John Block

Legislative update: Pro-election fraud, anti-energy bills have Wednesday hearings

On Monday, the House of Representatives passed H.B. 81, which will give “child abusers, human traffickers, rapists, murderers, and violent criminals financial relief from fees and fines associated with their crimes,” according to state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park).  “I have repeatedly made amendments to protect our community from child abusers and violent criminals, but Dems keep letting them off the hook,” she added.

During the floor session, Lord attempted to put an amendment on the bill exempting this benefit from violent criminals, such as murderers, rapists, and pedophiles. Democrats rejected it on a party-line vote of 43-24. After the failed amendment, Lord said, “I can’t believe we would allow luxuries to people who rape children.”

In the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, representatives voted 3-2 to approve HM38 by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). The memorial will install Critical Race Theory through “sensitivity training.” According to the memorial’s fiscal impact report, there is a backdoor appropriation for this bill of over $800 despite memorials not having appropriations. 

Bills to watch out for on Wednesday:

URGENT — BILL HEARING WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: S.B. 8, VOTERS’ RIGHTS PROVISIONS, by Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)

This extremist bill will be heard on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., and it is unclear if the Committee will allow public comment, much like in other Senate Committees. Please show up to testify against this bill regardless.

It will allow 16-year-olds to vote in municipal elections, create an automatic absentee ballot system for New Mexicans to get a ballot automatically at every election, increase ballot harvesting, allow ballot drop-off seven days AFTER an election, and other pro-election fraud measures that will take even more security out of New Mexico’s already fraud-ridden elections. The Zoom details for the meeting are below. Read more about the bill here

It will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30 and the Zoom details are below:

For public participation, click on the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83347538157 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 833 4753 8157

URGENT: H.B. 6, the “Clean Future Act” by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Doña Ana)

This radical bill would further cripple energy producers in New Mexico by mandating the Environmental Improvement Board adopt rules that would force the reduction of “greenhouse gas emissions.” 

“by 2030, statewide direct emissions of greenhouse gases shall not exceed fifty percent of 2005 levels; and by 2050, total statewide greenhouse gas emissions shall achieve at least net-zero emissions; provided that total statewide direct emissions of greenhouse gases shall not exceed ten percent of 2005 levels in 2050 or any subsequent year,” the bill reads.

The extremist bill will be heard in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88201222358 Or One tap mobile : US: +13462487799,,88201222358# or +16699009128,,88201222358# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 882 0122 2358

S.B. 6, ELECTION SECURITY & ADMINISTRATION, by Sen Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Bernalillo)

According to elation integrity groups, this bill would take authority away from county chairs. It changes the definition of “citizen,” potentially opening up the door to more voter fraud in New Mexico with non-citizen voters.

The legislation will be heard Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. in the HOUSE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS AND INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. Zoom details are below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88201222358 Or One tap mobile : US: +13462487799,,88201222358# or +16699009128,,88201222358# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 882 0122 2358

H.J.R. 2, the “Environmental Rights” amendment by Reps. Joanne Ferrary (D-Doña Ana) and Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe)

This radical bill would enshrine “environmental rights” in the New Mexico Constitution, which would, in effect, put the final nail in the energy industry’s coffin — the fund which provides for most state funds for hospitals and schools, not to mention jobs. This bill was proposed last legislative session and the Piñon Post helped it die before it could reach final passage. 

It will be heard on Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee at 1:30 p.m. Zoom details are below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85381395136  Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,85381395136# or +12532158782,,85381395136# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 853 8139 5136

H.B. 49, EXEMPT SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME FROM INCOME TAX, by Reps. Gail Armstrong (R-Soccorro) and Cathrynn Brown (R-Carlsbad)

This GOP-led bill will eliminate the double-taxation of Social Security income to senior citizens. It is a mirror of H.B. 48, which was recently revived in the House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. 

In 2021, Democrats killed a GOP bill to exempt social security taxes for senior citizens. It died on arrival. The recently revived 2022 bill will be considered in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Zoom details for the meeting are below: 

When: Feb 9, 2022 08:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Topic: Taxation and Revenue Committee Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84861630345 Or One tap mobile : US: +12532158782,,84861630345# or +13462487799,,84861630345# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 848 6163 0345

Legislative update: Tues., Wed. hearings for Social Security tax exemption, CRT for police proposals

On Monday, the Senate Rules Committee passed scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s pro-election fraud S.B. 8 to bring third-world elections to New Mexico. The measure passed along party lines on a 7-4 vote.

