NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/commentary/page/128/)
The characterization of combined reporting being spread by proponents – that it will eliminate a loophole that permits large, multi-state corporations to shift income earned in New Mexico to other, more tax-friendly states — omits the principal features of combined reporting, misstates the tax liability of local companies and exaggerates the likely state revenue impact of combined reporting. Continue Reading
Any efforts to balance the budget by compromising environmental protection will only create long-term problems that are prohibitively expensive, or impossible, to fix. Once an aquifer is contaminated by toxic waste, for example, it can rarely be reclaimed. Continue Reading
Following two days of investigation, here’s what I’ve learned about a situation that has gained the attention of Republicans and the media this week. The bottom line: I’m not sure there was a story to begin with. Continue Reading
Making a political choice for NMSU president would be as fundamentally flawed as the Aggies playing Ohio State. Only professionals who have worked closely with agriculture and engineering for their entire professional lives are really qualified to lead a land-grant institution. Continue Reading
Between now and the regular session, I hope New Mexico’s political class will dispense with the increasingly boring potshots and posturing and do what’s in the best interest of New Mexicans: Work together to find a solution to our towering state fiscal crisis. Continue Reading
Everyone, from state workers to educational employees to millionaires to out-of-state corporate giants, needs to realize we’re in a genuine crisis. Sacrifice is going to be needed from everyone, but if we’re smart about how we cut, we can preserve many of the public safety, health and educational gains over the last seven years. Continue Reading
Instead of leading the state through the budget crisis, the governor proposed an unrealistic plan. He didn’t get his way, and now he’s lobbing bombs and playing the victim. If he won’t lead in these tough times, who will? Continue Reading
This is the Land of Pay to Play after all. The scandals two of five finalists have faced in their home states are concerning. As the Albuquerque Journal put it, “Barring good explanations, the Board of Regents is down to three viable candidates to lead the state’s second-largest institution of higher learning.” Continue Reading
Budget cuts figured prominently in the recent New Mexico Legislative special session and in last year’s short flight of a US Airways airliner into the Hudson River. The connection is the unintended consequences when idiots cost-cut. Continue Reading
The big question in the aftermath of the Oct. 6 Albuquerque municipal elections is whether the GOP mayoral and city council wins are a precursor to the Nov. 2, 2010 statewide elections. While there are certainly some lessons that are relevant to statewide matchups, there are also significant differences. Continue Reading
With the federal government running our health-care debate, perhaps we should consider how the federal government has handled the medical marijuana issue. They have shown no compassion for people with cancer, despite some states permitting the use of medical marijuana. Should we put those heartless people in charge of our health care? Continue Reading
The minds behind Republican Richard Berry’s recent win in the Albuquerque mayoral race explain how it happened and what they think it means for the 2010 election. Continue Reading
Some legislators have rightly suggested that budget cuts that will force state police to park their cars and reduce patrols are an unacceptable option under any circumstance, and I wholeheartedly agree. The same standard should be applied to prosecutors as well. Continue Reading
I believe the current budget deficit can be solved through increased operational efficiencies that every state agency is more than capable of identifying, auditing the current budget for unspent reverted funds, delaying some discretionary capital outlay projects and decreasing the rainy day fund by 1 to 2.5 percent. Continue Reading
I would suggest that instead of concentrating on cutting salaries, which are critical to bringing and retaining quality educators into the state, we should look at programs and unfunded mandates first. Continue Reading