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.
New Mexico House Republicans continue to complain about the slow pace of the special session so far, with one member asking on the floor whether legislators were there as part of an “economic stimulus for Santa Fe.”
Rep. Andy Nuñez accused Speaker Ben Luján of slowing down Gov. Susana Martinez’ controversial special session agenda, reports the Santa Fe New Mexican:
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson said that Gov. Susana Martinez had the prerogative to add items to the special session agenda beyond redistricting as he stopped by the Roundhouse Thursday.
On the first day of the special session, protesters opposing the governor’s push to ban driver’s licenses rallied in the Capitol while tea party supporters supported the governor.
House Speaker Ben Luján named the members of a subcommittee of the House Rules Committee to investigate allegations against PRC Commissioner Jerome Block, Jr., and whether to recommend impeachment for the full House by the end of the special session.
The 2011 legislative special session begins today in Santa Fe to deal with the once-per-decade process of redistricting, but Gov. Susana Martinez has demanded lawmakers repeal driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants and end social promotion for third-graders, among other provisions.
Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday that she will call the Legislature back to work beginning on September 6, six days earlier than the Legislative Council wanted. Redistricting will be on the agenda.
Gov. Susana Martinez announced Wednesday that she will ask the state legislature to approve $450,000 in supplemental food stamp assistance for 4,000 elderly and low-income New Mexicans in the special session next month.
The state budget may trim roughly $100 million on paper, but it leaves the details of how to reduce expenses to state agencies. So come July, when these changes take effect, what happens? Will longer lines form at motor vehicle offices thanks to a 4.2 percent reduction at the state Taxation and Revenue Department? Will fewer teachers greeting students this August? Meanwhile, how will New Mexicans accept paying more at grocery stores and in state income tax. No one knows for sure.
Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said Wednesday that the Senate omnibus tax bill, including a food tax, is so key to fixing the state’s budget that if fails to pass the House cleanly (without amendments), “Then it’s back to…
By most estimates the cost of the 2010 special session is $50,000 a day. It a number that weighs heavy on the minds of law makers as they try to tackle the states budget crunch. “Everyday of the…
The New Mexico Independent has obtained a draft copy of the proclamation which will call lawmakers into a special session at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon. The copy obtained is headlined with large handwritten letters: ‘Draft: Work in Progress.’
The proclamation outlines the issues lawmakers will be tackling this special session, and according to the copy obtained by the Independent the special session will be limited to budget matters only and includes few surprise. One surprise, however, is the idea of a temporary tax amnesty program.
High-powered lawmakers are in Santa Fe today trying to persuade Gov. Bill Richardson to delay the special session planned for tomorrow.
House leadership is already meeting with Richardson, said Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, and chairman of the…
“I’m very disappointed they failed to reach an agreement,” Gov. Bill Richardson said half an hour after the end of the session. “They were very close. It was nip and tuck.”
On Wednesday evening it became clear lawmakers didn’t have a budget deal, Speaker of the House Ben Lujan, D-Santa Fe said, while speaking to reporters after the close of the 2010 regular session. Democratic leaders say the difference between their budget and the Senate’s was narrowed to $50-$70 million dollars but there were still sticking points they couldn’t overcome.
Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, says a special session is now a “certainty” because the Legislature “just flat ran out of time” to come up with a budget compromise.
Message to New Mexico state lawmakers: Don’t take off next week if New Mexico remains without a state budget for next year.
Gov. Bill Richardson told media Tuesday he’d call state lawmakers back into special session if they don’t…
The 2010 regular session will end with an answer to the state’s budget problem. But will it be a lasting answer? Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said Monday that the odds are “pretty high” that lawmakers will need to…
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish issued a statement immediately following the Senate floor debate tonight lamenting the passage of House Bill 3 by the Senate, while stating that it was necessary. House Bill 3 transfers money from various funds and agencies into…
Gov. Bill Richardson announced today that the special session to deal with the state’s budget shortfall will begin at noon on Oct. 17.
“After meeting with education leaders, I am more convinced than ever that we must fight against…
