State organic certification program withering from funding drought
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The program has grappled with a $100,000-a-year deficit since the state cut its funding in 2010 and capped the fees it could collect from farmers. Continue Reading
Lawmakers consider bills to address massive Carlsbad sinkhole
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Geologists advised state legislators Tuesday that a massive sinkhole beneath the city of Carlsbad is at risk of collapsing at any time — and potentially swallowing two state highways, railroad track, five gas stations, homes and an elementary school. Continue Reading
Better vehicle mileage crimps New Mexico’s road fund
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New Mexico’s Road Fund was once considered a pot of money that would keep growing. No longer. Continue Reading
Senate panel advances gun background check bill
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A state Senate committee listened to an hour of emotional testimony Tuesday, then voted 5-3 on party lines to advance a bill expanding background checks for people buying guns. Continue Reading
Medicaid reform can save New Mexico
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Gov. Susana Martinez’s misguided decision to expand Medicaid could push New Mexico toward insolvency. Continue Reading
Martinez signs budget-balancing measures
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The governor vetoed cuts to an economic development program and various other accounts. Continue Reading
Bill would limit physical restraint of students
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Several states have laws that allow only trained school staff members to restrain a child, and only in an emergency. New Mexico is among more than a dozen states that have no such laws. Continue Reading
Bill to make cultivating hemp legal heads to Senate floor
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The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 8-2 for a do-pass recommendation for Senate Bill 6. Continue Reading
NM colleges and universities must adapt to students’ changing needs
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Our higher education system is staid and close to moribund. Continue Reading
Lawmakers approve new bill to fund session
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If Gov. Susana Martinez signs the bill it would hearten employees at the Capitol who are expecting a paycheck at the end of this week. Continue Reading
‘We will push back,’ Heinrich vows in response to Trump order
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Heinrich said opponents of the ban will move through the federal courts to strike it down while Congress responds in its role as a check on the executive branch’s power. Continue Reading
Skandera wants to reduce weight of test scores on teacher evals
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The move represents a step back — albeit a small one — from Skandera’s long-running push to tie teacher effectiveness to student test scores. Continue Reading
Panel OKs bill after testimony on NM boarding home conditions
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This is at least the third time in recent years that the Legislature has considered re-regulation of boarding homes. Continue Reading
Proposal to expand use of land grant fund for children advances
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The proposal, if approved by lawmakers this year and then by voters in the 2018 general election, would supply $39 million for early childhood education and another $91 million for K-12 public schools in 2020. Continue Reading
State lawmakers invite Mexican president to address N.M. House
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The letter comes in the midst of uncertain times for U.S./Mexico relations and as protests are sweeping both nations. Continue Reading