Piñon Post

NM House Dems pass ‘Homicide Scholarship,’ kill juvenile crime bill

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a move that has sparked outrage among law enforcement, crime victims, and New Mexico residents, House Democrats in the state legislature voted on Saturday to pass House Bill 255 (HB 255), a controversial measure that includes a provision to give violent juvenile offenders up to $2,000 per month in taxpayer-funded stipends. At the same time, Democratic lawmakers killed House Bill 134 (HB 134), a bipartisan effort aimed at holding violent juvenile offenders accountable for their crimes.

HB 255, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-Albuquerque), was marketed as an update to New Mexico’s juvenile justice system, but a closer look at the legislation reveals that it is more about financial handouts than meaningful reform. Buried within the bill is a three-year pilot program that grants substantial monthly stipends to former foster children and those previously incarcerated under the Delinquency Act, including individuals who committed violent crimes such as manslaughter and aggravated assault. The program, which has been dubbed the “Homicide Scholarship” by critics, notably Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmingon), will be administered by the Higher Education Department and is expected to cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

The bill also renames the Juvenile Community Corrections Act to the Juvenile Community Connections Act and increases grant funding for juvenile delinquency programs while lengthening supervised release for youthful offenders. However, the most controversial aspect remains the stipend program, which critics argue incentivizes criminal behavior rather than deterring it.

Democrats Kill Effort to Hold Juvenile Offenders Accountable

While HB 255 sailed through the House, the same group of Democratic lawmakers on the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee (CPAC) voted to table HB 134, effectively killing the bill. HB 134, introduced by a bipartisan coalition including Reps. Cynthia Borrego (D-Albuquerque), Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque), Nicole Chavez (R-Albuquerque), and Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis) sought to modernize New Mexico’s outdated juvenile justice laws. The bill aimed to ensure that minors who commit violent crimes, including first-degree murder, face meaningful consequences.

Currently, New Mexico law allows juveniles who commit even the most heinous crimes to be released by their 18th or 21st birthdays, regardless of the severity of their offenses. HB 134 would have revised the state’s 1970s-era juvenile code to allow for greater flexibility in sentencing and to include 14-year-olds charged with first-degree murder in the “youthful offender” category, making them eligible for adult sentencing.

Despite broad support from law enforcement officials and Democrat Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, HB 134 was tabled by CPAC on a 4-2 party-line vote, with Reps. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces), Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), and Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) voting to kill the measure.

A Growing Public Safety Crisis

The decision to advance HB 255 while killing HB 134 comes amid a rising wave of juvenile crime in New Mexico. The Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center is already at capacity, housing 57 male juveniles and five females, with law enforcement officials warning that violent crime among minors is escalating. “We are experiencing a crisis among our youth, and unfortunately, this is not just a Bernalillo County issue,” said Bernalillo Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Greg Perez.

Many in the law enforcement community see HB 255 as a slap in the face to crime victims and a step in the wrong direction. “Tabling this bill—and basically not doing anything to address juvenile crime in the Legislature—sends a clear message that a lot of legislators don’t feel the same way I do, working in the trenches every day, in how big a problem it is,” said DA Sam Bregman.

The move also comes after failed attempts to strengthen penalties for fentanyl traffickers, as House Democrats similarly voted down HB 274, which would have imposed harsher sentences on major drug traffickers responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic. 

Public Backlash and Calls for Accountability

As crime rates continue to rise and repeat offenders remain on the streets, New Mexico residents are growing increasingly frustrated with their lawmakers’ refusal to act. Crime victims and law enforcement officials have taken to social media to voice their anger over HB 255’s passage and HB 134’s demise.

“New Mexicans are being killed and maimed by teenagers who face no serious consequences. Lawmakers who endorse this hands-off approach to youth crime are complicit in these offenses,” wrote ABQ Raw in a scathing editorial.

