Piñon Post

Dems now victim-blaming NM Republicans after firebombing hate crime

25 Comments / Editorial, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a show of complete shamelessness, New Mexico Democrats are blaming the victims — the New Mexico Republican Party and GOP officials — for being the target of a violent arson attack that blew up the entranceway to the Albuquerque headquarters. Rather than condemning the political violence outright, Democrats are inflaming tensions and inciting further hostility by recklessly targeting GOP leaders like Reps. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), and Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela. Their dangerous and provably false rhetoric not only undermines the gravity of the violence but also puts these officials at direct risk.

While the FBI and ATF investigate the fire as a suspected arson — with fire-starting materials recovered from the scene — Democrat leaders have chosen to escalate, not de-escalate. State Democrats issued a press release loaded with inflammatory claims, including the absurd accusation that Republican lawmakers had been part of a crowd “calling for murder.” Not only is this untrue, it’s libelous, as pointed out by Rep. Lord. 

Rep. John Block — who is the editor and founder of the Piñon Post —was not even present at the event in question, and despite repeated attempts by Democrats to link him to the January 6 Capitol incursion, he never set foot inside or near the building nor participated in any violence. His presence at a peaceful rally attended by 53,000+ other peaceful Trump supporters — miles from the Capitol steps — appears to be another tired and debunked attempt to tie him to violence.

Chairwoman Amy Barela made clear during a Monday press conference: “This was not just an attack on our building. This was an attack on our values, our free speech, and the right of every New Mexican that wants to participate in the democratic process without fear.” She also revealed to Fox News that the targeted attack was being investigated as a hate crime.

But instead of standing with those under threat, Democrats doubled down. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, whose words to “legislate, litigate, agitate” were cited by Republicans as dangerously timed mere hours before the firebombing, dismissed concerns with shocking callousness. 

In comments to KOB 4, she accused Republicans of hypocrisy for condemning violence instead of apologizing for her call to “agitate,” claiming, “It’s ludicrous to have Republicans, who themselves have participated in violent protests, to accuse me of inciting violence.” She added, “We actually passed the sign of peace” at her town hall — an empty gesture in light of the inflammatory language she used just before the GOP headquarters went up in flames.

Leger Fernandez’s attempt to turn the blame onto Rep. Block — lying that he was involved in violent protests — further inflames the situation and spreads outright disinformation. These reckless allegations endanger GOP leaders by portraying them as instigators of violence when, in reality, they have consistently and unequivocally condemned it, including the January 6 unrest.

Instead of answering the call to stand above the violence they have inflamed, Democrats released a memorandum weaponizing the tragedy to smear GOP leaders with fabricated associations to extremism, referencing long-debunked connections and even citing the crimes of individuals wholly unrelated to the party’s current leadership. The memo accuses Chairwoman Barela of turning a blind eye to extremism simply because she has appeared in photos with GOP figures like Voice of America chief Kari Lake and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene — a clear attempt at guilt by association rather than substantive critique.

Rep. Stefani Lord called the Democratic Party’s allegations “libelous,” and Sen. Nicole Tobiassen said their claims are “desperate.”

In the face of a violent attack, New Mexico Republicans have called for unity, calm, and a return to civility. Democrats, however, have responded with personal attacks, misinformation, and what amounts to political gaslighting — accusing their opponents of the very behaviors they themselves are fueling.

Rather than take responsibility for inflaming tensions, Rep. Leger Fernandez and her allies are engaging in dangerous victim-blaming — further endangering those already under attack. If Democrats genuinely oppose political violence, they should begin by ceasing the kind of reckless rhetoric that invites it.

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‘Gaslighting liar’: Democrat scrambles for cover after terror attack on NM GOP HQ

32 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

At a Saturday town hall in Santa Fe where U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-CD-3) called for followers to “agitate” against Republicans, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Trump administration in general, she is now trying to save face following the firebombing of the Republican Party of New Mexico Headquarters early in the morning Sunday.

At the town hall, Leger Fernandez told the crowd, “Legislate, litigate, agitate! And you guys are part of the ‘agitate’ part.” 

The inciting words were widely seen as a call for violence, mainly because they were not qualified in any way to ensure this agitation was done legally or peacefully.

