State Sens. Phil Griego and David Ulibarri each missed nearly half of the October special legislative session to go elk hunting, KRQE reports. While Sen. Ulibarri left the session after three days, missing all of the votes on budget bills,  Sen. Griego missed the first three days and was present for the budget votes.

State Sens. Mark Boitano and Joe Cervantes will be panelists at a “Legislative Watch” workshop held Saturday at the New Mexico Press Association and AP Managing Editors Annual Convention in Albuquerque. The AP’s Barry Massey will moderate the discussion, which is expected to include webcasting, public records, open meetings and open conference committees. Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez wants to use $2 billion from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to help cover the budget gap. He’ll pitch that plan in the coming January legislative session, the AP reports.

Responding to flooding problems in Luna County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of Homeland Security, is presenting draft flood maps for the area, reports the Deming Headlight. As flooding is the most common disaster in the U.S., one FEMA official hopes the maps will “help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance and flood protection.”

A Milken Institute study says Las Cruces is one of 2009’s Best-Preforming Small Cities. This is due in part to New Mexico State University, White Sands Missile Range, and the NASA White Sands Test Facility. That and the fact that Las Cruces is a growing destination for retirement.

The Taos Municipal School Board has voted to give itself district-wide hiring powers. The move comes down to economics, as the Board believes the district “isn’t fulling utilizing its staff” and will look to employees with “director” titles if budget cuts may be needed.