Piñon Post

See where New Mexico ranks for small business success

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent Bankrate study ranked New Mexico 45th among the least friendly states for small businesses. The study analyzed various factors, such as access to capital, labor availability, infrastructure, and policy environments, to determine how conducive each state is for small business growth. Unfortunately, New Mexico’s poor performance across multiple metrics highlights significant barriers for entrepreneurs in the state.

Access to Capital

New Mexico ranks 30th in access to capital, indicating that small business owners face challenges securing funding. While states like Washington and Utah excel in providing robust financial resources through programs like SBA 7(a) loans, New Mexico lacks comparable opportunities. This gap disadvantages local entrepreneurs, limiting their ability to start or expand businesses.

Small Business Activity

Ranked 24th for small business activity, New Mexico performs moderately regarding business openings and closures but lags far behind leaders like Washington and Nevada. The state’s limited industrial base hampered its overall economic dynamism, which prevented it from climbing higher in this category.

Labor Availability and Quality

One of the most significant challenges for New Mexico is its labor force. The state ranks a low 46th for the availability and quality of labor. This reflects a shortage of workers and a less educated workforce compared to top states. For example, Washington benefits from a highly skilled labor pool, ranking 3rd in this category, whereas New Mexico struggles to meet the demands of small businesses hiring qualified employees.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is another weak point, with New Mexico ranking 39th. Poor road and bridge conditions, coupled with inconsistent internet and utility services, make it harder for businesses to operate efficiently. This ranking contrasts sharply with top states like Nevada, which boasts the best infrastructure for small businesses.

Business Costs and Policy Environment

While New Mexico ranks 18th in business costs, indicating relatively affordable labor and operational expenses, it scores a middling 25th in policy and regulation. Tax policies and regulatory frameworks are not as burdensome as in some states, but they lack the pro-business incentives that help states like Wyoming and Florida excel.

What It Means for Entrepreneurs

New Mexico’s low ranking underscores the uphill battle small business owners face. While the state offers some affordability in operational costs, its lack of capital access, weak labor market, and poor infrastructure present significant challenges. If New Mexico hopes to improve its small business environment, targeted investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and financial resources will be critical.

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All the NM ‘sanctuaries’ to be defunded if defiant to Trump admin. deportations

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the incoming Trump administration prepares to implement mass deportation efforts, leftist sanctuary cities and counties in New Mexico for criminal aliens face financial repercussions for their non-compliance, according to incoming border czar Tom Homan. 

These jurisdictions have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants within their communities. However, this stance may lead to significant losses in federal funding. Below is an overview of New Mexico’s sanctuary cities and the potential financial impact they may encounter [CLICK “NEXT PAGE” BUTTON TO SEE THEM]

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SOS Toulouse Oliver’s fake ‘harassment’ hoax crumbles after GOP rep. fights back

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a stunning reversal, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has admitted she will not pursue criminal charges for alleged online harassment she previously attributed to state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Piñon Post’s editor. This comes after weeks of public accusations linking Block to threats against her, which Toulouse Oliver claimed were spurred by his criticism of her opposition to voter ID laws.

In an email to media, Toulouse Oliver’s spokesperson Alex Curtas stated, “We have not filed a report on this matter and are unlikely to as the most incendiary of the online messages were deleted before we could compile them for review and potential referral.” The sudden change in course has left critics questioning the credibility of her claims.

Rep. Block responded to the development with strong words: “Wow, after slandering my name for weeks, now SOS Maggie admits it’s all a hoax and supposed fake ‘harassment’ comments she used to attack me and others were conveniently ‘deleted.’ No, it’s because she was put in a corner after I threatened legal action. Shame on her!” he posted on social media.

The controversy began after X users and Block publicly challenged Toulouse Oliver on her resistance to implementing voter ID laws in New Mexico. The secretary laughed at constituents and clapped back at them via social media for asking basic questions.