In the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee, H.B. 126 by Reps. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe) and Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo), which installs Critical Race Theory in state agencies, passed by a party-line vote of 4-3. Another bill scheduled for the committee Monday, HB6 by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Doña Ana), which would be an anti-energy addition to the Green New Deal (Energy Transition Act) was rolled over to the committee’s Wednesday meeting.

During the floor session in the House, Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Bernalillo) gave a woke prayer to the “Heavenly parent” instead of the “Heavenly Father,” which raised eyebrows. 

The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee considered S.B. 189 by Sens. Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo) and Mark Moores (R-Bernalillo), which would institute mandatory sentences for certain violent offenders. 

“There are more guns in this country than there are people,” claimed Democrat Sen. Brenda McKenna (D-Bernalillo). She added, “Why is it so easy for people to have firearms? The vast majority of crime I … read about is due to firearms.” The bill ended up failing in the committee with leftist members arguing against the bill. 

The Committee rolled over to the next meeting a bill, S.B. 202, which would increase salaries for the governor, secretary of state, attorney general, land commissioner, treasurer, and auditor by as much as 38%. 

The Senate Rules Committee refused to take public comment on S.B. 159 by Sens. Stuart Ingle (R-Portales) and Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), which would increase legislators’ pensions by 27% if they retire at the age of 65. The committee quickly passed the bill with no discussion and a unanimous vote.

After attempting to revive Lujan Grisham’s failed hydrogen energy bill through a “zombie” bill, H.B. 227 by Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup), the legislation will no longer be considered — a massive failure for the governor and her radical eco-left agenda.

Bills being considered Tuesday, Wednesday:

H.M. 38 LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING STUDY by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe)

This bill would enshrine Critical Race Theory into police departments across the state, citing its attempt to bring “CULTURALLY AND SOCIALLY RELEVANT RESPONSES TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS” to the force. 

The supposed “training needs” cited in the bill will study the implementation of training “regarding culturally relevant responses to emergency situations involving law enforcement officers and firefighters, the need for trauma informed training related to sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking and the need for a better understanding of the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer populations in our state.”

Although House memorials do not include appropriations, the study proposed in H.B. 38 will be funded through the backdoor, according to the fiscal impact report, which reads:

“The House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 2 includes a $250 thousand nonrecurring appropriation from the general fund for a job task analysis for law enforcement officers statewide, which will inform the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy’s curriculum. Studying the issues identified in this memorial could align with that work. HB2 also includes a $892.8 thousand nonrecurring appropriation from the general fund to increase state police advanced training initiatives and a $140 thousand recurring general fund appropriation to establish a law enforcement assisted diversion (LEAD) program within state police. These trainings and programs could be informed by the assessment requested by HM38.” 

The bill will be heard on Tuesday at 1:30 in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82353539692  Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,82353539692# or +12532158782,,82353539692#  

H.B. 49, EXEMPT SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME FROM INCOME TAX, by Reps. Gail Armstrong (R-Soccorro) and Cathrynn Brown (R-Carlsbad)

This GOP-led bill will eliminate the double-taxation of Social Security income to senior citizens. It is a mirror of H.B. 48, which was recently revived in the House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. 

In 2021, Democrats killed a GOP bill to exempt social security taxes for senior citizens. It died on arrival. The recently revived 2022 bill will be considered in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Zoom details for the meeting are below: 

When: Feb 9, 2022 08:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Topic: Taxation and Revenue Committee Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84861630345 Or One tap mobile : US: +12532158782,,84861630345# or +13462487799,,84861630345# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 848 6163 0345

H.B. 15, TRIBAL GROSS RECEIPTS RATES, by Rep. Georgene Louis (D-Bernalillo)

This commonsense bill will “require tribal gross receipts taxes be equal to or higher, instead of equal to or lower, than the rates of towns they border in order to receive a 75% tax credit against gross receipts tax due to the state,” according to the Rio Grande Foundation. 

It will be considered on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Senate INDIAN, RURAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. Zoom details are below:For public participation, click on the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87300724547  to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 873 0072 4547

Legislative update: Public comment URGENTLY needed against extreme Dem bills Monday

On Saturday, the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee voted 6-4 along party lines to pass radical anti-energy legislation, H.J.R. 2, which would add a “Green Amendment” to the New Mexico Constitution. It would mandate vague terms such as “clean and healthy” environment, “stable climate,” and a “self-sustaining ecosystem,” which would open up countless lawsuits against the oil and gas industry based on arbitrary, subjective terms enshrined in the amendment. It now goes before the full House of Representatives. 

