U.S. Supreme Court Justice Scalia dies in Texas
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Antonin Scalia, who had served on the U.S. Supreme Court since 1986, was found dead Saturday in West Texas. He was 79. Continue Reading
Billions of dollars sitting in state accounts, state auditor says
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How is it even possible that state Auditor Tim Keller claims billions of dollars sit idle in state bank accounts when some of it can be used for construction projects around New Mexico? It’s complicated. Continue Reading
Effort to take politics out of capital outlay fizzles in first hearing
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Lawmakers from rural areas opposed the legislation, saying they believed important projects in their districts would be downgraded or ignored if they lost a direct say-so in the process. Continue Reading
Governor, immigrant group both claim victory in driver’s license compromise
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Both Gov. Susana Martinez and immigrant advocates claimed victory after a Senate committee on Friday approved a compromise bill that would allow immigrants without legal status a way to drive legally — and would exempt many of them from a requirement to be fingerprinted. Continue Reading
Bail bond industry wins compromise on constitutional amendment
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As part of a compromise, language was dropped that would have allowed nonviolent indigent offenders to be released without posting bail. Instead, they will have to file a petition with a judge to ask for release. Continue Reading
The executive pay cap that backfired
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A while back, Congress voted to curb soaring compensation for corporate officers by limiting tax deductions. Here’s how it went wrong — and what we can learn from it today. Continue Reading
House committee kills proposal to appoint PRC members
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Voters — and not the governor — will continue to choose members of the Public Regulation Commission for the foreseeable future. Continue Reading
Land Commissioner’s advice on digging out: Tax hike, spending cuts
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State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn said both Gov. Susana Martinez and state lawmakers waited too long to address the state’s revenue shortfall. Continue Reading
State must make even deeper budget cuts, Sen. Smith says
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Deeper cuts are needed to keep the state solvent in the wake of tumbling energy prices and steadfast reluctance from Gov. Susana Martinez to raise taxes, according to Senate Finance Committee Chairman John Arthur Smith. Continue Reading
Bill to alter lottery scholarship funding advances
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State senators approved a bill Thursday that would require the ailing New Mexico Lottery to provide $41 million a year for college scholarships, a move some opponents believe could leave less money for students. Continue Reading
GOP lawmakers block bid to ax business tax breaks
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State Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela’s bill would have eliminated tax breaks for 43 businesses and groups including railroads, airlines, lottery retailers and even jockeys at racetracks. Continue Reading
Amid federal gridlock, lobbying rises in the states
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Across America, every state-level lawmaker was outnumbered by six companies, trade associations, unions or other groups angling for attention from 2010 to 2014, a 50-state analysis reveals. Continue Reading
State environment chief blasts EPA over lagging mine spill cleanup efforts
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State Environment Secretary Ryan Flynn said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has attempted to “deflect, downplay and minimize” the extent of damages to public health and the environment following the Gold King Mine spill. Continue Reading
House OKs bill to encourage retired cops to return to work
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The New Mexico House of Representatives on Wednesday night passed a bill that would allow certain retired police officers to return to work while continuing to collect pension benefits. Continue Reading
In sign of partisan bickering, House sidetracks Senate bills
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House Speaker Don Tripp has begun referring Senate bills to the House Rules Committee for review. There’s just one problem: the committee has yet to meet this session, leaving the bills stranded as the session winds down. Continue Reading