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.
On Tuesday the House Voters and Elections Committee tabled a bill designed to combat pay-to-play, asking supporters to work with Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, the sponsor of a similar bill.
House Bill 118 is sponsored by Rep. Jose Campos, D-Santa Rosa, and is supported by Think New Mexico. The bill would stop government contractors, lobbyists and special interests from making contributions to state or local officials. It would also make certain non-profits who engage in political advocacy disclose their funding sources.
The measure has bi-partisian support and is the result countless hours, yet HB 118 will have to wait a little longer for the shot to pass its first committee. With just over two weeks left in the 2010 Legislative session the clock is running but supporters are still optimistic.
Supporters of HB 118 say the snag may ultimately work in their favor. “Two weeks is an eternity in legislative time, even though its not a lot on a calendar,” said Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico. Nathan added with more voices putting their input into the bill law makers may move it along faster through the Roundhouse.
If the bill makes it out of House Voters and Elections it is slated to go to the House Judiciary Committee then possibly on to the House.