Here are the bills you need to know about for Monday. It is a busy day and Democrats are trying to stretch conservatives thin on these radical bills. Help show up to testify against them today:

H.B. 227 by Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup)

After scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s “hydrogen hub” legislation died in committee with Republicans and far-left activists both rejecting it, a dummy “public peace and safety” bill has been reintroduced through H.B. 227 by Rep. Lundstrom. 

According to the legislation, it will be responsible for “PROVIDING FOR THE DESIGNATION OF HYDROGEN HUBS; ALLOWING PUBLIC PARTNERS TO ENTER INTO PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN HUB PROJECTS; CREATING THE HYDROGEN HUB DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND SPECIFYING POWERS; ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF HYDROGEN HUB PROJECTS; CREATING THE HYDROGEN HUB PROJECT FUND; AUTHORIZING GRANTS, LOANS AND REVENUE BONDS; SPECIFYING POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE NEW MEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY.”

The bill will bypass the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee and be rammed through in the House Appropriations and Finance Commitee on Monday after the House floor session. It should be noted that Lundstrom just so happens to be the chair of the Committee, which is why the legislation has been fast-tracked. Interestingly, no Zoom details have been provided by the committee, in an apparent attempt to keep the public out of the process on this bill.

H.M. 38 LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING STUDY by Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe)

This bill would enshrine Critical Race Theory into police departments across the state, citing its attempt to bring “CULTURALLY AND SOCIALLY RELEVANT RESPONSES TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS” to the force. 

The supposed “training needs” cited in the bill will study the implementation of training “regarding culturally relevant responses to emergency situations involving law enforcement officers and firefighters, the need for trauma informed training related to sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking and the need for a better understanding of the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer populations in our state.”

Although House memorials do not include appropriations, the study proposed in H.B. 38 will be funded through the backdoor, according to the fiscal impact report, which reads:

“The House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 2 includes a $250 thousand nonrecurring appropriation from the general fund for a job task analysis for law enforcement officers statewide, which will inform the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy’s curriculum. Studying the issues identified in this memorial could align with that work. HB2 also includes a $892.8 thousand nonrecurring appropriation from the general fund to increase state police advanced training initiatives and a $140 thousand recurring general fund appropriation to establish a law enforcement assisted diversion (LEAD) program within state police. These trainings and programs could be informed by the assessment requested by HM38.” 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Feb 8, 2022 01:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Topic: House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82353539692 Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,82353539692# or +12532158782,,82353539692# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 823 5353 9692

URGENT: H.B. 6, the “Clean Future Act” by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Doña Ana)

This radical bill would further cripple energy producers in New Mexico by mandating the Environmental Improvement Board adopt rules that would force the reduction of “greenhouse gas emissions.” 

“by 2030, statewide direct emissions of greenhouse gases shall not exceed fifty percent of 2005 levels; and by 2050, total statewide greenhouse gas emissions shall achieve at least net-zero emissions; provided that total statewide direct emissions of greenhouse gases shall not exceed ten percent of 2005 levels in 2050 or any subsequent year,” the bill reads.

The extremist bill will be heard in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee on Monday at 8:30 a.m. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88201222358 Or One tap mobile : US: +13462487799,,88201222358# or +16699009128,,88201222358# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 882 0122 2358

H.B. 126, STATE PERSONNEL DIVERSITY ACT by Reps. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo) and Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe).

This bill would implement Critical Race Theory into state agencies, which mandates the “Chief Diversity Officer” of the state to “lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equality, equity and inclusion initiatives in support of the state’s strategic plan to create a culture of diversity, equality, equity and inclusion pursuant to Section 6 of the Diversity Act.”

