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MLG under fire for nixing missing and murdered Native Americans task force

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s regime has decided to discontinue a state task force that was established to address the crisis of missing and murdered Native American people. The task force had not convened since May, shortly after some of its members publicly opposed the appointment of former San Ildefonso Pueblo Gov. James Mountain as the head of the Indian Affairs Department, which housed the task force.

Task force member Cheryl Yazzie (Diné) expressed disappointment, feeling that they were making significant progress and that their work had only just begun. The fate of the task force remains uncertain, with neither the department nor James Mountain communicating with its members regarding its future.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the task force, the governor’s press secretary, Caroline Sweeney, claimed the group had fulfilled its objectives outlined in an expired executive order. However, the administration continued to fund and convene the group for a year after these objectives were met.

Several state lawmakers have called for additional staff to support the recommendations made by the task force. However, some, including Democrat Sen. Shannon Pinto (Diné), believe that additional staff alone may not be sufficient, as the task force brought together a diverse group of individuals to advocate for more effective action.

The task force was initially established in response to the crisis of missing and murdered Native American people, an issue that has affected Native American communities for generations. New Mexico leads the nation in the number of missing and murdered Native American women and girls. The task force faced challenges due to a lack of data from various law enforcement agencies but managed to make some headway.

The group’s recommendations led to legislative actions, such as creating a new position in the Attorney General’s Office focused on missing Native American people and organizing Missing in New Mexico, an annual event to connect families with law enforcement. In May 2022, the task force delivered a comprehensive plan outlining solutions that could be pursued at all levels of government.

The governor’s executive order expired in June 2022, but the Indian Affairs Department continued to support the task force until earlier this year. The task force’s future now depends on legislative action, as the members were under the impression that Governor Lujan Grisham would extend the executive order.

Advocates emphasize addressing the root causes of the crisis, saying they are concerned about the lack of political will and question whether sufficient funding and resources will be allocated to make meaningful changes.

The state response plan includes recommendations for mandatory law enforcement training on trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity, funding for liaisons to assist families, financial support for affected families, improved data collection, and expanded access to housing, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.

The dissolution of the task force has amplified concerns about a lack of political will to confront these critical issues. Advocates stress the urgency of addressing the problem to prevent it from persisting for future generations.

Leger Fernandez leads fight to push military abortions

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Leaders of the U.S. House Democrat Women’s Caucus, including Lois Frankel (D-FL), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), and Nikema Williams (D-GA), voiced their strong opposition to provisions that they claim would hinder access to military abortions.

The Democrat outrage comes in response to a Republican amended funding bill aimed at rescinding a Pentagon policy that reimburses travel for servicemembers facing difficulties accessing reproductive health care in their stationed states. The policy was crucial to avoiding a government shutdown last month.

In a joint statement, the Democrat leaders emphasized that reproductive health care is essential and should not be restricted in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference process.

Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican, has been a central figure in opposing military leadership appointments, which reportedly involve nearly 250 appointments.

Tuberville’s actions are linked to concerns about pushing abortions and the use of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military.

The senator has expressed his intention to continue blocking the military leadership appointments.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has defended the abortion policy, claiming that it safeguards the healthcare and combat readiness of service members. He also stated that the policy enjoys widespread popularity within the military.

Lujan Grisham signs new executive order to revive eco-leftists’ green dream

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she had issued an executive order Monday directing state agencies to transition to fully electric vehicle (EV) fleets within the next 12 years. Exceptions for heavy equipment and emergency vehicles were also announced at the Symposium on the Future of Transportation in New Mexico. Governor Lujan Grisham also expressed plans to request “robust” electric vehicle tax credits during the upcoming legislative session in January 2023. It is unclear what counts as “robust” to the governor. 

EV tax credits are likely a strategic move by the governor, who faced fury from the eco-leftists after she line-item vetoed tax credits from the legislative budget passed earlier this year.

“These were important but way too small,” Lujan Grisham said of the vetoed tax credits. “These benefits were so small, they don’t move the needle. Sometimes, when you get something, you don’t get a second bite at it.”

In response, the dark money eco-left group, the Sierra Club of the Rio Grande Chapter, posted, “@GovMLG are you truly saying that you vetoed the electric vehicle tax credit that we’ve all been working on for the last 15 years because it was too small? Those were thousands of EVs for low-income New Mexicans that now won’t have that benefit.”

Others charged the governor with “blowing smoke” with her “bull***t response.” 