Meanwhile, critics of HB 255 argue that providing thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded stipends to violent criminals under the guise of rehabilitation is not the answer to New Mexico’s crime crisis. “Perhaps these legislators should sign up for shifts at their local juvenile detention centers and see firsthand how violent these offenders can be,” ABQ Raw suggested.

As the legislative session nears its end, many are left wondering whether public safety will ever be a priority for the current leadership in Santa Fe. With Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham calling for juvenile justice reform, the battle over crime legislation in New Mexico is far from over.

NM House Dems pass ‘Homicide Scholarship,’ kill juvenile crime bill Read More »

NM Supreme Court partially upholds MLG’s unconstitutional gun edict

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A sharply divided New Mexico Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that far-left Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 2023 emergency orders restricting gun possession and addressing drug abuse did not violate state law. However, the court did strike down a provision related to a juvenile justice initiative, deeming it an overreach of executive authority.

In a 3-2 decision, the majority of the court determined that Lujan Grisham’s orders fell within the broad emergency powers granted to governors under state law. This ruling has raised serious concerns regarding the extent of executive authority, with Justices Brianna Zamora and Michael Vigil dissenting. Zamora issued a strong warning about the potential for future abuse, stating, “While the governor’s desire to combat gun violence and drug abuse appears to be well-intended, there is nothing in the majority’s opinion that would restrict a future governor from taking actions that would be substantively more troubling.”

This ruling is significant not only because of its implications for executive power but also due to the makeup of the court itself— a majority of justices were appointed by Lujan Grisham. This raises questions about the objectivity of the decision and whether judicial independence has been compromised in favor of political loyalty.

Despite the court’s decision, the practical impact is limited, as the governor’s emergency orders have either expired or been blocked by federal courts. Nonetheless, the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, allowing future governors to invoke emergency powers in sweeping ways, potentially infringing on constitutional rights.

Lujan Grisham initially justified her emergency orders after the tragic killing of an 11-year-old boy in Albuquerque, declaring gun violence and drug abuse public health crises. She subsequently attempted to ban firearm possession in public spaces within Albuquerque and Bernalillo County and mandated wastewater testing in schools for fentanyl and other drugs. The gun restrictions were swiftly challenged and blocked by a Joe Biden-appointed federal judge, leading her to revise the order to only cover parks and playgrounds. That order was allowed to expire in October 2024 and was not renewed.

The governor’s actions prompted legal challenges from a broad coalition, including the New Mexico Republican Party, GOP lawmakers, the state Libertarian Party, and the National Rifle Association. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, state Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela warned of the dangerous precedent set by the decision, stating, “The dissenting justices’ warnings prove our point: without a check on this power, what’s next? Will a future Democratic governor declare an ‘emergency’ over climate change to seize property? Ban free speech to combat ‘misinformation’? The majority’s ruling says they can — and Democrats will.”

Lujan Grisham’s reliance on emergency powers has been a recurring theme of her administration, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the 2003 Public Health Emergency Response Act, which was originally enacted following the 2001 anthrax attacks, she repeatedly extended emergency declarations and issued sweeping public health mandates. Efforts by legislators to curb the governor’s authority have been unsuccessful, as she has vowed to veto any such measures.

The court’s ruling reinforces the unchecked expansion of executive power under the guise of public health emergencies, raising serious constitutional concerns. While Lujan Grisham’s orders may have technically adhered to state law, they undeniably tested the boundaries of individual rights and governmental overreach. The decision underscores the need for legislative reforms to ensure that emergency powers are not exploited to bypass constitutional protections and democratic processes.

NM Supreme Court partially upholds MLG’s unconstitutional gun edict Read More »

Stansbury embarrasses NM on national stage in protest to Trump’s speech

55 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In yet another display of performative outrage, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) made a spectacle of herself before former President Donald Trump even began his address to Congress. 

Instead of conducting herself with dignity, Stansbury chose to hold up a hastily scrawled sign reading, “This is not normal,” as Trump entered the chamber, ensuring she would be seen on camera.

