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 press release from one New Mexico Representative says that the action by a lone Republican Senator endangers transportation projects. Both U.S. Senators were not happy with the blockage of unemployment benefits for millions across the nation. All at the hands of retiring U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, R-Ky.
Bunning put hold on the extension of unemployment benefits under COBRA. Bunning won’t have to face any backlash from his voters, as he is retiring from the Senate this year.
“We need to make this bill a priority and pass is quickly to ensure that Americans whose families depend on this assistance will not have to go without it,” Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said in a statement on Friday.
“Now is not the time to play political games at the expense of out-of-work New Mexicans. At a time when people are struggling to provide for their families and unemployment remains high, it is unconscionable that one senator would hold this funding hostage to make a political point,” Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said in response to Bunning’s ‘political posturing.’
“I’m disappointed that a Republican Senator has blocked important extensions that help people who are struggling the most during these difficult economic times,” said Rep. Ben Ray Luján. “We have to stand up for the American people, not resort to partisan games.”
Rep. Harry Teague mentioned the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). A release from Teague’s office said that Bunnings’ one-man-filibuster of this could block 63 New Mexico road projects.
“This unexpected loss of funding for critical infrastructure projects in New Mexico has real consequences,” said Teague. “At a time when our economy is struggling, people are losing their jobs, and local businesses are struggling to keep the doors open, it just doesn’t make sense that one Senator would make life harder for New Mexicans by filibustering a piece of legislation that simply keeps a commitment to pay the bills.”
Overall, it seems that Bunning isn’t the most popular man in the Democratic caucus right now.
