NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/commentary/page/129/)
Being a legislator in this state, during this crisis, is pretty darn thankless. Be true to yourself and the people who elected you to represent them, and I would respectfully submit that your choices, while still incredibly difficult, will at least be a bit more palatable — to voters and to yourself. Continue Reading
There are great opportunities disguised as impossible situations facing the New Mexico Legislature in their budget shortfall special session. The same Legislature and governor who did not listen to good advice about the transitory nature of the state’s revenue are meeting to fix the financial problems of their own making. Continue Reading
Having a one-sided conversation about cutting spending but not raising revenue ties the hands of legislators who want to protect their communities from education and Medicaid cuts and future job losses. The governor needs to recognize that his tax policy is a failed policy. Continue Reading
As we head into the special session, projections of our state’s budget shortfall get worse and worse. And the specter of massive cuts — or even a few tax increases — looms larger every day. So here they are, my guidelines for making these hard budget decisions. Continue Reading
New Mexico has a long history of battling corruption dating back to before statehood. It’s time to take the next step by prohibiting contractors, lobbyists and other special interests seeking subsidies or tax breaks from making or bundling political contributions. Continue Reading
If the refueling station in Santa Teresa is the type of project that the adjoining communities support, I would recommend looking at some other options that could generate a greater dollar return for the State Land Office — and thus for our schools. Continue Reading
Before our leaders say one more thing about how to improve education, they need to spend a couple of weeks in a public school watching and learning. Then we can talk. It is tragic that they not only don’t know, but that all they think they know is not so. Continue Reading
Realistically, I understand that education cannot be immune to further budgetary cuts as we are a piece of the larger financial picture for our state. However, we have a responsibility to help support our legislators in making quality, data- driven decisions on our behalf. Continue Reading
Though it might appear simple and equitable to propose across-the-board cuts to government programs, the worst thing to do in a recession is to cut government spending. Continue Reading
There is no better way to stimulate our economy with funds from outside New Mexico than with Medicaid and CHIPRA money that has a federal matching rate of almost 80 percent. Continue Reading
New Mexico is dropping in the rankings of the best states for business. At the same time, small businesses are working harder and doing more with less. Shouldn’t government do the same? Continue Reading
When the state was flush with funds, the highest-earning New Mexicans got the biggest benefit. Now times are tough, and those who got no benefit will suffer the consequences the most. Continue Reading
I am deeply disappointed that two high-ranking members of the Senate independently and prematurely communicated information pertaining to budget cuts that does not represent the position or the views of the Legislature as a collective body. The letter has caused widespread panic. Continue Reading
Each malady of poverty is tied to government actions that all too often are for the purpose of political need. When will we as a society take an honest look at political human suffering? Continue Reading
It appears now that our current fiscal-year shortfall could top $700 million. In addition, reserves need to be drawn down by $224 million to deal with last year’s shortfall. We all must be prepared for budget cuts that include public schools and higher education. Continue Reading