Clovis Media Inc. Government legislation seldom accomplishes its stated intention. But one bill approved by New Mexico lawmakers last week is certain to make things better for us all — because it relaxes government oversight. Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, and signed by Gov. Susana Martinez, lifts restrictions on hay hauling. […]
Lawmakers finally make hay in lifting restrictions
February 16, 2012
Government legislation seldom accomplishes its stated intention. But one bill approved by New Mexico lawmakers this week is certain to make things better for us all — because it relaxes government oversight. Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, and signed by Gov. Susana Martinez, lifts restrictions on hay hauling. Before Tuesday, oversized […]
Lawmakers confident in support for tax break bill
January 31, 2012
Alisa Boswell State tax breaks for corporate electricity, which could affect companies such as Tres Amigas, could definitely be in New Mexico’s future, according to local state representatives. Rep. George Dodge, D-Santa Rose, said House Bill 116, which allows deductions in gross receipt taxes on corporate electricity, was recently passed the Business and Industry Committee […]
Bill tracker: A look at area lawmakers’ legislation
January 25, 2012
Tonjia Rolan The second session of the New Mexico state legislature opened Jan.17. To date, 15 bills, including two emergency measures, have been introduced by area legislators. The deadline for filing legislation is Feb.1.
Legislative session to focus on budget
January 14, 2012
The Santa Fe New Mexican The 30-day session starting Tuesday focuses primarily on the state budget. The governor can also put other issues on the agenda. Among issues lawmakers are expected to consider when they gather in Santa Fe:
Lawmakers paint brighter Legislature picture
December 7, 2011
By Robin Fornoff: FNM content editor What a difference a year makes. This time around the tone from lawmakers is radically different than it was just a year ago, as they tune up for a January budgeting session of the Legislature. “Last year we started at $240 million in the hole and were in some […]
Gambling could serve as source of revenue
January 8, 2011
Freedom New Mexico Gambling proponents once again are hoping that this will be the year Texas lawmakers finally allow gambling enterprises to establish themselves in the state. The issue could help reveal just what kind of “reform-minded” candidates were elected to the Legislature in November. Expanded gambling opportunities (limited pari-mutuel betting already is allowed in […]
Lawmakers prepare to tackle budget deficit
January 8, 2011
Kevin Wilson The phrase goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” The state budget shortfall will be covered by the New Mexico Legislature from Jan. 18 to March 19, because it must be by law. The way that gets done? We’ll see, veteran and rookie legislators say. “It’s going to be a tough show,” […]
Lawmakers express frustration with special session
March 4, 2010
By Sharna Johnson: CNJ staff writer Depressed, infuriated and disappointed — those are just some of the feelings area lawmakers are bringing home after a four-day special session of the state Legislature ended Thursday with tax hikes on food and cigarettes. The Legislature adjourned with a new budget after approving more than $230 million from […]
N.M. lawmakers OK $200 million tax increase package
March 3, 2010
By Barry Massey: The Associated Press SANTA FE — The state Legislature approved a measure Wednesday to raise taxes by more than $200 million next year to help balance the state budget, the largest tax increase package in more two decades. Passage of the measure moved lawmakers close to the finish line of a politically […]
Lawmakers proposing tax hikes
January 21, 2010
By Steve Terrell: The Santa Fe New Mexican Despite the fact that Gov. Bill Richardson and conservative Democrats who control the state Senate are opposed increasing taxes, a band of lawmakers Thursday are proposing various tax hikes. And one senator in the newly formed group called the Working Families Caucus, told reporters there are 22 […]
Governor optimistic about cooperation during session
January 16, 2010
By Steve Terrell: The Santa Fe New Mexican Many legislative sessions in recent years have been known for the stormy, sometimes rancorous relationship between Gov. Bill Richardson and lawmakers, mainly those in the state Senate. On the threshold of Richardson’s last regular session — his second term expires on Dec. 31 and he legally can’t […]
Ethics advocates hoping to be heard at Legislative session
January 16, 2010
By Kate Nash: The Santa Fe New Mexican With most of lawmakers’ attention focused on the state budget this session, ethics reform and good government advocates are hoping legislators have time to dedicate to reform. Already, several lawmakers have prefiled ethics bills online while other public officials have outlined what measures they are willing to […]
Thursday morning briefing: Christmas alive, college basketball and breakfast with lawmakers
December 2, 2009
Welcome to Freedom New Mexico’s Thursday morning briefing. Christmas alive: Did that mannequin in the window move? Portales businesses on the square are featuring live windows for the Christmas Light Parade Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. There’s also live entertainment and refreshments at stores staying open late. Pictures with Santa for $5 at […]
Lawmakers share blame for delay
October 20, 2009
By Tom Philpott: CNJ columnist Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki got a bipartisan hug from the House Veterans Affairs Committee last week as lawmakers accepted his plan to fix Post-9/11 GI Bill payment delays, and blamed their own rush to enact the complex education benefit last year for some of the challenges VA now faces. […]
Lawmakers wrangle over dairy money
October 1, 2009
By Argen Duncan: Freedom New Mexico Lawmakers in Congress from eastern and western states disagreed Thursday on how to distribute $350 million in federal money designated to help dairy farmers. Under an agreement set Wednesday, $60 million would go to buy surplus dairy products, but there were no details on how to dole out the […]
Law reducing paperwork approved
February 28, 2009
The New Mexican Days remaining in session: 21 Penalizing paperwork: The House has approved a measure (HB367) that would reduce the amount of paperwork that state agencies can send to lawmakers. It puts some teeth into a current law that puts a five-page limit on what agencies can send to lawmakers, with a few exceptions.
Richardson: Act despite budget crisis
January 20, 2009
By Kate Nash: The New Mexical If you mostly listened for the new projects and programs that Gov. Bill Richardson pitched to lawmakers in his State of the State speech Tuesday, you could have missed the part about the state’s money crisis. Richardson wants to build a “green grid” to harness solar and wind power. […]