Here are some definitions, as written in the Critical Race Theory bill: 

D. “diversity” means the practice of including or involving people from a range of different racial or ethnic backgrounds and may also include persons of every background, gender, race, sexual orientation, age and disability; 

E. “equality” means the equivalent treatment of and opportunity for members of different groups within society regardless of individual distinctions of race, ethnicity, gender, age, social class, sexual orientation or other characteristics or circumstances; 

F. “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just and impartial treatment of all people, including people who belong to underserved communities; 

G. “gender identity” means the gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of a person, regardless of the person’s designated sex at birth; 

H. “inclusion” means the process of creating a working culture and environment that recognizes, appreciates and effectively utilizes the talents, skills and perspectives of every state employee; uses state employee skills to achieve a state agency’s objectives and mission; connects each state employee to the organization; and encourages collaboration, flexibility and fairness in the workplace; 

I. “inequities” means disparities in physical health, mental health, economic opportunities, education or social factors; 

J. “institutional racism” means actions that result in differential access to the goods, services and opportunities of society due to the existence of institutional programs, policies and practices that intentionally or unintentionally place certain racial and ethnic groups at a disadvantage in relation to other groups; 

The bill will be heard on Monday at 8:30 a.m. as well in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee. Zoom details below: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88201222358 Or One tap mobile : US: +13462487799,,88201222358# or +16699009128,,88201222358# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 882 0122 2358

H.B. 68, CRIMINAL CODE CHANGES, by Rep. Meredith Dixon (D-Bernalillo)

H.B. 68 is a radical anti-gun bill proposed by Rep. Meredith Dixon (D-Bernalillo) that would make a felon of 18-year-olds who are knowingly carrying a handgun on their person except when attending a safety course, target shooting, or other minor instances. 

As state Rep. Stefani Lord, one of the representatives to oppose the bill said, the legislation would be a “pipeline to prison” and would punish survivors of domestic abuse who buy guns and don’t know they can’t carry them. 

Also, the bill’s fiscal impact report notes that it would cost taxpayers $3 million over the next three years to implement the new provisions, such as imprisonment and legal costs, etc. This cost would be directly at the expense of taxpayers. 

The bill will be heard at 1:30 p.m. on Monday in the House Judiciary Committee. Zoom details below: 

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85381395136 Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,85381395136# or +12532158782,,85381395136# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 853 8139 5136

S.B. 159, LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT CHANGES by Sens. Stuart Ingle (R-Portales), Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)

This bill would further enrich legislators with increased retirement benefits, with a pension increase of 27 percent for legislators who retire at the age of 65 or older, according to the bill’s fiscal impact report.

This bill will be heard at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Monday in the Senate Finance Committee. The Zoom details are below: 

For public participation, click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81679647964 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 816 7964 7964

S.B. 202, Compensation for Certain Public Officials by Sen. Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas).

This bill would increase the governor’s and all state-level positions’ salaires by a massive amount. The governor would be paid $150,000 — an increase of 36.36% while all state-level officials, including state auditor, treasurer, and secretary of state would receive a 35.29% increase in salary. The attorney general would receive a 31.57% increase in salary and the commissioner of public lands would receive a 38.88% increase. This fiscally irresponsible bill will pay politicians — who already are of little to no use to New Mexico — even more money. The pay increases far exceed inflation, which is currently at 7%. 

The bill will be heard at 1:30 on Monday in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. Here are the Zoom details:

For public participation, click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87967039414 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 879 6703 9414

S.B. 8, VOTERS’ RIGHTS PROVISIONS, by Rep. Javier Martinez (D-Bernalillo) and Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)

This extremist bill would install third-world elections in New Mexico. Public comment will not be heard since it was heard on Friday about this bill, but the committee should be closely watched. Read more about the proposed bill here.

The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. on Monday in the Senate Rules Committee

Join the Zoom meeting here: For public participation click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86412647187 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 864 1264 7187

The Republicans who voted for the radical Dems’ far-left $8.5 BILLION budget

On Thursday, far-left Democrats in the New Mexico House of Representatives rammed through a far-left budget co-opted from scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive budget. Despite the extremist content of the budget, including hundreds of millions of dollars in wasteful spending, some Republicans aided the Democrats in their efforts and voted in favor of the radical budget.

The budget included items such as $10 million for eco-left policies to carry out the Governor’s Green New Deal, hundreds of thousands of dollars for an “Office of Equity and Inclusion” and $300,000 ​​to hire a vehemently anti-gun activist to develop policies to limit the Second Amendment, $2.9 million for anti-energy “conservation” projects, among other disastrous measures.

State Rep. Stefani Lord, who did not vote for the wasteful budget commented on social media, “Many programs in this budget need funding. Unfortunately, this budget bill is filled with excessive reoccurring spending that will cause tax increases.” 13 fiscally responsible Republicans did the right thing and voted against the budget.