The Western Environmental Law Center’s executive director Erik Schlenker-Goodrich tweeted, “Listening to @GovMLG at #POLITICOenergy attempt to explain (unpersuasively) why she vetoed sensible climate tax credits just confirms that her administration, after a promising 1st term, has no climate policy agenda in its 2nd term beyond a word salad.”

The proposed tax credits would be transferable and applicable to both new and used electric vehicles, aiming to make electric vehicles more accessible to middle- and low-income buyers. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized that these credits should work at the point of sale, focusing on consumers to drive changes in the marketplace.

The proposed tax credits received support from legislative committee chairs Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) and Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), who emphasized their importance in moving the state towards a lower-carbon future. However, Larry Behrens, the Western states director of the pro-energy group Power the Future, criticized the tax credits, arguing that they primarily benefit the rich.

Regarding the executive order, Governor Lujan Grisham declared that by 2035, the state government fleet would be 100% electric, encouraging the use of zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

“In fiscal year 2022, state employees drove a whopping 16,650,964 miles in state vehicles, with only 36,077 of those being in the governor’s [electric vehicles] — less than one percent,” he wrote.

This electric vehicle initiative follows the governor’s plan announced in July, requiring vehicle manufacturers to provide an increasing number of electric models over the next decade. The Advanced Clean Cars and Advanced Trucks rule aims for at least 43% of all cars and 15% to 20% of all trucks sold in New Mexico to be electric models by 2026.

Larry Behrens criticized the governor’s push for electric vehicles, arguing that tax credits and spending on electric vehicles for state employees are attempts to force a product that New Mexicans don’t want. 

Governor Lujan Grisham acknowledged the need for more electric vehicle infrastructure in New Mexico but noted that the state still ranks among the top six nationally. She cited a New York Times article recommending Northern New Mexico for electric vehicle tourism, particularly the high road to Taos.

Governor’s feeble excuse reignites eco-left’s fury over EV tax credit veto

Defeated ex-Navajo Nation president Nez running for Congress as a Dem

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Defeated former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has announced his candidacy to challenge Republican Representative Eli Crane for Arizona’s Second Congressional District. The Navajo Nation encompasses land in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Its capital is in Window Rock, Arizona.

Nez, a far-leftist, announced his candidacy via X, formerly Twitter.

He acknowledged issues such as the increasing costs of essential commodities like food, gas, and childcare, the escalating threat of wildfires, and the existence of healthcare deserts despite backing Joe Biden, who is responsible for skyrocketing inflation since taking office in 2021.

Nez, who has served as a Navajo County supervisor and held various roles in tribal government, cited the current political landscape in Washington, D.C., and specifically, what he referred to as the “craziness” within the “MAGA” faction of the Republican party, as a driving force behind his decision to enter the race.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Congress, Nez pointed out the challenges faced globally, including conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, while highlighting the apparent gridlock in the House of Representatives due to the absence of a Speaker.

Rep. Eli Crane was among the eight Republicans who aligned with Democrats in the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker.

Following redistricting, the Navajo Nation, previously part of the 1st Congressional District, became incorporated into the Second District. In the last election, three-term Representative Tom O’Halleran, who previously represented the 1st District, lost to Crane. 

Nez, having lost his bid for re-election as Navajo Nation president to Buu Nygren in 2022, is now turning his focus to the congressional race in Arizona’s Second District.

Dem NM legislators ask SCOTUS to allow sale of unsafe abortion pill

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat New Mexico state representatives and senators joined other Democrat pro-abortion legislators from across the country in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an appellate court decision restricting access to mifepristone—the first of two drugs used for abortions. This move is in response to the ongoing legal challenge led by the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, aiming to roll back expanded access to the dangerous medication.

The amicus brief was organized by the State Innovation Exchange’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council, emphasizing the legislators’ commitment to protecting and supporting abortion. 

While proponents argue that mifepristone ensures safe and accessible abortions, critics, including the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, claim that the drug poses serious safety risks. The Alliance Defending Freedom, representing the plaintiffs, contends that the FDA unlawfully approved mifepristone in 2000 and alleges its association with numerous deaths—an assertion contradicted by credible sources.

The legal battle surrounding mifepristone intensified after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in June 2022, which called for abortion regulations to be determined by individual states. Legislators supporting the amicus brief argue that this decision reinforces the need for state autonomy on abortion-related issues.

Two lawmakers, Senator Erin Maye Quade from Minnesota and Representative Julie von Haefen from North Carolina, are leading the effort. They claim the Court must uphold FDA authority over medication approval and ensure access to the dangerous drug.