The stunt didn’t last long. Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas), standing on the opposite side of the aisle, swiftly reached over and grabbed the paper from Stansbury’s hands, tossing it aside. It was a moment that underscored the growing frustration with Democrats’ endless theatrics.

Following the stunt, President Trump’s team trolled Stansbury’s little protest, altering the photo of her holding the sign to read “I am dumb.”

Rather than engaging in serious debate or offering solutions, Stansbury and her colleagues opted for more disruptions. Later in Trump’s speech, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) took the grandstanding to another level by loudly interrupting, prompting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to have him removed by the sergeant-at-arms.

Greene faces likely censure for the violent cane-weilding outburst, while expulsion could also be on the table for the radical leftist congressman.

Following parts of the speech, Stansbury and many of her far-left colleagues left the speech, another weak attempt at a protest to the president.

Many believe New Mexicans deserve representation that isn’t defined by embarrassing antics on national television. Instead of focusing on real issues affecting her constituents, Stansbury continues to indulge in petty protests that do nothing but draw attention to herself. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is left wondering why some Democrats seem more interested in stunts than in governing or helping President Trump fix the nation’s problems.

Stansbury embarrasses NM on national stage in protest to Trump’s speech Read More »

Committee gets heated as Dems reject bill to protect CYFD children from pedos

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On Monday in the House Health and Human Services Committee, state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) presented H.B. 486, a bipartisan bill, which “would require that, when a child is taken into New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) protective custody by law enforcement because of suspected abuse or neglect, CYFD conduct a criminal background and search of the sex offender registry of the person to whom the child will be released, including the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian,” according to the bill’s analysis.

Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces) argued, “CYFD is not involved with every, you know, child that goes, you know, for medical care to the hospital and they then needs [sic] to be released to their parent that comes in.” 

She claimed the bill was “too broad,” telling Rep. Lord, “Your bill is overreaching and saying any time a child comes into the custody of law enforcement.” 

“This is being seen as unconstitutional for parents and making sure kids can go back to their family and have that reunification. With that, I will strongly oppose your bill,” she added.

Rep. Lord argued, “It’s for them to take a final look before they give that child back in that situation.” 

State Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque), the chair of the committee, continued to erroneously claim that CYFD was mandated to remove a child from a family. 

Lord responded, “That’s a simple question, Madam Chair. What I’m saying is that it mandates that they do the background check, and as I stated, they have lawyers, they have behaviorists, they have a team of people that have been working on the case while that child has been out of the parent’s custody, and then they can further make a decision. What I’m looking for is — in that gap —and I agree … that we should never, ever, ever in this lifetime place a child back with a sex offender. But if there’s a long enough gap, and in between that time, let’s say… one of the parents abused one of the other children sexually, we need to take that into consideration. I’m not saying mandating they can’t. I wouldn’t want them to ever in this lifetime, but we are saying they should do the background check before they release that child for the final step.” 

“But the bill says ‘requiring,’” Chair Thomson clapped back, arguing that “requiring does not leave it up to CYFD,” arguing with Rep. Lord about the bill that “it is a mandate,” even though it is not.

Rep. Lord asked Thomson, “Do you want children to go back with sexual predators?”

Thomson then accused Lord of “interrupting” her during questioning and accusing her of breaking “decorum.”

Furious with Lord refusing to stand on the false narrative spun by the chairwoman, Thomson banged her gavel, with Lord replying, “I’m not going to listen to your gavel anyways. It’s mandated in there,” before being cut off by state Rep. Eleanor Chavez (D-Albuquerque), who made a motion to table. 

“Exactly. Because you want children to go back into homes where they are going to be sexually abused. That’s exactly what I figured you were going to do because you don’t care about the children. Because you want the children to be sexually abused,” Rep. Lord responded.

Strangely, Chair Thomson claimed Rep. Lord was “auditioning for a TV show,” 

Rep. Lord added, “Wow — insults by you. I’m so shocked by that. Talk about ‘decorum.’” 

The Democrats on the committee moved on a party-line vote to kill the bill that would have protected children who are in the CYFD system from sexual predator family members.