Here are the state representatives who voted for the extreme $8.5 billion Democrat budget that increases spending at least 13% from the previous year and millions in wasteful recurring It is 50% larger than spending ten years ago in New Mexico. See their recorded votes here.

Rep. Gail Armstrong (Magdalena)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4227

Email: gail@gailfornewmexico.com

Rep. Brian Baca (Valencia)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4450

Email: brian.baca@nmlegis.gov

Rep. Rachel Black (Alamogordo)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4453

Email: rachel.black@nmlegis.gov

Rep. Jack Chatfield (Tucumcari)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4467

Email: jack.chatfield@nmlegis.gov

Rep. Kelly Fajardo (Tome-Adelino)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4215

Email: kelly.fajardo@nmlegis.gov

Rep. Joshua Hernandez (Rio Rancho)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4221

Email: joshua.hernandez@nmlegis.gov

Rep. T. Ryan Lane (Aztec)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4221

Email: RYAN@LANEFORLIBERTY.COM

Rep. Bill Rehm (Albuquerque)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4214

Email: bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov

Rep. Luis Terrazas (Bayard)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4336

Email: luis.terrazas@nmlegis.gov

​​Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert (Corrales)

Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4214

Email: jpandp@comcast.net

Following the disastrous vote, Rep. T. Ryan Lane attempted to downplay his vote with the Radical Democrats on the bad budget bill. He explained it away, claiming the boondoggle had some good things in it and defensively accusing New Mexicans who disagreed with him on the budget that they “clearly don’t understand the budget process.”

The fiscally conservative Rio Grande Foundation tweeted, “Sad for ANY @NMHouseGOP member to vote for this wasteful budget.”

Legislative update: Dems’ pro-election fraud, anti-gun bills being heard Friday

On Thursday, Democrats passed their radical $8.5 billion budget funding things like increased salaries for politicians, funding for New Mexico’s Green New Deal, and funding for an anti-gun activist to push policies to cripple our Second Amendment. A full write-up will be subsequently done on this vote. Republican Reps. Gail Armstrong (Magdalena), Brian Baca (Valencia), Rachel Black (Alamogordo), Jack Chatfield (Tucumcari), Kelly Fajardo (Tome-Adelino), Joshua Hernandez (Rio Rancho), T. Ryan Lane (Aztec), Bill Rehm (Albuquerque), Luis Terrazas (Bayard), and Jane Powdrell-Culbert (Corrales) joined the Radical Democrats in approving the bloated $8.5 billion budget. 

Following the vote, the fiscally conservative Rio Grande Foundation wrote that it is “Sad for ANY @NMHouseGOP member to vote for this wasteful budget.”

In the Senate, the far-left Democrats rammed through Sen. Mimi Stewart’s (D-Bernalillo) S.B. 14, which will enact a “clean fuel standard,” raising not only the cost of gasoline at least 20 to 35+ cents per gallon, but since transportation costs will go up, the cost of food, goods, and mostly everything that is transported will go up. This will harm the poorest New Mexicans. 

The vote came out to a party-line vote of 25-16. In the Senate Finance Committee, no opportunity for public comment was heard.

Bills to watch out for on Friday:

URGENT — BILL HEARING FRIDAY MORNING : S.B. 8, VOTERS’ RIGHTS PROVISIONS, by Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe)


This extremist bill will be heard on Friday at 9:00 a.m., and it is unclear if the Committee will allow public comment, much like in other Senate Committees. Please show up to testify against this bill.

It will allow 16-year-olds to vote in municipal elections, create an automatic absentee ballot system for New Mexicans to get a ballot automatically at every election, increase ballot harvesting, allow ballot drop-off seven days AFTER an election, and other pro-election fraud measures that will take even more security out of New Mexico’s already fraud-ridden elections. The Zoom details for the meeting are below. Read more about the bill here

For public participation click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86412647187  to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 864 1264 7187

URGENT — BILL HEARING FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Anti-gun H.B. 9 by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo)

On Friday at 1:30 p.m., the House Judiciary Committee will be considering H.B. 9, by Democrat ballot harvester and Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo), a radical anti-gun bill that would mandate citizens to lock up their guns. 

“It is unlawful for a person who keeps or stores a firearm to do so in such manner that the firearm is accessed by a minor without the authorization of the minor’s parent or guardian or when used in the commission of a crime,” the bill reads.