Her comments come in the wake of violent domestic terrorists torching Tesla vehicles at dealerships, including on tribal land in New Mexico, where Teslas have been seen vandalized following CEO Elon Musk’s advisor role to President Donald Trump. 

After the inflammatory language, violent domestic terrorists committed arson at the state GOP headquarters in Albuquerque, effectively blowing up the main entrance, causing smoke damage throughout, and wrote in a stencil on the stucco outside, “ICE = KKK.” 

Many hours following the terror attack, Leger Fernandez wrote, “Political violence is unacceptable, including the arson attack on New Mexico’s GOP headquarters. The perpetrators must be held accountable. Every American should be able to freely and safely participate in our democracy.”

She added, “At my town hall yesterday, I spoke about love in action—about the importance of showing respect and listening. That is what we need right now.” 

The Democrat conveniently left out the part where she called her supporters to take to agitating those who disagree with them by antagonizing conservatives — resulting hours later in a violent arson attack that could have left people injured or killed.

One X user wrote on Leger Fernandez’s post, “Uhm…  You called for people to ‘agitate’ against Trump, Musk, Republicans, conservatives, and others with whom y’all disagree. Stop lying.” 

“You told them their role was to agitate. They did exactly what you told them to do. Step up and bluntly say you were wrong and to NOT cause destruction and harm. This is on you. Fix it,” wrote another. 

One person added, “[Y]ou incite it at your rally then deny, gaslighting liar. you don’t represent me or NM.”

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters

‘Gaslighting liar’: Democrat scrambles for cover after terror attack on NM GOP HQ Read More »

Arsonists firebomb New Mexico GOP’s Albuquerque headquarters

48 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early Sunday morning, a shocking act of arson targeted the Republican Party of New Mexico’s (RPNM) headquarters in Albuquerque, leaving the building’s entryway destroyed and defaced with hateful graffiti reading “ICE=KKK.” This brazen and deliberate attack, driven by hatred and intolerance, is a direct assault on our values, freedoms, and the fundamental right to political expression.

“This horrific act is not just an attack on the Republican Party—it’s an attack on democracy and the principles that underpin our nation,” said RPNM Chairwoman Amy Barela. “We are deeply relieved that no one was harmed in what could have been a tragic and deadly incident. Those who resort to violence to undermine our state and nation must be held accountable, and our state leaders must take decisive action to ensure these cowardly attacks are met with zero tolerance.”

This attack is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing and deeply troubling pattern of politically motivated violence that has spread across the nation. As Barela pointed out, such incidents have been fueled, in part, by the silence and implicit encouragement from progressive leaders who refuse to condemn these acts.

“Their failure to stand against political violence has created an environment where attacks like this are not only possible but increasingly frequent,” said Barela. “The lack of accountability and the unwillingness of many to denounce such behavior only emboldens those who wish to silence dissent and intimidate political opponents.”

RPNM is working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), local law enforcement, and federal investigators to ensure that every piece of evidence is collected and those responsible for this attack are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “We will not allow New Mexico’s broken criminal justice system to dilute the seriousness of this attack,” Barela emphasized. “Justice must be served, and these criminals must be held accountable.”

The Republican Party of New Mexico remains resolute in its mission to protect free speech and defend the rights of all New Mexicans. Barela stressed that the party will not be intimidated or silenced by acts of political violence. “We will emerge from this stronger, more united, and more determined to fight for the people of New Mexico and the future of our country,” she declared.

Barela also pointed out the historical irony of the attack, drawing parallels between the Democratic Party’s historical support of oppressive institutions like the Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow laws, and slavery and the modern-day tactics used to suppress free speech and intimidate political opposition. “Today, we see the same dangerous tendencies play out in new forms—attempts to suppress free speech, silence dissent, and use fear to control the political narrative,” she said.

“Our fight is not just for our party—it’s for every New Mexican who wants a safer, freer, and more accountable state,” said Barela. “We will never back down.”

Just yesterday, Democrat U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez told attendees at a town hall to be “agitators,” and that call apparently has had a response from the most violent agitators seeking to cause fear through apparent domestic terrorism.

