S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford

Thirty-six states confront budget shortfalls totaling $28 billion this year according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures, Stateline.org reports today. New Mexico is listed in the report as struggling with one of the worst budget gaps as a percentage of its budget — 11.8 percent, or $650 million. The state addressed [...]

As New Mexico’s state lawmakers approach next month’s regular legislative session with pleas to raise taxes ringing in their heads, they need to know they’re not alone. Twenty-nine states raised taxes or fees this year, bringing in an estimated $23.9 billion — the highest increase since at least 1979, according to data released this week, [...]

While there’s talk here in New Mexico about the early release from prison of non-violent offenders, North  Carolina is struggling with the potential release of two dozen prisoners, some of whom were convicted of murder, reports WRAL.com. The issue is whether these violent offenders have served out their sentences under a 1981 North Carolina law. [...]