It continues, “When a firearm is accessed by a minor and used in the commission of a crime, the person who keeps or stores the firearm commits unlawful access to a firearm by a minor and is guilty of a misdemeanor.” 

Please show up to testify against this radical anti-gun bill. The meeting details are below:

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85381395136 Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,85381395136# or +12532158782,,85381395136# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 853 8139 5136

S.B. 43, “PROHIBITING LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE FOR A CHILD,” by Sen. Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez (D-Bernalillo)

This bill would allow youths who are sentenced for violent crimes, including murder, to be released in 15 years despite being given life sentences. The bill was referred to the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee and then the Senate Judiciary Committee.

This extreme bill will be heard on Friday at 1:30 on Friday in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Zoom details are below: 

For public participation, click on the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83347538157 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 833 4753 8157

S.B. 202, Compensation for Certain Public Officials by Sen. Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas).

This bill would increase the governor’s and all state-level positions’ salaires by a massive amount. The governor would be paid $150,000 — an increase of 36.36% while all state-level officials, including state auditor, treasurer, and secretary of state would receive a 35.29% increase in salary. The attorney general would receive a 31.57% increase in salary and the commissioner of public lands would receive a 38.88% increase. This fiscally irresponsible bill will pay politicians — who already are of little to no use to New Mexico — even more money. The pay increases far exceed inflation, which is currently at 7%. 

The bill will be heard at 1:30 in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. Here are the Zoom details:

For public participation, click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87967039414 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 879 6703 9414

Bills for Saturday:

H.J.R. 2, the “Environmental Rights” amendment by Reps. Joanne Ferrary (D-Doña Ana) and Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe)

This radical bill would enshrine “environmental rights” in the New Mexico Constitution, which would, in effect, put the final nail in the energy industry’s coffin — the fund which provides for most state funds for hospitals and schools, not to mention jobs. This bill was proposed last legislative session and the Piñon Post helped it die before it could reach final passage. 

This bill will be heard in the HOUSE ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 9:00 am – Room 317 – Zoom: 

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88679832287 Or One tap mobile : US: +13462487799,,88679832287# or +16699009128,,88679832287# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 886 7983 2287

RGA roasts Lujan Grisham over her hypocrisy regarding use of the National Guard

On Thursday, the Republican Governors Association (RGA) released a video on Twitter roasting scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham over her misuse of the National Guard while she has been in office despite previously claiming the National Guard should not be used to guard the border. 

In February of 2019, amid a massive invasion on New Mexico’s southern border of criminal aliens, Lujan Grisham said, “I’m not going to participate, nor do I think it’s appropriate in any shape or fashion to use the National Guard to attempt to militarize the border where we’re dealing with asylum seekers who their constitutional rights continue to be breached.”

But as the RGA video points out, Lujan Grisham misused the National Guard to go to Washington D.C. to act as security during Joe Biden’s installation, to help out in nursing homes, and most recently, to fill in as substitute teachers in New Mexico schools — all having absolutely nothing to do with the duties of the National Guard.

However, despite the previous migrant invasion and the one that has happened since Joe Biden was installed, Lujan Grisham has refused to utilize the National Guard to assist with the protection of New Mexico’s southern border. 

Watch the RGA’s video below:

Legislative update: Both chambers to consider extreme Dem tax increases Thursday

On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee rammed a bill, S.B. 14 by state Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo) through in record time — less than 15 minutes — to enact a “clean fuel standard,” which would result in a 20 to 35+ cent gas tax, harming the poorest and most vulnerable New Mexicans. The committee did not take public comment and just passed the bill, with a minor amendment regarding the bill’s funding. The measure passed 6-4 with little to no protest from any Republicans on the panel. 

The anti-energy senator wrote on Twitter after the vote, “Thanks to @GovMLG for her incredible leadership on #S14, Enacting the Clean Fuel Standard Act. @GovMLG is keeping us on track to be the greenest state in the country!” Many New Mexicans responded in anger, including state Sen. Jacob Candelaria who shared a GIF labeling the Governor and Stewart as “a little delusional.”

The House Health and Human Services Committee passed 7-3 a bill that would ”appropriate funds for the installation of “baby boxes” for people to safely surrender infants and avoid situations like in Hobbs where a teen mother callously her newborn child in a dumpster. It would also provide for “educating the public about safe surrender of infants, including the location and use of surrender safety devices.” The bill failed after Reps. Joanne Ferrary (D-Doña Ana), Karen Bash (D-Bernalillo), Marian Matthews (D-Bernalillo), and Liz Thomson (D-Bernalillo) tried and failed to table the bill. 