Rep. Lord concluded after the vote, “I hope you all can live with putting children back into houses where they are going to be sexually abused,” with Thomson trying to shut her down again. 

WATCH: 

Committee gets heated as Dems reject bill to protect CYFD children from pedos Read More »

​Terrifying ‘haboob’ dust storm sweeps through New Mexico and Texas

1 Comment / New Mexico, News / By

​A massive dust storm, known as a “haboob,” engulfed regions of New Mexico and Texas on Monday morning, leading to highway closures and confining nearly 900,000 residents within a potentially hazardous cloud. ​

“A haboob is a type of intense dust storm carried by the wind of a weather front. Haboobs occur regularly in dry land area regions throughout the world. This one was caused by a cold front pushing through NM,” wrote the National Weather Service – El Paso region. 

The storm, spanning several miles in width and towering thousands of feet high, advanced along the southern border propelled by strong winds that lifted desert dust, resulting in near-zero visibility conditions, as reported by the National Weather Service. ​

The agency issued blowing dust advisories for counties in southern New Mexico and Texas, effective until at least Monday night, cautioning about wind gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour in certain areas. ​

Officials responded by closing sections of Interstates 10 and 25, among other highways. Visibility at El Paso International Airport diminished to just a quarter-mile, as noted by CBS 4 meteorologist Evan O’Reagan, who shared videos on social media depicting dense walls of dust captured by affected motorists. ​

Federal authorities also issued red flag fire warnings for counties in the haboob’s trajectory, given that strong winds and low humidity rendered the desert landscape highly susceptible to wildfires. ​

The lingering dust prompted officials in Albuquerque to declare an emergency health alert, advising individuals with respiratory issues to remain indoors. ​

Haboobs, while capable of occurring throughout the United States, are most prevalent in the Southwest. They pose significant risks to individuals with respiratory conditions and to drivers, who may find themselves unable to evade the storm upon its sudden appearance on the horizon. ​

The National Weather Service warns that “blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups.” ​

Experts recommend that drivers encountering a haboob should pull off the road, turn off their vehicle lights, and wait for the storm rather than attempting to drive through it. ​

​Terrifying ‘haboob’ dust storm sweeps through New Mexico and Texas Read More »

Week 6: Legislative update from Piñon Post editor and state Rep. John Block

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A legislative update from Piñon Post founder and editor and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo). John gives a weekly update during the legislative session. If you don’t already get the update, you can get it here or by subscribing on the website JohnForNM.com.

A lot happened this week at the Roundhouse. My apologies in advance for the lengthy (but thorough) update. Here are some of the highlights:

Committees

On Monday in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee (HGEIC), we heard a bill, H.B. 241, that would increase the number of racing days at New Mexico’s racinos, which many came out against because of concerns the increase in horse racing would create safety concerns. I voted no.

No real bills of significant consequence were heard on Tuesday in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee (HCPAC).

On Wednesday in HGEIC, mostly benign cleanup bills relating to the judiciary were heard, but a radical piece of legislation, H.J.R. 10 to allow felons, including murderers, rapists, and school shooters, to vote WHILE IN PRISON passed the committee on a party-line 5-3 vote — a slap in the face to victims. I voted no.

On Thursday in HCPAC, an extreme bill, H.B. 470, was heard to charge parents with “neglect of a child” and force the kid into Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) custody if they have access in any way to a firearm or a firearm suppressor (with no exceptions). The original bill included all “weapons,” which could include kitchen knives, baseball bats, ice picks, and even rocks, according to the CYFD analysis. The bill was amended in the committee to only target guns — more legislation attacking firearms and our Second Amendment rights.

On Friday in HGEIC, I voted against H.M. 37, which brings awareness to Mount Taylor, which is northeast of Grants, but it also attacked uranium mining in general — which is a key component to the country’s energy independence through nuclear energy.

