AG violated public records act, judge says
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A district judge has ruled that Attorney General Gary King, the state official charged with enforcing the Inspection of Public Records Act, has violated that very law. Continue Reading
NM needs health care employee retaliation protection
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Recent lawsuits and complaints about health care employers retaliating against whistleblowers prompted me to sponsor legislation to protect health care employees who report improper patient care. Continue Reading
Judge says AG can’t prosecute Vigil-Giron case
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A district judge ruled Wednesday that Attorney General Gary King’s office can’t prosecute a corruption case against former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron and others because of perceptions of a conflict. Continue Reading
House OKs pension bill, balances budget
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The House shifted gears Thursday and voted to approve Senate changes to a bill that would require public employees to pay more for their pensions, sending Gov. Susana Martinez a funding bill that balances the budget. Continue Reading
In session’s final days, all eyes are on Sanchez
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Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez decides which bills get floor hearings and which don’t. That power becomes particularly important in these final days of the session. Among those watching intently is Gov. Susana Martinez, who has complained that Sanchez is “holding back” her bills. Continue Reading
The problem with Skandera
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It seems obvious, given her complete lack of educational credentials and her political background, that Hanna Skandera is a foot soldier in an ideological war taking place right now against working people – teachers and other unionized workers. Continue Reading
Budget goes to Martinez with $111 million hole
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The House refused early today to concur with Senate amendments to a bill that would require public employees to pay more for their pensions. That leaves the state $111 million short of balancing its budget, though there’s still time to resolve the issue before the session ends. Continue Reading
Watch recorded webcast of House budget debate
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Since the Legislature doesn’t archive its webcasting, I decided Wednesday night to record the House debate on three important bills – the primary appropriations bill and legislation that would cap film incentives and increase public employee pension contributions. Watch it here. Continue Reading
The difference between old neighbors and good neighbors
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We drink the water at Devil’s Spring. So do our kids and grandkids, and our livestock, and wildlife, and you. The Pit Rule is the difference between our old neighbors and our Good Neighbors. Continue Reading
Education reform is needed now
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Ending social promotion, assigning a grade to a school, and rewarding great teachers are all essential to changing the culture of education in New Mexico. Continue Reading
Senate OKs budget, film incentives, other financial bills
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During a late-night session that stretched into the early hours of this morning, the Senate approved the budget and other financial bills. Continue Reading
Why I support the current driver’s license law
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Our governor calls the law that allows foreign nationals to obtain driver’s licenses dangerous, but it isn’t the law that’s dangerous – it’s the rhetoric. It divides us as a society. Continue Reading
House OKs bill changing retirement plans
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The House approved a bill that would change retirement plans for future public employees and current workers with less than five years of service – though it would exclude law enforcement officers from the changes. Continue Reading
Opportunities for business owners in the clean energy economy
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The results are in: Transitioning to a clean energy economy offers huge economic growth opportunities for New Mexico businesses and entrepreneurs. And, as a small business owner, growing our business is something that I think about every day. Continue Reading
Public information shouldn’t be sold for profit
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Public information belongs to the public, and it shouldn’t be sold for profit by the government. But that’s exactly what the state is doing with its electronic database of driver’s records. Continue Reading