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.
A bill sponsored by Sen. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, which would post online a database of political contributions from those seeking contracts with the state, and ban contributions while a contract is being considered, cleared the Senate easily on Monday. The bill would put the information, which is already available online but in different locations, in one easy-to-find spot for the public.
The bill, SB 28, was amended by Sen. John Ryan, R-Albuquerque, to include non-profits with state contracts in the disclosure of the bill.
The bill passed 33-8, with six Republicans and two Democrats, including both the majority and minority leaders, voting against the bill.
After a long debate, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, presiding over the chambers, reminded the Senators that there were just “Two days, 20 hours and five minutes” left until the end of the session.
Before bidding on a state contract, a prospective contractor would have to register with the General Services Department and disclose information about any contributions to public officials.
It would prohibit a principal of a prospective contractor seeking to contract with a state agency from making contributions or soliciting contributions for public officers while the contract is being considered.