In HGEIC on Saturday, we heard H.B. 448, which creates a new office of housing, duplicating efforts already underway with multiple government agencies, and it is accompanied by hundreds of thousands of dollars in the budget to fund free houses for homeless people — making people further dependent on the government. I voted against it. Another bill heard on Saturday was H.B. 536, which allows 16-year-olds to vote in municipal, school board, and other local elections, despite them not being allowed to own firearms, sign contracts, get tattoos or piercings, and many other things. I voted against this bill as well.

Floor Sessions

On Monday, Democrats and some Republicans (not me) voted for the most fiscally irresponsible budget in state history (H.B. 2/3), which included $266 million for “culturally competent healthcare,” shots, government-funded contraceptives, and vague “behavioral health” initiatives, $35 million for job-crushing “paid leave” programs, $31.2 million for fighting “climate change,” $3.5 million to “conserve” the American beaver, $640,000 for “migrant programs” at New Mexico colleges, among so many other wasteful programs and initiatives. Republicans offered a substitute bill that included $600 rebates to New Mexicans (much like Alaska due to oil revenue surpluses). Democrats (and some Republicans) rejected that idea and passed the $10.8 billion boondoggle.

On Tuesday, Democrats passed a radical expansion to the state’s “red flag” bill (H.B. 12) that would further infringe on due process rights, allowing authorities to immediately snatch one’s guns upon service of an “extreme risk protection order.” Cases in other states, such as New York, and even the U.S. Supreme Court, have affirmed that it is unlawful for seizure of weapons before a hearing — blatantly unconstitutional. If the bill does pass and become law, it will likely be immediately challenged and stricken down.

Also on the House floor Tuesday, Democrats passed a horrible bill, H.B. 91, to allow utilities (like PNM and NM Gas Co.) to allow non-low-income rate payers to subsidize low-income individuals’ utility bills — redistribution of wealth — and raising utility rates on the middle class, which is barely getting by as it is.

On Thursday, I voted against H.J.R. 1, which would allow for two 45-day legislative sessions every year (unlike the current cycle of 60 days on odd-numbered years and 30 days on even-numbered years) because it would allow for a bill that did not pass in the first session to be carried over to the next at its same progression, meaning more bad bills will be rammed through. I also voted against H.B. 260, which bans security guards and other personnel from restraining students, even in cases when a student has a weapon at school.

A good bill, H.B. 104, of which I am a primary sponsor, passed the House with a handful of anti-police Democrats voting against it. The bill would merely give equal rights to law enforcers when they become victims of crimes. This fixes a major loophole in New Mexico’s laws, which deprive law enforcers of equal protection.

On Friday, Democrats passed the extremist H.B. 11, which will annihilate small businesses and kill jobs by forcing upon them “paid family and medical leave.” The bill would forcibly garnish wages from employees and mandate employers pay into a massive pool of money to pay for 6-12 weeks of paid time off — leaving businesses scrambling and employees with fewer dollars in their paychecks. According to the bill’s fiscal impact report, it would leave the state with a deficit of $800 million, and a mere 4% of workers would be getting the benefits of this horrible program, while 96% of workers would see a benefit while being mandated to fork over their pay for it. Five Democrat state representatives voted against the proposal, along with all Republicans. They should be commended: Rep. Martha Garcia (D-Pine Hill), Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup), Rep. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde).

On Saturday, we debated multiple bills throughout the day, ending the floor session at around 8:00 p.m. Bills that passed included H.B. 339, which forces ALL LANDLORDS to take Section 8 housing vouchers. When one GOP representative asked whether someone who could not comply with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building codes and standards to accept such housing vouchers, the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) responded, “I mean, maybe don’t rent.”

Another bad bill heard on Saturday was H.B. 89, which will give graduate scholarships to illegal aliens studying at New Mexico institutions of higher education. Also, we heard a radical solar bill to further subsidize the solar industry, H.B. 128.

