rather than listening to pundits, my laptop and I traveled out of the District to the home of a dear friend in Falls Church, Virginia. I listened to zero commentary. Just soaked in e-mails and texts from self-professed Democrats, independents and Republicans. Here’s what I and they thought. Continue Reading