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Libs lose their minds after YouTuber calls out ABQ’s ‘Zombie Land’

33 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Albuquerque’s International District, long referred to as the “War Zone” and more recently as “Zombie Land,” has gained fresh national attention after a viral YouTube video exposed the harsh realities of crime, drugs, and homelessness in the area. YouTuber Nick Johnson, known for his “Unboxing America” channel with over 1.1 million subscribers, took his audience on a raw, unfiltered tour of the district—and liberals are losing their minds over it.

“Oh God,” Johnson says at the start of his nearly 54-minute video, capturing scenes of people slumped over after using fentanyl, trash-filled streets, and an overwhelming sense of despair. The video, which has garnered over 186,000 views in less than two days, provides a brutally honest look at the decay in Albuquerque’s once-thriving neighborhoods. Johnson describes it as “the most frightful neighborhood in America” and adds, “This is super bad… I don’t think I’ve seen this bad since Austin, Texas, but this feels sketchier and more widespread”—a damning indictment of Albuquerque’s decline, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Democrats Defend Their Failure

Instead of acknowledging the depth of the crisis, local Democratic leaders have rushed to defend their record. Mayor Tim Keller’s spokesperson, Shannon Kunkel, dismissed the video’s impact, claiming, “Videos by out-of-state influences that exploit people in crisis for likes offer no real solutions to the complex, national challenges we’re facing with addiction and homelessness.” However, this response sidesteps the fact that the situation has spiraled under the watch of Democratic leadership, despite years of promises to clean up the area.

Keller’s administration claims to have poured resources into the district, but the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Wraparound services, additional housing units, and crime-fighting technology have done little to stem the tide of drugs and violence. As Johnson bluntly puts it, “You can’t save any of the people I witnessed on the streets of Albuquerque that day… But, hopefully every kid growing up in New Mexico watches this video and it scares them into never wanting to live their lives like that.”

Elected Officials in Denial

Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, an Albuquerque Democrat whose district includes the International District, downplayed Johnson’s portrayal of the area. “The implication is, ‘Oh, this is a horrible place with murder and mayhem and crime,’ and what you see is people milling about on the street in the middle of the night,” Stewart said, dismissing concerns about public safety. Yet, Stewart herself acknowledged during a Senate hearing that the area has become “the state epicenter for crime, pedestrian fatalities, cartel activity, human trafficking, drugs, crime, tent cities… It’s gotten quite bad.” Her contradictory remarks highlight the disconnect between Democratic rhetoric and the grim reality.

Republican Senator Nicole Tobiassen, however, painted a far grimmer—and more realistic—picture based on her own experiences. “There were drugged-out people walking in the middle of the street… urinating and defecating in the street,” she recounted, describing a visit to the area. “That was a few years ago, and it’s worse now.” Tobiassen’s blunt assessment echoes what Johnson’s video showed—a district in crisis, where residents live in fear and degradation is the norm.

The Ugly Truth: Decay Under Democrat Leadership

Johnson’s video also exposes Albuquerque as “the center for the drug trade” due to its position at the intersection of Interstates 25 and 40. “They come here and cut the drug[s], split it up, bag it up and then distribute it off to the rest of the country,” he explains, illustrating how Albuquerque has become a hub for trafficking and criminal activity.

While Stewart and others tout initiatives like Senate Bill 481, which aims to turn Expo New Mexico, where the State Fair is held, into an apparent housing complex, the truth is that years of Democrat control have only worsened the situation. As Tobiassen aptly stated, “The fact that it’s just allowed to continue is a tragedy.”

Stewart may attempt to highlight positive developments, but even she admitted, “It’s very embarrassing.” And for good reason—Democrats have had years to reverse the decline, yet the International District remains a glaring symbol of failed policies and misguided priorities.

Time for Real Solutions, Not Denial

The harsh truth is that Albuquerque’s International District, once a place of promise, has become a reflection of Democrat mismanagement. The time for excuses and denial is over, Johnson warned,  “This video should be required viewing for high school kids in your state.” Perhaps it’s also time for New Mexico’s leaders to watch and finally confront the disaster their policies have created.

WATCH:

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You’re paying more, getting less: NM named worst state for taxpayers

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As Tax Day approaches on April 15, a new WalletHub report ranks New Mexico dead last in the nation for taxpayer return on investment (ROI), raising serious questions about how effectively state government uses public funds.

