New Mexico

In embarrassing blow to MLG, judge strikes down overreaching education rule

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Public Education Department’s (PED) proposed “180-day rule” has been officially struck down. Fifth Judicial District Judge Dustin Hunter ruled on Monday that the department’s mandate for all public school districts and charter schools to implement a 180-day instructional calendar “does not align with the Legislature’s clear intention.”

“The PED lacks the authority to implement a rule mandating a minimum number of instructional days for public school districts and charter schools,” Hunter stated in his decision.

The ruling comes after over a year of opposition from school administrators, educators, and lawmakers who challenged the agency’s authority to impose such a requirement.

The controversy began in May 2024, when a coalition of New Mexico school superintendents filed a lawsuit against NMPED, arguing that the mandate constituted “executive overreach.” The lawsuit, backed by over 50 school districts, claimed that enforcing a 180-day school calendar would eliminate four-day school weeks, which are widely used in rural communities.

Stan Rounds, executive director of the New Mexico School Superintendents Association, previously warned that under the new rule, “If you do a four-day week under the new rule, you essentially will have to go to school about 49 of those 52 weeks.”

Superintendent Johnna Bruhn of Mosquero Municipal Schools voiced concerns about the logistical and financial burdens the rule would impose. “The issue is, it’s going to be an increase in travel time and an increase in costs and an increase in the burden on the students and the staff,” Bruhn explained.

Parents and community members also objected to the change. Ronald Dixon, a grandparent of students in Grady, opposed the extended schedule, saying, “I just totally object to it because they don’t give the kids an opportunity to rest, as well as the teachers, and give everybody a break.”

Despite widespread opposition, NMPED defended the 180-day mandate, citing improved student performance in districts that voluntarily adopted extended calendars. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also backed the policy, arguing that increasing instructional days would help boost academic outcomes across the state.

However, the court ultimately rejected the department’s arguments, ruling that the mandate conflicted with a state law passed in 2023, which sets instructional requirements at 1,140 hours per year but does not specify a required number of school days.

In his ruling, Judge Hunter emphasized that the Legislature, not the Public Education Department, holds the power to set educational policies. He also pointed to the repeal of a 2009 law that originally established a 180-day requirement, noting that lawmakers had intentionally chosen not to reinstate such a mandate.

Furthermore, the judge highlighted that PED delayed implementing the rule for over a decade, suggesting that even the department had doubts about its own authority. This delay was acknowledged in a December communication to the Legislative Finance Committee.

As a result, the court issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the enforcement of the 180-day requirement and directing NMPED to approve school budgets that comply with existing legal standards.

The court has given both parties ten days to submit additional findings supporting the decision. A scheduling discussion has also been set for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to address the case’s next steps.

With the ruling now in place, New Mexico school districts can continue operating under their current calendars without being forced to adopt a longer school year.

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Pro-illegal immigrant rally to take place at Roundhouse Monday

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According to a report from the Santa Fe New Mexican, pro-illegal immigrant groups will hold events, including a march from the Santa Fe Railyard to the Capitol, where they will rally to stand with illegal aliens who have broken the nation’s laws to be in the United States. 

The report notes that the annual event is called the “Immigrant and Workers’ Day of Action.”

“The event, organized by Somos Un Pueblo Unido, includes a march and a rally. The march is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at Railyard Park, followed by the rally a half-hour later on the east side of the Roundhouse,” the outlet reported.

The group’s website claims to want “ICE outside of New Mexico prisons,” writing, “We are avoiding hundreds of deportations by approving cutting-edge prison policies in five counties that end collaboration with ICE and prohibit the use of ICE arrest warrants to violate the civil rights of immigrants.”

“We are co-directing local and state campaigns to secure more than $25 million in cash assistance for 25,000 families excluded from federal cash aid programs by COVID-19, so that undocumented (illegal alien) taxpayers are eligible for the Fiscal Credit for Working Families of New Mexico and to ensure tax refunds for families in difficulty.”

The group has chapters in eight New Mexico counties to promote harboring criminal aliens, per the group’s website. It also frequently shares information for illegal aliens on its social media platforms on ways that criminal aliens can evade ICE.

Far-left Democrat U.S. Rep. Gave Vasquez is a major supporter of the far-left group, entertaining the organization’s open-border ideology. Others who have cuddled up to the group include Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Melanie Stansbury, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, and many state lawmakers, to name a few.

