Focus shifts this week to state’s fiscal year 2018 budget
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Lawmakers will begin work this week on crafting a $5.9 billion spending bill for fiscal year 2018. Continue Reading
In battle over Legislature’s spending, governor vetoes ‘feed’ bill
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It remained unclear on Friday night what steps top Democrats would take next to secure funding for the current session. Continue Reading
Senate committee kills bill to end permit requirement for concealed guns
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People who want to legally carry concealed weapons in New Mexico will still have to go through a 15-hour firearms training course, pass a background check and get a permit. Continue Reading
Small loan swindles grow
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This is the year to remove abusive debt shackles and clean up New Mexico’s storefront loan industry. Continue Reading
Legislative Democrats offer a jobs plan that’s short on details
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A raise in the minimum wage, spending on public works projects, and expanding broadband internet service to rural areas are among the proposals Democrats are pushing. Continue Reading
New Mexicans want ethics reforms to prevent corruption, report finds
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In a new survey, 1 in 5 New Mexicans said they never trust state government to do what is right, while only 3 percent said state government can always be trusted to do what is right. Continue Reading
New Mexico tourism chief says there are no funds to grow ad campaign
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The “New Mexico True” campaign cannot expand into new markets because of the same budget woes afflicting government agencies across the board. Continue Reading
Transparent ethics commission bill, controversial ‘public accountability board’ proposal both advance
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One proposal requires transparency when a complaint is filed, while the other allows many complaints to be kept secret. Continue Reading
Opposing legislation, as written, to create a state public accountability board
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This bill does not increase transparency in the state of New Mexico. And in some key areas, it actually reduces transparency. Continue Reading
NM is blessed with diverse and abundant energy sources
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We — policymakers and citizens — must openly talk about how best to use these energy resources to improve our economy while protecting our land and water. Continue Reading
Lawmakers send governor last compromise bills to balance state budget
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Unclear is whether Republican Gov. Susana Martinez will veto any pieces of the solvency package for fiscal year 2017. Continue Reading
State Rep. Salazar hospitalized; ex-Rep. Varela has heart attack
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Nick Salazar and Luciano “Lucky” Varela have both been hospitalized, House Speaker Brian Egolf told lawmakers Wednesday. Continue Reading
State lawmaker learns the hard way not to leave the keys in a car
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The senator said two auto-theft incidents led him to agree to co-sponsor legislation meant to address the rise in auto thefts across the state. Continue Reading
House committee advances bill to raise state’s minimum wage
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The legislation would increase the state minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $10.10 over the next three years. Continue Reading
Lawmakers say legal pot could help boost state revenues
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Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino and Rep. Bill McCamley plan to focus on the economic benefits of their proposal. Continue Reading