The annual study from WalletHub evaluated all 50 states using 29 metrics across five key categories: education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure & pollution. New Mexico ranked 50th overall despite having one of the highest tax burdens in the country.

The state placed near the bottom in nearly every category:

  • 49th in education
  • 42nd in health
  • 50th in safety
  • 45th in economy
  • 34th in infrastructure and pollution
  • 48th in total taxes per capita

“There can be a tradeoff between how much tax you pay and what you receive in return from the government,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Several of the states with the best taxpayer ROI don’t charge any income tax… At the same time, while people pay more in states that do charge income tax, they may benefit from better infrastructure, education, safety or public health as a result.” But New Mexico, he implied, is not among those states.

Despite high tax revenues, the report indicates that New Mexico struggles to deliver high-quality public services. The state’s ranking of 50th in public safety is especially alarming, given ongoing concerns about violent crime and law enforcement shortages. Its poor education score also highlights persistent challenges in student performance and graduation rates.

Tax experts say measuring ROI requires more than looking at how much residents pay. It’s about outcomes.

“Everyday citizens can assess the return on investment of their tax dollars by examining how efficiently their local and state governments convert revenue into high-quality public services,” said Min Su, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Louisiana State University. “Efficiency is not simply about spending less; it is about spending wisely to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

New Mexico’s low ranking suggests a mismatch between spending and results. According to WalletHub’s methodology, New Hampshire topped the list, largely because it delivers strong outcomes in public safety, education, and environmental quality — all while charging no state income tax.

Lauren E. Haddad Washburn, a tax attorney and professor, advised residents to become more involved in municipal budgeting and to scrutinize how funds are spent. “Citizens can attend Board of Finance meetings, hearings, and other public forums… Comparing budgeted amounts versus actual spending can give insight into efficiency,” she said.

With 66% of Americans believing their taxes are too high, WalletHub’s findings may resonate especially loudly in New Mexico — where residents are paying more but getting far less in return.

To view the full report, visit here. 

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Las Cruces shooting suspect’s dark past: NM Dems killed bills to stop these crimes

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The only adult thus far charged in connection with Friday night’s mass shooting at Las Cruces’ Young Park had previously faced serious criminal charges in Texas — including smuggling offenses that prosecutors say point to his danger to the public.

Court documents from El Paso County show that 20-year-old Tomas Rivas was charged in January 2024 with four counts of smuggling persons and one count of evading arrest. His criminal history dates back to 2021 when he was 17 and arrested for transporting an illegal immigrant.

These past and pending charges are now part of the evidence presented by the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in a motion to keep Rivas in jail pending trial. Prosecutors argue that no conditions of release would ensure public safety.

“[He] has a history of criminal activity which appears to be gang-related,” the District Attorney’s Office noted in its pretrial detention motion. Rivas, they added, has been residing in Las Cruces for some time and is employed at a local Sonic Drive-In.

Rivas is among four individuals — including three teenagers — charged in the deadly shooting that killed three young people and wounded 15 others. According to police, multiple people opened fire into a crowd during an unsanctioned car show at Young Park. The victims were identified as Dominick Estrada, 19; Andrew “AJ” Madrid, 16; and Jason Gomez, 17.

Rivas and the three teens — two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old — each face three counts of first-degree murder. Police said Rivas and one of the teens attempted to dispose of four handguns in a dumpster. Those firearms, all semi-automatic pistols, were later recovered.

Authorities also reported that one teen sought refuge in a nearby apartment, where a resident later found another gun that belonged to him. All three juveniles were booked into the juvenile unit of the Doña Ana County jail, while Rivas was held in the adult section after being arrested on Las Cruces’ north side.

Third Judicial District Attorney Fernando Macias told the Albuquerque Journal that he plans to prosecute all four as adults. “The first thing that we’re going to address, hopefully very quickly, is keeping them in custody,” Macias said. He added that under New Mexico law, suspects over age 15 can be charged as adults.

The shooting, which shook the Las Cruces community, follows years of concerns about youth involvement in criminal smuggling operations along the El Paso-Sunland Park corridor. Law enforcement and school officials have long observed how teenagers in the Borderland are recruited into these networks, sometimes with deadly outcomes. Federal agencies like the U.S. Border Patrol have been working for over a decade with local schools in attempts to curb recruitment.

