A policy agenda to eradicate poverty in New Mexico
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We have the resources and means to turn the ship around. We need our elected leadership to rise to the challenge. Continue Reading
Bail-reform bill SJR1 has a serious defect
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Let me tell you about the “more money for defense lawyers” provision in a proposed constitutional amendment making its way through the Legislature. 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
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
House OKs ethics commission; skeptical Senate up next
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Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a statewide ethics commission celebrated House passage by a lopsided, bipartisan vote on Wednesday. But that placed the measure in the hands of a New Mexico Senate that in the past decade has been far less receptive to the idea of establishing an office dedicated to investigating state officials. Continue Reading
Uber drivers split over House bill
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Uber drivers are split over a bill moving through the state Legislature, with some drivers saying it will allow the ride-booking company to change their contracts on a whim and pay them below the minimum wage and others saying will give them the freedom to work when they want. Continue Reading
Legislators seek compromise on bail-bonds amendment
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Several lawmakers are meeting behind the scenes to try to hammer out a compromise over competing pieces of legislation that would amend the state constitution to reform the bail system in New Mexico. Continue Reading
Number of new immigrant license-holders dwindles in NM, report says
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New Mexico issued the fewest number of new driver’s licenses to immigrants in 2015 since a 2003 law was approved that allows immigrants without legal status to obtain a license, according to statistics released Tuesday. Continue Reading
Support growing for Senate’s bipartisan Real ID compliance bill
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Even some of Gov. Susana Martinez’s most ardent supporters, including the Albuquerque Journal and the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, have publicly supported the Senate’s amended version of House Bill 99. Continue Reading
Bill advances that would expand access to opiate overdose antidote
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The state House Health Committee unanimously supported a bill Tuesday that would make it easier for community health workers, family members, first responders and social services agencies to administer an antidote for opioid overdoses. Continue Reading