My Sponsored Legislation Being Heard This Week:

On Tuesday, my sponsored bill, HB 521, to support the agritourism industry by helping remove vague liability restrictions, UNANIMOUSLY PASSED the House Rural Development, Land Grants, and Cultural Affairs Committee. It next goes to the Judiciary Committee. Thanks to R.B. Nichols for being my expert witness and for leading the charge on this great bill.

On Monday, March 3 (tomorrow), in the House Health and Human Services Committee, I will be presenting my bill that would empower counties to be the sole authorities who can tax alcohol and remove the state’s excise taxes. Studies throughout the decades and even recent research show that taxing alcohol higher has little to no impact whatsoever on alleviating alcoholism and alcohol harms in any form or fashion. Please visit the meeting link below to listen in and support my legislation by testifying in support. The committee is scheduled for 8:00 a.m., but I expect the bill will be heard no earlier than 10:00 a.m., as it is last on the agenda.

Meeting Access Details 3/3/2024 at 8:00 a.m.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86178202695
Phone one-tap: +16694449171,,86178202695# US Webinar ID: 861 7820 2695

Another piece of legislation I am sponsoring, H.B. 44, relating to protecting minors from harmful materials, will likely be heard in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, March 5 at 1:30 p.m. (or 15 minutes following the House floor session), so please also show up then to testify in support. The meeting information is below:

Meeting Access Details 3/5/2024 at 1:30 p.m.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84498420158
Phone one-tap: +16699009128,,84498420158# US (San Jose) +17193594580,,84498420158# US Webinar ID: 844 9842 0158

Also, on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., a memorial I am carrying, H.M. 42, to bring awareness to the only native marsupial to North America, the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), will likely be heard in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee. Other states are declaring this important species as their state marsupial (North Carolina has already enacted it while New Hampshire is in the process), and this legislative step is the first in beginning the process for similar legislation in New Mexico. Read more about the species and its history in New Mexico via this peer-reviewed study (https://www.jstor.org/stable/30055181) and join to support this memorial by testifying via this information:

Meeting Access Details 3/5/2024 at 8:30 a.m.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89282948977
Phone one-tap: +17193594580,,89282948977# US +12532050468,,89282948977# US Webinar ID: 892 8294 8977

In Summary

All my sponsored legislation for the session is filed and can be accessed here.

The week ahead will be very eventful in my committees, with lots of bad bills scheduled for the upcoming week.

To see all committee schedules for all committees, click here.

It is an honor to represent Alamogordo in the Legislature and fight with every fiber of my being to protect our Constitutional rights. You can always count on me to stand with our shared conservative American values.

God bless you,
John

Rep. John Block
NM House District 51
Republican, Otero County

Week 6: Legislative update from Piñon Post editor and state Rep. John Block Read More »

All the NM House Dems who defied party, rejected job-killing paid leave bill

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The controversial job-crushing “Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act,” formerly known as the “Paid Family and Medical Leave Act,” narrowly passed the New Mexico House of Representatives last week, but not without significant pushback. While all Republicans opposed the bill, five Democrats also voted against it. Here’s a look at the five House Democrats who sided with the GOP in rejecting this legislation:

1. Rep. Martha Garcia (D-Pine Hill)

Garcia was recently appointed to the House, succeeding former Rep. Eliseo “Lee” Alcon. Although hailed as a “progressive,” her vote denotes maybe a more independent mindset. 

Photo of Ms. Garcia via the Cibola County Commission website archive.

2. Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup)

Lundstrom, a long-serving lawmaker known for her focus on fiscal responsibility, voted against the bill. Gallup businesses were notably vocal against the bill.

3. Rep. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock)

Johnson, representing a largely Native American constituency, rejected the bill with her vote against it.

4. Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque)

Despite representing a district in Albuquerque, Matthews has maintained a more moderate stance on business regulations. Democrats attempted to defeat her in primary elections for rejecting the bill in the past, but she has been successful in fending off radical leftists in her party.

5. Rep. Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde)

Sanchez, known for his pragmatic approach to policy, voted against the bill, as he has in the past.