According to Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) further stacked the House Judiciary Committee with radical Democrat “progressives” in a power move following his fellow Democrat, Rep. Miguel Garcia (D-Bernalillo) blasting him in a fiery letter. 

Lord wrote, “Today, New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf appointed an additional progressive member to House Judiciary in order to ensure progressive rule in this key committee; a committee that was already dominated eight to four by Democrats. This over-the-top reaction to the insubordination of the Speaker’s Judiciary appointees, who are not following his or the Governor’s direction on supporting or killing bills, happened on the same day that the Speaker was blasted by Democrat Representative Miguel Garcia (D-Albuquerque) in the Albuquerque Journal.” 

The House Judiciary Committee considered H.B. 9, by Democrat ballot harvester and Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo), a radical anti-gun bill that would mandate citizens to lock up their guns. 

“It is unlawful for a person who keeps or stores a firearm to do so in such manner that the firearm is accessed by a minor without the authorization of the minor’s parent or guardian or when used in the commission of a crime,” the bill reads. It continues, “When a firearm is accessed by a minor and used in the commission of a crime, the person who keeps or stores the firearm commits unlawful access to a firearm by a minor and is guilty of a misdemeanor.” 

The bill was stalled until Friday for Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Santa Fe) to make amendments to the bill. Details on the bill’s next appearance will be included in a subsequent Piñon Post legislative update.

What’s happening Thursday:

The full Senate will consider Sen. Stewart’s extremist 35+ cent-per-gallon gas tax bill, according to the floor calendar. New Mexicans are urged to contact their state senators and urge them to vote “NO” on the radical bill that will hurt the poorest New Mexicans. Find your legislator here.

H.B. 158, REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAXES & SOCIAL SECURITY, by Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe)

This bill would enact one of the highest taxes on real estate transfer (and purchase) in the nation. The bill reads, “An excise tax is imposed on all instruments evidencing a transfer of any interest in residential property. The rate of tax shall be: (1) one-half percent of the consideration for the interest in residential property transferred by the instrument if the price of the residential property was at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) and up to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000); and (2) one and twenty-five hundredths percent of the consideration for the interest in residential property transferred by the instrument if the price of the residential property was at least seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000).” The Zoom details for the meeting are below:

When: Feb 3, 2022 01:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82353539692 Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,82353539692# or +12532158782,,82353539692# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 823 5353 9692

H.B. 49, EXEMPT SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME FROM INCOME TAX, by Reps. Gail Armstrong (R-Soccorro) and Cathrynn Brown (R-Carlsbad)

This GOP-led bill will eliminate the double-taxation of Social Security income to senior citizens. It is a mirror of H.B. 48, which was recently revived in the House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. The Zoom details for the meeting are below:

When: Feb 3, 2022 01:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82353539692 Or One tap mobile : US: +16699009128,,82353539692# or +12532158782,,82353539692# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 823 5353 9692

Second-longest serving NM House Dem skewers Egolf in fiery letter

According to a report by the Albuquerque Journal, Rep. Miguel Garcia (D-Bernalillo), who is the second-longest serving House Democrat, blasted Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) in a fiery letter to the Democrat caucus.

He wrote in the December 30 letter, “His leadership has been most distasteful, elitist, chauvinistic, cowardly and detached from the needs, issues, values and beliefs of our traditional Hispano communities and from our Latino immigrant brothers and sisters.”

The comments came after he resigned his chairmanship from the Land Grant Committee, which was dissolved by Egolf. The Committee dealt with many important issues, specifically those that affect Hispanics in New Mexico.

In the letter, Garcia reportedly “also urged House Democrats to vote to censure Egolf, saying he had sabotaged a bill dealing with water leases that was important to Hispanic land grant groups.”

As well, the Journal writes that “In his recent letter to fellow House Democrats, Garcia claimed Egolf has used his position of House speaker to advance the business interests of his private law firm.” Those bills include H.B. 4 from 2021, which puts a target on law enforcers’ and public employees’ backs by stripping qualified immunity rights. It also allows civil lawsuits against local governments, which directly benefits Egolf. 

Democrats, including Egolf, were forced to do damage control, with Egolf claiming, “I am proud to have always engaged in a leadership model that seeks out new diverse leaders and empowers them.”