Court filings suggest Rivas may have been involved in such a smuggling network.

As of Monday, prosecutors had filed a motion for pretrial detention. Rivas’ attorney, Thomas Clark, told the Journal he expected a hearing to be scheduled later in the week. Attorneys have also been appointed to represent the juveniles.

Meanwhile, despite repeated concerns from law enforcement, prosecutors, Republicans, and even Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham about rising juvenile violence, Democrat lawmakers in the New Mexico House and Senate declined to advance legislation during the recently concluded 60-day legislative session that would have strengthened penalties or accountability measures for violent juvenile offenders.

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Governor floats special session after shooting, signaling another gun grab

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Following a tragic mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, where three individuals were killed and 15 others injured, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed deep frustration over the limited public safety legislation passed during the recent 60-day legislative session. ​

In a press conference held in the Cabinet Room, Governor Lujan Grisham highlighted that only a small fraction of the 270 bills addressing crime and public safety reached her desk, stating, “I cannot ignore that we failed to adequately address the public safety crisis in our state.” ​

The governor emphasized the absence of productive debates on juvenile crime, noting that even a “weakened, watered-down juvenile crime approach” failed to pass in the Senate. ​

Despite holding numerous town halls across New Mexico to gather public input on crime concerns, Lujan Grisham expressed bewilderment at lawmakers’ reluctance to act, asserting that “accountability is missing in New Mexico and has been for quite some time.” ​

While acknowledging the passage of a minor crime package and several “behavioral health” reforms, the governor recalled a previous commitment from lawmakers to do more, suggesting that the session’s outcomes did not align with that promise. ​

Lujan Grisham criticized certain legislative committees for hindering progress on public safety bills, referencing statements from committee chairs about intentionally delaying these bills. ​

The recent shooting in Las Cruces, involving multiple shooters and resulting in numerous casualties, has intensified discussions on gun violence and crime within the state. ​

In response, Governor Lujan Grisham is considering convening a special legislative session to address these pressing public safety issues, emphasizing the need for input from district attorneys, law enforcement, and affected families. ​This would inevitably include more gun grabs, which would be a detriment to the state’s citizens.

Republican leaders have expressed support for a special session focused on crime and healthcare. However, House Speaker Javier Martínez cautioned that such sessions require substantial preparatory work to be effective, stating that rushing into a special session without adequate preparation could be “a waste of taxpayer dollars, and quite frankly, it’s a waste of people’s time.”

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “special sessions don’t work if the bills aren’t cooked.”

There is concern among some that under the guise of addressing crime, the governor may attempt to introduce measures that could infringe upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Proposals such as the “Gas-Operated Semiautomatic Firearms Exclusion Act” have been introduced in the past, aiming to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of certain gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. ​

Additionally, there have been discussions about holding the firearms industry accountable through litigation related to “unfair trade practices,” a concept that faced challenges in the previous legislative session. ​

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MLG freaks out after reports of Trump plan for ‘buffer zone’ on NM border

54 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

President Donald Trump is reportedly advancing a proposal to establish a military-controlled buffer zone along the U.S.-Mexico border, with a specific focus on New Mexico.

The concept would effectively convert part of the border in New Mexico into a militarized zone, where soldiers could detain migrants who cross into the area, similar to how trespassers are handled on military bases.

The Washington Post reports that the plan has been under discussion for several weeks and would likely introduce additional legal challenges for individuals attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully.

Under the proposal, the military zone would extend 60 feet deep along the border, placing it directly under military jurisdiction.

Far-left Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham responded Thursday, sharply criticizing the idea. “The president’s decision to create a deportation buffer zone along New Mexico’s border is a waste of resources and military personnel,” she stated.

Thus far, neither the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, nor the White House has issued formal comments on the plan. However, an increased military presence has been observed at the border. The presence has resulted in the lowest number of illegal crossers, which is a stark contrast to the border under Joe Biden.

Video footage shows soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colorado, arriving at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for what has been described as a “border mission” in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security.

Elsewhere, former acting ICE director and current border czar Tom Homan joined Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials in Florida for an immigration-focused event on Thursday.