During a legislative committee meeting, Toulouse Oliver alleged that Block had “egged on” a toxic online environment, indirectly contributing to threats against her. She singled out Block and his platform, the Piñon Post, labeling them as purveyors of “false and misleading information.”

“If she thinks that asking questions about why she doesn’t support voter ID is a threat, then she’s got the thinnest skin I’ve ever seen in my life,” Block previously told local media.

Tensions escalated when Toulouse Oliver announced plans to file a police report under a 2023 law criminalizing threats against election officials. Yet, with no evidence forthcoming, her office backtracked, claiming key posts had been deleted before documentation.

This incident has amplified the ongoing debate over voter ID laws in New Mexico. Polls consistently show widespread support for voter ID, with Gallup reporting that 84% of Americans favor such measures. Block and his supporters argue that Toulouse Oliver’s opposition undermines election security, while she maintains that voter ID could lead to voter suppression.

“This isn’t about harassment; it’s about silencing dissent,” Block said. “She’s weaponizing baseless accusations to deflect from real questions about election integrity.”

As the dust settles, many New Mexicans are left questioning Toulouse Oliver’s false allegations and the broader implications for free speech and accountability in public office.

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NM eco-leftists freak out over Trump’s energy secretary, EPA picks

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks are setting the stage for a dramatic shift in energy policy, sparking concerns from environmental groups about the future of renewable energy initiatives in New Mexico. For a state heavily reliant on oil and gas production, this could signal a welcome return to policies that prioritize energy dominance and economic stability.

Chris Wright, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Energy, has made his position clear: “There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition, either,” he said in a 2023 LinkedIn video. Wright, a vocal critic of climate alarmism, sees the global climate movement as “collapsing under its own weight” and advocates for expanding fossil fuel production. This vision aligns with Trump’s commitment to revitalizing the oil and gas sector, a cornerstone of New Mexico’s economy.

Wright has done extensive research on climate change and proven that the massive investments being proposed and enacted in law do little to nothing to change the planet’s climate, as set forth in the extensive Bettering Human Lives report, which all Americans are recommended to read here.

Lee Zeldin, Trump’s choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, has also pledged to support the administration’s push for energy dominance, reinforcing the importance of fossil fuels to national security and economic growth.

New Mexico’s eco-leftists, as always, are sounding alarms. Camilla Feibelman of the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter claims, “Unfortunately, I think pretty much every bedrock environmental rule and protection is on the chopping block, and it will be up to us to protect those rules.” 

She points to events like the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire as evidence of a worsening climate crisis, arguing that emissions from the state’s oil and gas industry exacerbate these issues.

Critics like Feibelman argue that so-called “clean energy” policies will prevail due to economic trends despite federal rollbacks. “People can continue this ideological mumbo jumbo about, ‘There’s no climate change,’ or, you know, ‘We should stick to fossil fuels,’ but the economics just don’t show that,” she said.

“Cut off the incentives for these clean energy measures and accelerate unregulated fossil fuel development like Trump promises and we’re pushed back decades as temperatures continue to rise,” Stefi Weisburd of the George Soros-funded dark money group 350 New Mexico wrote.

Others, like Mariel Nanasi of New Energy Economy, warn of corporate misbehavior under less stringent federal oversight, claiming states must step up. “We need New Mexico’s regulatory bodies to be more vigilant than ever before,” she said.

Despite these concerns, New Mexico’s role as a major energy producer remains critical for funding state services and ensuring national energy independence. Environmental fears cannot overshadow the state’s reliance on its oil and gas revenues.

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Democrat NM legislator quits due to undisclosed ‘health-related’ reason

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Veteran State Rep. Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan) of District 6 has officially resigned from his seat. His son and political consultant, David Alcon, confirmed the news, stating, “On Saturday, Rep. Alcon submitted his retirement application to PERA and his notice of retirement to the Legislature.” 

Alcon formalized his decision in a letter to the New Mexico Secretary of State. The reason for his sudden departure is health-related, though the specific condition was not disclosed. Alcon will turn 75 in January, according to reports. 

Official New Mexico House portrait of Alcon.