A Growing Divide Over Business and Labor Issues

The opposition of these five Democrats highlights a growing divide within the party over business regulations and economic policy. While proponents of the bill, such as Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), call it a “transformational” step for workers, critics argue that it could create a “workforce nightmare,” as House Republicans have described it.

With the bill now heading to the Senate, its fate remains uncertain. Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) has already raised concerns about the financial feasibility of using state funds for parental leave, signaling potential hurdles ahead. Whether Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will sign the bill into law, if it reaches her desk, is another question entirely.

All the NM House Dems who defied party, rejected job-killing paid leave bill Read More »

‘Democracy’ in crisis? Public shut out of lawmaking in Santa Fe

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The legislative process in Santa Fe has long faced scrutiny, but according to the Rio Grande Foundation, the situation is only worsening. The organization, which has been involved in the Legislature for many years, argues that the current system actively hinders public involvement while leaving lawmakers uninformed about the real impact of the bills they consider.

“Whether this is by design or not, it is important to understand that the public is not really welcomed to the process,” the Rio Grande Foundation asserts. The group details several troubling trends that, in their view, demonstrate an increasingly closed-door approach to lawmaking in New Mexico.

One of the most glaring issues cited is the way Democrat committee chairs handle public testimony. The foundation notes that chairs appear to be under immense pressure from leadership to move bills along at breakneck speed, leading to testimony being dramatically curtailed. “Repeatedly and in nearly ALL committees on very controversial bills, Democrat committee chairs often limit comment to a handful of individuals or a very limited time period,” the report states.

This suppression of public input is taking various forms. In some cases, chairs have restricted testimony to “the first 10 people” in line, regardless of how many others may be waiting to speak. The foundation specifically pointed to an incident involving HB 11, a paid leave bill, where the chair allowed only 10 individuals to testify despite 42 people raising their hands in opposition. This policy, they warn, can lead to dangerous situations, especially for older or disabled individuals who travel to Santa Fe to make their voices heard but find themselves outpaced by younger, more mobile participants.

Further exacerbating the problem is the restriction of time allotted to speakers. In some instances, testimony is capped at a mere one minute—barely enough time to make a meaningful statement on complex legislation. Meanwhile, those participating via Zoom—a tool that has expanded public access to legislative proceedings—are often ignored entirely. The foundation states that “Zoom testimony is also extremely limited on the most important bills,” with participants often waiting on the call and raising their virtual hands to speak, only to be disregarded.

Adding to the frustration, the scheduling of hearings is erratic and opaque. Instead of being held at predictable times that respect the public’s ability to participate, hearings are frequently postponed at the last minute or shuffled around the legislative calendar. “Bills are continuously ‘rolled’ to the next meeting and meeting times are changed at the last second,” the foundation claims, making it nearly impossible for engaged citizens to plan their attendance.

The organization argues that these issues reflect a broader trend of the majority party—Democrats, who have controlled Santa Fe for decades—disregarding the principles of democratic participation. “The rules are set by the majority party. If the Democrats who have run Santa Fe for decades actually care about ‘democracy,’ they need to act to solve some of these process issues to really serve the people of New Mexico.”

‘Democracy’ in crisis? Public shut out of lawmaking in Santa Fe Read More »

‘Justice and equity’: MLG taps 78-year-old progressive for vacant House seat

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On Wednesday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Martha Garcia, a 78-year-old former Cibola County Commissioner and president of the Ramah Navajo Chapter House, to fill the vacant New Mexico House District 6 seat following the passing of Rep. Eliseo Alcon.

The district, which covers Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Village of Milan, the Pueblo of Zuni, and parts of the Navajo Nation, has been unrepresented since late November when Alcon resigned due to declining health. Alcon, who was 74, passed away in January.