Seven New Mexico legislators joined the amicus brief, including the following: 

  • Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque)
  • Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque)
  • Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Las Cruces)
  • Rep. Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque)
  • Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe)
  • Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque)
  • Sen. Daniel A. Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque)

The Supreme Court has yet to decide whether it will hear the case.

Dems to bring back defeated small business-killing legislation

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Supporters of the Family and Medical Leave Act are gearing up for another campaign in New Mexico, aiming to introduce legislation that would mandate paid family leave for workers in the state. While proponents, led by state Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), claim such a policy is essential for the well-being of employees, it’s a killer for small businesses that hire these employees.

A previous version of this bill died early this year during the 2023 Legislative Session, with Democrats and Republicans voting to kill the extreme legislation that would cripple small businesses.

The proposed legislation seeks to guarantee employees paid time off to address personal or family health issues, provide care for a newborn, or handle other family-related matters. Advocates claim that this initiative promotes work-life balance and supports families during critical times. However, critics argue that the policy, if implemented, could impose a significant burden on small businesses already grappling with economic challenges. Troubles for small businesses have only been exacerbated by increased inflation.

According to a report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), such mandates can strain small businesses, particularly those with limited resources. The NFIB contends that the financial burden of paid family leave may lead to increased operational costs, potentially forcing some small businesses to scale back operations or even close their doors.

In addition to concerns over financial implications, opponents argue that mandated paid family leave may disrupt business operations, especially for smaller companies with fewer employees. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, emphasizes that compliance with family leave mandates can be challenging for businesses with limited staffing, potentially resulting in decreased productivity and competitiveness.

While supporters emphasize the societal benefits of paid family leave, critics underscore the importance of considering the very real negative repercussions for small businesses.

Stansbury refuses to sign pro-Israel resolution amid Hamas terrorist attacks

53 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury is reportedly the only member of New Mexico’s U.S. House delegation not signing a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas’ actions in its vicious attack against Israel. The violent terrorist act has led to thousands killed and countless injured.

The bipartisan proposal co-sponsored by U.S. Reps Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Gregory Meeks (D-NY) states that the U.S. House “stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists,” “reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense,” and “condemns Hamas’ brutal war against Israel,” while calling on other countries to do the same.

According to reports, 13 U.S. House members are not signing the resolution, including New Mexico’s First Congressional District Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat.

Others refusing to stand by Israel — all Democrats — include Reps. Jamaal Bowman of New York, Cori Bush of Missouri, André Carson of Indiana, Al Green of Texas, Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Delia Ramirez of Illinois,
Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

Although Stansbury wrote, “I stand with the people of Israel days after the attack on Israel,” it is unclear why she is refusing to sign the letter along with over 400 of her colleagues, Republicans and Democrats.

UNM joins NMSU in refusing to condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel

As of Monday, October 16, 2023, Stansbury was confirmed to have finally signed the resolution, according to Alex Ross of the Roswell Daily Record.

Lujan Grisham vows to snatch gun rights during next legislative session

50 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development, U.S. District Judge David Urias, a Joe Biden appointee, has upheld far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s amended public health order, which temporarily prohibits the carrying of firearms in public parks and playgrounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Governor Lujan Grisham tried to take a victory lap following the ruling, writing, “Bold change is not easy.”

“We must continue this effort with comprehensive public safety actions now and into the upcoming legislative session, where we will work to make these gun violence prevention measures permanent,” she added, vowing to snatch New Mexicans’ gun rights in the next legislative session.

The decision by Judge Urias has implications for the upcoming legislative session, a short 30-day session primarily focused on financial issues. Political expert Brian Sanderoff explained that for anti-gun prevention measures to be considered during this session, the governor would need to include them in the agenda. 

While acknowledging the challenges of passing nonfinancial bills in a short session, Sanderoff expressed optimism that her agenda could be rammed through.

The backdrop of this legal battle involves a city ordinance implemented in 2020 under the Keller administration, which prohibits firearms and other dangerous weapons at public parks and playgrounds. Legal analyst John Day highlighted the sensitivity of areas like playgrounds and parks in the eyes of the law, emphasizing that both the city of Albuquerque and the state governor share the stance of restricting firearms in such locations. Now, only lawbreakers who already don’t follow laws will be able to possess illegal guns in such restricted places while the law-abiding will be disarmed.

Day noted that not all aspects of the governor’s initial gun order survived legal scrutiny, but the ban on guns in areas with children, such as playgrounds and parks, remains a specific area where restrictions are deemed permissible.

