Local Viewpoints

  Students who are proficient in speaking and writing in more than one language will now be rewarded for their excellence when they graduate. House Bill 330 “Diploma Seal of Bilingualism,” sponsored by House Majority Leader, Rick Miera (D-Bernalillo-11), establishes a State Seal of Bilingualism-Biliteracy on New Mexico Diplomas of Excellence.  

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rules that allow herders to be paid far less than other agricultural workers and live in unsanitary conditions are illegal and should be invalidated, Public Citizen told the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

  Recently, the Arizona legislature passed a bill that gives Arizona businesses the right to refuse service to same-sex couples. This discriminatory piece of legislation, which is on its way to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, promotes social injustice in the guise of protecting religious freedom.

  Going into the 2014 legislative session almost everyone agreed that we needed some big solutions to get New Mexico off the bottom of some of the worst lists for kids, workers and families.

But only half our legislators showed up to work.   All together, House Republicans were absent 528 times when votes were cast on the House floor alone.    Working families never had a chance. 

  The New Mexico Senate has passed a memorial that calls for a creation of a task force to develop a set of recommendations to the legislature on how to avoid the issue of improper home foreclosures.

  Santa Fe, NM – As the legislative session winds down and the final budget is crafted, I can’t help but reflect on one of the great tragedies of current state government. With every tax break, education program, special interest and critical line item being accounted for, it is easy to forget that our state government is awash in cash.

The New Mexico Congressional delegation is being asked to fund and assemble an independent task force of experts to address the Kirtland Air Force Base bulk fuel spill cleanup—the largest toxic spill into a public water supply in U.S. history (Associated Press 2012).  House Consumer and Public Affairs Substitute for House Joint Memorial 13,sponsored by Rep.

  Santa Fe, NM – A group of 14 state legislators, prompted by information learned in the Senate Rules Committee (SRC) this week, sent a letter to the Attorney General (AG) on Thursday requesting that the office expand its investigation of the controversial lease award to The Downs Racetrack & Casino.

The New Mexico Senate has passed a proposal to allow inmates in state prisons to sell more advanced woodwork and furniture.

The Senate voted to approve the measure Thursday that would allow the state Department of Corrections to sell the inmate-made products.

Corrections spokeswoman Alex Tomlin says the proposal would give inmates the chance to sell items like beds and chairs up to $300 to other state agencies.

Tomlin says the inmates would make the items themselves and learn new job skills.

The proposal now moves to the House.

  (Santa Fe) There is a new twist to deterring an old problem. What to do with a corrupt government official who will not leave office?

“Throw them out of office immediately upon a felony conviction and turn over their campaign funds to the state,” that is a solution offered by State Senator Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque) in his SB 287- Removal from Public Office for Felonies. The bill passed Senate Corporations & Transportation Committee unanimously, it is headed to Senate Judiciary.

  Santa Fe – Federal lands in New Mexico could ultimately become state land if a study to explore that possibility proves feasible, and if a bill calling for that study passes the Senate.   A Senate Memorial sponsored by Senator Ron Griggs of Alamogordo calls for a cost-benefit study of the possibility of the State of New Mexico assuming management of certain federal lands within the State, and reducing payments to the feds.

  Santa Fe  -  “They have paid enough, and enough is enough,” That is what Senator Lee S. Cotter says about 97 year olds and older who he wants exempted from having to pay New Mexico state income tax. 

“We appreciate these elders have been paying for students’ education,  and for numerous other  government services for  many years, many years. They deserve a break, they deserve a benefit,” Senator Cotter said.

  Today, Senate Bill 307 (SB307) , designed to assure that New Mexico students are given a clear idea of graduation requirements over their four years in high school, unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee. The bill will now be heading to the Senate Public Affairs Committee (SPAC).

  Julia Castro, owner of Café Castro in Santa Fe, said she pays all of her employees more than the minimum wage because it improves their quality of life and morale, and leads to less turnover at her business, which can ultimately cost more in the long run. Castro spoke in favor of raising the statewide minimum wage during a press conference on Tuesday in the Capitol.