I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Gov. Bill Richardson just sent out a press release urging legislators to work on ethics reform. The release said Richardson “applauded” the Senate Rules Committee’s passing a campaign contribution cap.
“I’m pleased that this issue is moving forward, but we don’t need temporary ethics reform,” Richardson said. “I urge legislators get me a bill with a firm and permanent cap on campaign contributions.”
The legislation would only be temporary — the campaign contribution limit bill has a sunset clause for 2013 and does not take effect until 2011.
Richardson, who had a “productive meeting” with Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, urged Lopez to work on ethics reform. Lopez is the chair of the Senate Rules Committee, where many bills have yet to be heard.
“I am hopeful that Sen. Lopez and her colleagues will move forward with additional ethics reform legislation -– most importantly, a bill that creates an independent ethics commission,” the governor said.
Richardson also highlighted seven ethics bills that he wants to see passed.
- Contribution Limits for Candidates and PACs.
- Establishment of Independent Ethics Commission.
- Prohibit campaign contributions from corporations, contractors and lobbyists.
- Require contractor registration and information disclosure.
- Public Financing for Statewide Candidates.
- Stricter and More Frequent Campaign Reporting.
- Legislator to Lobbyists Rules.
