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.
Over the past year or so we’ve seen a big change in public access to happenings at the state capitol. The Senate streams live video of floor sessions using one camera in the back of the chamber; the House streams audio from the floor.
But several pioneers, including state legislators (and, well, The Independent) have been slowly opening up the the next frontier: committees, where much of action has happened behind the scenes.
Last year, Janice Arnold-Jones broke a barrier by webcasting a hearing of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.
Arnold-Jones again plans on webcasting the House Taxation and Revenue and the House Voters and Elections committees.
Arnold-Jones, however, says that it would be best if the Legislative Council Services took over the webcasting saying that they have better capabilities than individual legislators.
“We really don’t debate bills on the house floor,” Arnold-Jones said, in contrast to the Senate where there can be “significant” changes to bills on the floor.
Arnold-Jones isn’t the only Republican who plans on webcasting committees, according to Matt Kennicott, chief of staff of the House Republican caucus.
Reps. Dennis Kintigh and Candy Spence Ezzell, both of Roswell, plan on webcasting their committee meetings as well, Kennicott said.
Kennicott did some webcasting during last year’s special session in October.
Kennicott said the Republicans in the House “Want to keep up the level of activity that we did during the special.”
This includes webcasting the House Rules Committee, which Kennicott described as a key committee during this year’s session.
All say that the webcasting is key for transparency and allowing the public to be part of the process.
As soon as the webcasts begin, we’ll update you with links for all.