First elected in 2008, Alcon represented a two-county district comprising Cibola and McKinley in western New Mexico. He was re-elected to a ninth term in November, securing 59% of the vote.

Alcon’s career included work as an infirmary technician at the Kerr-McGee uranium mines and as a magistrate judge. He also served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 

As chairman of the New Mexico House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, Alcon championed veterans’ issues at the Roundhouse. 

Following the news, state Sen. Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas) wrote on X, “Thank you Eliseo Alcon-a true statesman-for your unselfish/devoted years of service to your family-country-state. You’ve earned your retirement as a State Representative. NM is better because of your many contributions to improve our daily living. I wish you the best-Siempre!” 

The Governor will appoint a replacement for Alcon’s seat, with nominations coming from the county commissions of Cibola and McKinley counties. It is expected that the seat will remain in Democratic hands, and possibly in the hands of his son, David. 

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Lawless Gov. MLG furious Trump wants to uphold federal immigration laws

35 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made headlines by vowing to defy President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans, which she described as “unlawful.” Speaking on the matter, Lujan Grisham argued, “I don’t know how they undertake it… They’re not going to do it because we have no federal authority here,” asserting that such actions would exceed federal limits federal authority. 

https://twitter.com/saras76/status/1859621754282348751

Her claim conveniently ignores the clear legality of enforcing immigration laws and deporting individuals who are in the country illegally.

This stance is not surprising given the governor’s track record of selective adherence to laws and standards. Lujan Grisham’s disregard for established rules is nothing new. In 2023, she issued a temporary order banning the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing a spike in gun violence. 

The order was widely condemned as unconstitutional by a Joe Biden-appointed judge, with her own Attorney General Raúl Torrez refusing to defend it, stating it violated the Second Amendment Second Amendment. Critics labeled the move a blatant abuse of power, and courts swiftly blocked the order.

Her defiance of federal immigration law also comes against the backdrop of troubling scandals. In 2021, Lujan Grisham paid a former staffer $150,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment. The staffer accused the governor of unwanted physical advances, an incident that undermines her frequent public claims to champion accountability and integrity around sexual harassment.

Additionally, her administration has been criticized for mismanagement of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Reports revealed that her office also used taxpayer dollars to purchase luxury items, including expensive groceries and alcohol, during the pandemic—a decision viewed by many as tone-deaf while businesses and residents struggled to stay afloat COVID-19 relief funds, while bread lines formed around the blocks of grocery stores due to her strict pandemic orders.

While Lujan Grisham claims Trump’s deportation plans are unlawful, federal immigration laws explicitly authorize the deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally. Her rhetoric conflates the logistics of implementing such plans with their legality, ignoring that deportations are firmly within the federal government’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, her assertion that states have no role in federal enforcement is a misrepresentation of cooperative efforts between states and federal agencies, such as ICE.

Critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s willingness to disregard the law when it suits her political agenda raises serious questions about what’s left of her credibility as she enters the lame-duck phase of her second and final term as governor. Her administration’s repeated controversies—from unconstitutional gun bans to ethical lapses and mismanagement of public funds—highlight a pattern of prioritizing political theater over the rule of law.

As Trump’s administration prepares to enforce immigration laws, Lujan Grisham’s defiance underscores a broader issue of state officials cherry-picking which laws they choose to follow. Her selective adherence to legal and ethical standards invites scrutiny, especially when it involves laws designed to protect the nation’s sovereignty and the rights of its legal citizens.

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‘Emerge’ touts Stansbury as example of building ‘firewall against MAGA’

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Emerge, a fringe “progressive” organization that aims to train and promote Democrat women for elected office, is rallying support following the 2024 election cycle, spotlighting leaders such as far-left Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District. In a recent fundraising appeal, the group highlighted its commitment to building what it describes as a “firewall against MAGA Republicans in 2025 and beyond,” with Stansbury and other Emerge alumni taking center stage in this effort.