Progressive freshman State Sen. Angel Charley (D-Acoma), whose district overlaps with HD 6, called Garcia’s appointment “historic” and praised her commitment to advancing justice and equity. “Today’s appointment marks a significant milestone, not only for House District 6 but for the generations who have fought for a voice in decisions that shape our future,” Charley said in a statement. “Martha’s commitment to justice, equity, and the well-being of our people will serve as a guiding light in the legislature. I look forward to working alongside her to uplift our small towns and tribal communities in western New Mexico and protect the values we hold dear.”

Photo of Ms. Garcia via the Cibola County Commission website archive.

Garcia, known for her progressive stance on key issues, did not respond to voicemails requesting comment on Wednesday, according to reports.

Before Garcia’s selection, governing boards in Cibola and McKinley counties had nominated two other candidates for the seat, but residency investigations found one of them ineligible. The governor chose Garcia over former Rep. Harry Garcia and former state Sen. Clemente Sanchez after a charade attempting to deem Rep. Garcia ineligible. He is a more moderate Democrat versus the progressive Ms. Garcia.

Garcia’s swearing-in ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, officially marking the beginning of her tenure in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

‘Justice and equity’: MLG taps 78-year-old progressive for vacant House seat Read More »

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, wife, dog found dead in their Santa Fe home

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Legendary actor, two-time Academy Award winner, and author Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead Wednesday afternoon at their home in the Santa Fe Summit community, located northeast of Santa Fe.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed their deaths just after midnight on Thursday, stating that their dog was also found deceased.

Mendoza noted in an interview Wednesday evening that there were no immediate signs of foul play but did not provide details on a possible cause of death or when they may have passed.

Hackman, 95, had lived in Santa Fe since the 1980s. He married Arakawa, 63, in 1991.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the couple’s home on Old Sunset Trail, in a gated community off Hyde Park Road near Ten Thousand Waves, on Wednesday afternoon. They were investigating the deaths of two elderly individuals and a dog, though it was unclear whether they were responding to a report or conducting a welfare check.

Initially, Mendoza reported that deputies had discovered the bodies of a man in his 90s and a woman in her 60s. “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” he stated Wednesday evening before authorities had officially identified the couple.

“I want to assure the community and neighborhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone,” he added.

Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman built an acclaimed career in film, winning two Academy Awards. His performance as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) earned him an Oscar for Best Actor, while his role as Sheriff “Little Bill” Daggett in Unforgiven (1992) won him Best Supporting Actor.

Among his many other memorable roles, Hackman portrayed Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), an FBI agent in Mississippi Burning (1988), and the infamous Lex Luthor in several Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s.

He was previously married to Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986, and the couple had three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.

Hackman moved to Santa Fe in the 1980s and became a familiar face in the community. He served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s and spoke at its grand opening in 1997. “In the 10 years I’ve lived here, I’ve been taken with the excitement and indomitable spirit of this place,” he remarked at the time.

He frequently dined at El Nido in Tesuque and was often featured in The New Mexican’s “El Mitote” celebrity column, which covered local sightings of famous figures. In his later years, he made fewer public appearances, though they sometimes garnered media attention. His attendance at a performance at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in 2018 was reported by The Independent in the UK.

Hackman also made headlines in 2012 when police reported that he struck a homeless man in downtown Santa Fe in what he described as self-defense. He told officers that the man had threatened both him and his wife, including calling her a vulgar name. The New Mexican reported that Hackman had known the man for years and had provided him with clothes, money, and rides. However, when the man confronted the couple on Marcy Street and demanded money, Hackman refused and told him to get a job. No charges were filed in the incident, which gained national attention.

In his later years, Hackman largely stayed out of the public eye, though occasional sightings were reported. In 2023, The New York Post published a story about him doing yard work, pumping gas, and ordering a chicken sandwich at a Wendy’s. The following year, the paper covered another sighting, this time of Hackman and his wife dining at a seafood restaurant in Albuquerque.

Beyond acting, Hackman was also an author, co-writing several novels with longtime friend Daniel Lenihan. The two discussed their book Wake of the Perdido Star during a 1999 event at Cloud Cliff Café in Santa Fe, where they had developed the idea for the adventure novel set in the 19th century.

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