Homan reiterated his belief that birthright citizenship fuels illegal immigration, urging the Supreme Court to revisit the issue. “I’m not a lawyer, but I can read, and I don’t think it’s clear that a child born in this country is automatically a U.S. citizen,” Homan remarked.

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Unconstitutional gun grab bill now heads to governor’s desk

32 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

​House Bill 12 (HB 12), recently passed by the New Mexico Senate, proposes significant amendments to the state’s “Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act,” commonly known as the red flag law. 

While the bill aims to enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement officers to directly petition for firearm seizures and mandating immediate relinquishment upon a judge’s order, it raises substantial constitutional concerns, particularly regarding due process under the Second Amendment.​

A critical issue with HB 12 is its provision for the immediate confiscation of firearms upon the issuance of an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), without affording the respondent a prior hearing. This approach effectively permits the deprivation of an individual’s Second Amendment rights without due process, as the individual is not given an opportunity to contest the allegations before their firearms are seized.​

This procedure stands in stark contrast to the principles outlined in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Rahimi (2024), which prohibits disarmament without a hearing before the firearms are seized. 

HB 12’s mandate for immediate firearm relinquishment upon service of an ERPO, without a prior hearing or judicial determination of a credible threat, conflicts with the due process requirements underscored in the Rahimi decision. The bill violates the constitutional guarantee of due process by allowing firearms to be seized based solely on an ex parte order—where the respondent has no opportunity to present their case.​

Moreover, empowering law enforcement officers to initiate these petitions based on information gathered during their official duties raises additional concerns. 

While purportedly intended to streamline the process, this provision could lead to potential abuses of power and the infringement of individual rights without adequate judicial oversight.​

The bill now heads to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk for a signature. 

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Report: NM is the only state losing economic freedom since 1981

29 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Rio Grande Foundation’s mission can be boiled down to one core principle: the advancement of economic freedom. In its most straightforward definition, economic freedom refers to the ability of individuals and businesses to make voluntary financial decisions and engage in free-market exchanges without undue government interference. Such interference can come in many forms—taxes, subsidies, wage mandates, excessive regulations, and other barriers that restrict free enterprise and personal choice.

The concept isn’t new. For decades, the Canada-based Fraser Institute has been a global leader in measuring and analyzing economic freedom through its flagship reports, Economic Freedom of the World and Economic Freedom of North America. These reports consistently show that countries, states, and provinces that rank higher in economic freedom outperform their peers in numerous ways. As the Rio Grande Foundation points out, jurisdictions that protect economic freedom tend to experience stronger economic and population growth, lower poverty rates, better environmental outcomes, and even improved gender equality.

A recent collaborative report by the Rio Grande Foundation and the Fraser Institute shines a concerning light on New Mexico. The study, which is the first of its kind, specifically focusing on the Land of Enchantment, reveals that New Mexico stands alone in an alarming trend. “New Mexico, unique among US states, has seen a decline in overall economic freedom since 1981,” the report states.

This gradual erosion of economic freedom has not been without consequence. According to the findings, New Mexico’s relative stagnation in both economic and population growth can be directly linked to its declining economic freedom. In comparison to neighboring states such as Texas, Arizona, and Colorado—which have generally moved in the opposite direction by reducing regulations, cutting taxes, and creating more business-friendly climates—New Mexico has lagged behind.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other economic indicators underscore this reality. While states that prioritize economic freedom tend to attract more residents and businesses, New Mexico has struggled to keep pace, both in terms of population influx and job creation. Between 2010 and 2020, for example, Texas grew by nearly four million people, while Arizona added over 700,000. Meanwhile, New Mexico saw only modest population growth, adding just over 58,000 residents during the same period.

The Rio Grande Foundation argues that this is no coincidence. They believe policies such as persistent tax hikes, heavy-handed regulations, and restrictive labor laws have created an environment that is less attractive to both entrepreneurs and workers. “Economic freedom is at the heart of prosperity,” they contend, and New Mexico’s continued decline in this area could spell further economic stagnation unless policymakers change course.

In summary, the Rio Grande Foundation’s report serves as a warning—and a call to action—for New Mexico’s leaders to embrace reforms that prioritize economic freedom. By doing so, they argue, the state could unlock its full economic potential and reverse decades of slow growth.

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