Stansbury, who has been part of the Emerge network since her entry into politics, exemplifies the organization’s goals of elevating far-left women to positions of influence at all levels of government. As a member of the Emerge Congressional Caucus, Stansbury and 12 other Emerge-trained lawmakers are positioned to play a key role in shaping national debates on a range of issues, from abortion up to birth to socialist government programs like “Medicare for All” and the Green New Deal.

“Emerge alums are on the frontlines of Congress and state and local governments, ready to act as a firewall to protect our most critical freedoms,” the fundraising email stated, emphasizing the group’s focus on attacking the conservative agenda. 

The dark money organization (that is, a group that does not disclose its donor or sources of funding to the IRS or any public entity), which traces its origins to Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political campaigns, has steadily expanded its influence, with more than 550 alumni running for office in the recent election cycle. To date, approximately 70% of those candidates have won their races, strengthening Emerge’s footprint across legislative bodies and community boards, according to the email.

Screenshot of Emerge fundraising email.

The fundraising ask also underscored Emerge’s mission to recruit and train the next generation of far-left Democrat women, positioning itself as a critical player in the ongoing struggle over key issues. “Progress is not always easy, but at Emerge, we know what it takes: training to win,” the communication reads, emphasizing the group’s dedication to equipping these radicals with the cash needed to win elections and drive far-left policies on all levels.

As Emerge continues to expand its network, especially in New Mexico, which has a slew of graduates, the group’s focus on cultivating leaders in the vein of Stansbury is expected to shape policy and counter Republican influence, of which Republicans must be alert and grow their own recruitment arm — and fast. With their sights set on the battles of 2025 and beyond, Emerge alums aim to solidify their presence as a formidable force in American politics and keep New Mexico Democrat-controlled for years to come.

Who’s really behind NM’s 2024 candidates? Documentary sounds alarm
NM courts chock-full of judges trained by extremist pro-abortion group

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Leftist pundit skewers Lujan Grisham over ‘embarrassing’ political flops

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent KRWG op-ed, Walt Rubel delivered a scathing critique of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s declining political influence, particularly over public safety legislation. He observed that the governor’s “attempts to arm-twist lawmakers” during last year’s special session backfired, leading to what he described as “an embarrassing rebuke” when lawmakers adjourned without action. 

According to Rubel, Lujan Grisham’s hardline tactics have weakened her standing as she enters a “lame duck” phase of her tenure.

Rubel highlighted that, after failing to get what she wanted during a regular session, Lujan Grisham called for a special session despite warnings from her own party’s leaders. This approach, he argued, showcased a lack of consensus and strategic missteps. 

“Lawmakers voted to wrap it up and go home as soon as they arrived,” Rubel wrote, underscoring the depth of her political miscalculation.

The op-ed also delved into broader public safety concerns, noting that while New Mexicans are desperate for crime solutions, Lujan Grisham’s confrontational stance risks alienating lawmakers. 

Rubel warned that her “maximum pressure campaign will only make legislators more reluctant to pass public safety legislation that is needed.” He called for a shift in focus to pressing issues like bail reform and protections against repeat offenders who are incompetent to stand trial.

Rubel concluded by criticizing the state’s lack of political competition, pointing out that many legislative seats were uncontested, with incumbents often coasting to re-election without opposition. 

As New Mexico approaches a critical 60-day session, he emphasized that the state’s ability to address key issues “is a lot easier to do with strong leadership from the governor’s office”—something he suggests Lujan Grisham now lacks.

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NM leftists fume over modest SNAP work requirement

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

For over a decade, New Mexico has operated under a federal waiver that has enabled able-bodied adults without children to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, even if they are not employed. 

However, this provision is changing due to declining unemployment rates in certain parts of the state. As a result, individuals aged 18 to 54 who are single, have no dependents, and reside in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties, as well as within the San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna pueblos, will now need to demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

This change reflects a broader effort to encourage workforce participation among individuals in their prime working years. According to data from the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC Report), New Mexico has persistently struggled with low workforce participation rates. By incentivizing able-bodied adults to engage in the workforce, even through a minimal requirement of 80 hours per month, the state aims to address broader socioeconomic issues, including poverty and underemployment.

