NMPolitics.net (https://nmpolitics.net/index/category/guest-columns/page/89/)
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
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
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
We can afford health care, if we keep government out of the system. If we depend on the government for a solution, we must be willing to sacrifice our current quality of health care. Continue Reading
State law holds the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners accountable for ensuring that spaceport tax money goes directly toward spaceport-related curricula. As a commissioner, I am simply seeking written contracts with the school districts that reflect this commitment. Continue Reading
To help protect New Mexico families, I am pleased to report that we are beefing up the public education and outreach efforts of the Environmental Crimes Unit. Continue Reading
It sounded really good on the campaign trail, the talk about leveling the “playing field” and cracking down on companies that “ship jobs overseas.” But this proposal is not about fairness so much as it is about raising revenue, and it will cause jobs and prosperity to simply wither away rather than go abroad. Continue Reading
Access to affordable health coverage is the No. 1 concern of the nation’s smallest businesses, and they need Senator Jeff Bingaman’s support now more than ever. Continue Reading
In response to Allen Weh’s recent comments about me and his role in my forced resignation, I’m alarmed that the Republican gubernatorial candidate may not be in touch with reality or may not even be literate. Continue Reading
Diane Denish is now claiming to be a champion of ethics reform, but she hasn’t always supported open government. By contrast, I share the belief of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who wrote, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Continue Reading