House Majority Leader Javier Martinez (D-Bernalillo) who took over after failed ex-Rep. Sheryl William Stapleton was accused of stealing millions from the children of New Mexico through a decades-long alleged corruption scheme, wrote, “Rep. Miguel Garcia’s perspectives are his own and don’t reflect the sentiments of our caucus in any way.” 

Regarding his current thoughts on his letter, Garcia told the Journal, “I have not wavered from that position.”

Legislative update: Wed. hearings for 35+ cent-per-gallon gas tax, ‘baby box’ bills

On Tuesday, the New Mexico House Labor, Veteran and Military Affairs Committee voted to revive a previously tabled H.B. 48 by state Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-Carlsbad), which would exempt state taxes on social security, which is currently double-taxed in the state.

State Rep. Miguel García, (D-Bernalillo), asked Chairman Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan), to give the bill another shot since all members of the committee were present. The bill advanced and it now will be heard in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. 

H.B. 156, a radical anti-gun bill by Rep. Patricia Roybal-Caballero that would ban firearm magazines with more than 15 rounds, died in committee with a unanimous vote against it following concerns brought by the public and state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) of the bill creating a “pipeline to prison” for minorities and low-income families. State Rep. Randall Pettigrew (R-Lea) made the motion to table the bill.

Here are the bills to note for Wednesday:

S.B. 14, ENACTING THE CLEAN FUEL STANDARD ACT, by Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo)

Stewart is an ardent anti-energy Democrat who has for years proposed this extreme legislation that would install “clean fuel standards,” resulting in a 20 to 35 cent per gallon tax on gasoline, which would harm the poorest New Mexicans. This bill harms the most vulnerable New Mexicans and testimony is requested against it. 

The bill will be heard on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the Senate Finance Committee. The Zoom details are below: 

For public participation, click the following link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81679647964 to join the Webinar or
via telephone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 816 7964 7964

H.B. 157, SURRENDER OF INFANTS,  by Rep. Ambrose Castellano (D-Ribera)

This bipartisan bill is primarily sponsored by Reps. Castellano and James Strickler (R-Farmington) would appropriate funds for the installation of “baby boxes” for people to safely surrender infants and avoid situations like in Hobbs where a teen mother callously her newborn child in a dumpster. It would also provide for “educating the public about safe surrender of infants, including the location and use of surrender safety devices.”

The bill will be heard at 8:30 a.m. in the House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday.

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84182969724  Or One tap mobile : US: +12532158782,,84182969724# or +13462487799,,84182969724# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 841 8296 9724 

S.B. 144, INTIMIDATION OF ELECTION WORKERS by Sen. Katie Duhigg (D-Bernalillo)

According to the bill’s fiscal impact report, “Senate Bill 144 amends the Election Code relating to the crime of intimidation to include acts against employees and agents of the Secretary of State, county clerks, and municipal clerks’ offices. The bill maintains that intimidation against the aforementioned parties constitutes a fourth degree felony. There is no effective date of this bill. It is assumed that the effective date is 90 days following adjournment of the Legislature..”

This bill will be heard on Wednesday at 1:30 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Zoom details are below: For public participation click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86412647187 to join the Webinar or via telephone 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 864 1264 7187

House committee unanimously kills radical Democrat magazine ban bill

On Tuesday, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted to table the radical H.B. 156 by Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Bernalillo), which would ban magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition — making violators felons. 

During the committee, a poll of attendees showed that 82 people were against the bill (93%) to just six in support (7%).

Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) called the bill a“pipeline to prison” that would affect low-income families. The committee’s vote was 5-0, with no one supporting it. Rep. Randall Pettigrew (R-Lea) made the motion to table the bill.

This bill would have made felons of gun owners who own firearms with “a magazine, box, drum, tube, feed strip or other container that is capable of holding more than fifteen rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm.” The bill reads, “A person who violates this section is guilty of a fourth degree felony” and the legislation includes no grandfather clause.

According to Roybal Caballero, the $1.5 million appropriation for the bill is for law enforcement to “execute the enforcement” of the law. 

Following the committee vote, Rep. Lord wrote, “Rep Royball Caballero didn’t understand her own bill, had no experts, and got her stats off the internet. Law enforcement officers even called in to say they don’t support this bill. This bill DIED in committee!! This bill is a pipeline to prison and made lawful gun owners felons. Good job to all the callers! HB 156 did not pass.”

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