While the court’s decision reinforces the city’s existing ordinance, it also underscores the ongoing legal and societal debate surrounding the balance between individual rights and public safety. 

The governor still faces impending impeachment begun by Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo), who are leading the charge over her unconstitutional order and flagrant abuse of her office. Multiple other lawsuits are targeting Lujan Grisham’s abuse of emergency powers. 

UNM joins NMSU in refusing to condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel

44 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In another show of cowardice by New Mexico’s flagship university, the University of New Mexico’s “leadership” joined New Mexico State University in refusing to condemn Hamas’ unprovoked attacks on Israel, leading to over 1,200 people being murdered by the terrorist group.

The statement from UNM read, “As an inclusive and global institution, we recognize that many members of our community have experienced challenging and distressing circumstances related to social and political oppression, conflict, war, and genocide. Today, we unite as university leaders in response to the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza, and the unfortunate violence affecting our fellow human beings,” refusing to condemn the violence.

“It is impossible not to be profoundly affected by the dramatic and deeply disturbing information and chilling images that continue to emerge from the region. We express our condolences for the loss of life and stand in solidarity with the members of our community who have family, friends, and colleagues in the affected area and who may be directly impacted by the conflict,” the statement continued. “These individuals have courageously shared their personal experiences, concerns, frustration and sadness, and we ask our Lobo community to keep them and their loved ones in their thoughts, especially during this time while they are far from home.”

The statement concluded, “As educators, we believe deeply that learning and discovery serve as the most powerful foundation for helping human communities realize their opportunities without causing harm to other members of the human family.”

NMSU’s interim president Jay Gogue’s recent statement had much of the same nondescript bloviation, reading, in part, “New Mexico State University is fortunate to have students, faculty, and staff from around the world, and acknowledge the direct and indirect impact this violence is having. Our thoughts are with those who are in the most need at this time—those who are experiencing anger, or pain, or worse.” 

Former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell blasted Gogue’s “spineless” statement as “beyond shameful.”

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, has yet to respond to the terrorism unleashed upon Israel, with murdered and raped corpses being dragged through the streets by Hamas terrorists and countless Israelis kidnapped by the radical Islamic group.

Interim NMSU president releases ‘spineless’ statement on Israel
Report: Antisemites viciously attack UNM student after hearing him speak Hebrew

Biden-appointed judge rules on Gov. Lujan Grisham’s updated anti-gun order

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a shocking development, U.S. District Judge David Urias has given the green light to enforce a public health order that suspends the right to carry guns at public parks and playgrounds in New Mexico’s largest metropolitan area. The decision comes in response to gun rights advocates’ request to block these temporary firearms restrictions during the ongoing legal challenges.

Far-left Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham sees this as a triumph for public safety, especially in light of recent shootings across the state resulting in tragic outcomes, particularly for children. The move underscores the governor’s obsession with implementing anti-gun edicts, cloaking her actions in recent tragedies.

The attempted restrictions in New Mexico have sparked public protests and elicited calls for the governor’s impeachment from Republicans, led by Reps. Stefani Lord of Sandia Park and John Block of Alamogordo. The issue has also led to increased discord among top Democratic officials. Governor Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, maintains her stance that certain public spaces, deemed sensitive, should restrict the open or concealed carry of firearms.

Despite legal pushback from gun rights advocates, who argue that even a scaled-back version would infringe on Second Amendment rights, Judge Urias denied the request for an injunction. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success in court. He rejected the argument that restrictions for “sensitive” places should only apply to locations serving core government functions.

Judge Urias suggested that determining what constitutes a sensitive place might hinge on factors such as the type of function occurring at those locations and whether vulnerable populations, like children, utilize them. He also acknowledged the possibility that the governor could demonstrate a national historical tradition of firearm restrictions at public parks within cities.

The initial order sought to suspend gun-carry rights in most public places in the Albuquerque area, while the current version narrows the scope to public parks and playgrounds. Notably, an exception ensures access to a municipal shooting range park. The restrictions are tied to a statistical threshold for violent crime specific to the Albuquerque area.

Although state police have the authority to assess civil penalties and fines under the order, the sheriff and Albuquerque’s police chief have previously refused to enforce it. Other aspects of the public health order, including monthly inspections of firearms dealers, reports on gunshot victims, and safe-surrender programs, remain intact.

As a temporary restraining order blocking the gun restrictions was set to expire, this decision by Judge Urias signifies a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding firearms regulations in New Mexico.

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