Nevertheless, some leftist groups have opposed these new work requirements, arguing that they impose unnecessary hardships on vulnerable populations and fail to account for regional disparities in job availability. 

“It can have a hugely negative impact we know for a fact that it has no relationship helping families find new jobs. Taking away food assistance, if anything, make people’s lives more precarious and more difficult to find good work,” said Sovereign Hager, legal director of the leftist New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

The Rio Grande Foundation emphasizes that a modest work requirement for SNAP recipients is not an unreasonable expectation. Encouraging greater workforce engagement, especially for those without caregiving responsibilities, aligns with efforts to improve New Mexico’s economic landscape. 

As the Foundation and the LFC noted, boosting workforce participation rates among eligible individuals could significantly impact the state’s economic and social challenges. “It is simply outrageous that able-bodied working-age adults without children are not expected to work a mere 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits (regardless of where they live),” the Foundation states. Encouraging these individuals to seek employment not only reduces dependence on public assistance but also contributes to the overall productivity and economic health of New Mexico.

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Why NM’s crime crisis won’t end under ‘progressive’ rule

5 Comments / Opinion / By

Elections have consequences. Unfortunately, so-called “progressive” Democrats continue to hold a commanding majority in our state’s House of Representatives and Senate. Representation from both sides of the aisle and diversity of thought are pillars of a functioning and balanced government, but our reality in New Mexico is of one-party rule. This stranglehold on our institutions continues to halt progress and miss the mark when it comes to truly addressing our state’s out-of-control crime rate. 

Earlier this year, my fellow Senate Republicans collaborated across the aisle with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham during her special legislative session to make strides in addressing public safety. Included were measures to expand criminal competency protocols and increase penalties for felons in possession of firearms, distributing fentanyl, and murdering law enforcement officers. We also introduced proposals to secure our open southern border, an issue New Mexicans and Americans at large support, in order to combat the cartel’s trafficking of drugs, humans, and contraband. An additional measure we introduced would have strengthened our state’s lackluster Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) statute in order to pursue organized criminal activity more effectively and expand the capabilities of prosecutors, specifically, expanding human trafficking sentencing. This measure, along with several of the aforementioned proposals were created with and supported by District Attorneys and law enforcement leaders from around the state and from both sides of the aisle. 

Unfortunately, as we all know, each and every one of these measures never saw the light of day. Progressive Democrat lawmakers killed the Governor’s Special Session focused on public safety, ending the session almost immediately and refusing to hear ANY legislation addressing crime and safety.

I attended this summer’s special legislative session to witness firsthand how our elected officials would address the crime epidemic my family experiences in Albuquerque every day. I was disappointed, to say the least. Make no mistake, as the only Republican Senator from Albuquerque, I will uphold my responsibility to work toward making our community a safer place for families to live and thrive. 

These proposed measures are commonsense and practical. They hold criminals accountable, deter criminal activity, and strengthen our law enforcement. The progressive wing of the Democrat party, which has immense influence and power in our state’s legislature, disagrees. They would rather stall these proposals and instead push an entirely different ideological agenda. It was recently announced that Senate Democrats plan to introduce a “crime package” that narrowly focuses on expanding behavioral health programs. This somehow will reduce the level of violence we see every day from juveniles, repeat offenders, and gangs in our state. 

While we as Republicans remain optimistic and plan to re-introduce several of these comprehensive solutions, progressive Democrat lawmakers will most likely reject each of these proposals and further miss the mark on addressing our crime crisis. As a result, New Mexico families would continue to suffer from our crime crisis in communities throughout our state. 

Elections have consequences. Our communities will not become safer under the continued leadership of radical progressives. We will fight in Santa Fe, but the real fight is on the ground with grassroots organizing in key communities to continue to expand the realignment of the Republican Party in New Mexico.

Nicole Toiassen is the senator-elect for New Mexico’s 21st state Senate District.

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