Somos Un Pueblo Unido is funded by multiple entities, including the Rockefeller Foundation ($500,000 grant), the Marguerite Casey Foundation ($250,000 grant), and even the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development ($70,000), the Kellogg Foundation ($65,000), among others leftist groups. 

“We will celebrate immigrants’ invaluable contributions to New Mexico and demand stronger protections for immigrant workers and their families and deeper investments in workforce development opportunities for low-wage workers,” a news release purports to state, according to the New Mexican.

Conversely, the Monday rally would be an ideal opportunity for a raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as the event is sure to include multiple participants who are illegally in the state. 

Under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, tens of thousands of criminal aliens have already been apprehended, with them making their way back to their countries of origin after illegally entering the country and violating the United States’ sovereignty. 

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Crime, healthcare access fuel reasons NM near bottom of states for retirees

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New Mexico has once again landed near the bottom of a national ranking for retirement-friendliness, according to a new report from WalletHub. The state ranked 46th overall, making it one of the worst places for retirees to settle down, largely due to concerns about affordability, quality of life, and healthcare. The ranking places New Mexico ahead of only Washington, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky, which was ranked the worst state for retirees in 2024.

The report compared all 50 states across 46 key metrics to assess their suitability for retirees, focusing on factors such as cost of living, healthcare access, and overall well-being. 

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo stated, “Retirement is supposed to be relaxing, but it can also be incredibly stressful given that it typically puts people on a fixed income, which may not be enough for them to live comfortably.” The study aimed to help retirees identify where they could maximize their retirement savings while enjoying a high quality of life.

Why New Mexico Scores Poorly

Despite its sunny climate and relatively low property taxes, New Mexico struggles in several key areas that are essential for retirees. One of the biggest concerns is healthcare access. The state ranked 33rd in healthcare, with relatively few high-quality medical facilities and a shortage of geriatric specialists. The cost of in-home care and assisted living services are also higher than in many other states, making long-term healthcare more expensive for aging residents. The high cost of medical malpractice insurance due to the Democrat-dominated legislature’s action has also astronomically skyrocketed the cost of health care and reduced the number of practitioners in the state.

Another factor working against New Mexico is its high crime rate. While many retirees prioritize safety when choosing where to settle down, the state has one of the highest violent crime and property crime rates in the country. This factor significantly impacts its quality-of-life ranking, which came in at 45th place nationally.

Affordability is another pressing issue. While New Mexico does not tax Social Security benefits for higher-income individuals, it still ranks poorly in retirement affordability (38th place overall). The cost of groceries, utilities, and transportation has risen in recent years, stretching fixed-income retirees thin. With inflation driving up everyday expenses, seniors in New Mexico may find their savings do not go as far as in other states like Florida or Wyoming, which both scored high on the list.

Comparing New Mexico to Other States

Florida was ranked as the best state for retirees, thanks to its low taxes, high number of recreational opportunities, and quality healthcare services. Florida’s lack of estate, inheritance, and income taxes makes it an attractive option for retirees looking to preserve their wealth. In contrast, New Mexico does not offer the same level of financial incentives, making it less competitive for those looking to stretch their retirement savings.

Other states that performed well include Minnesota, Colorado, and South Dakota, which all offer a combination of good healthcare, safety, and strong financial incentives for retirees. Meanwhile, nearby states like Texas and Arizona ranked higher than New Mexico due to stronger economies, better healthcare access, and lower costs of living.

Future Implications for Retirees in New Mexico

With the state continuing to struggle in areas critical for retirees, policymakers may need to address these issues to make New Mexico a more attractive destination for aging residents. This could include improving healthcare access, increasing safety measures, and providing better financial incentives for retirees to remain in the state.

As rising costs and economic uncertainty continue to affect retirees nationwide, those considering New Mexico may want to carefully evaluate how well the state aligns with their long-term needs. With 46th place on the list, the Land of Enchantment may not be the best choice for those looking for a stress-free and financially secure retirement.

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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.

This week has probably been one of the busiest I’ve ever had at the Legislature. The far-left Democrats are attempting to ram through as many bad bills as possible, and they have gone to the committees I sit on. Here’s what has been happening around the Roundhouse.

To watch my summary of what happened this week, please click here or on the thumbnail below, and you can follow along in the video with the below information:

Monday — On Monday, we had a floor session, read legislation into the record, and then followed up on constituent requests. I also got prepped for the bills we were to hear in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee (HCPAC).

Tuesday — In the morning, I presented my bill to the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee to have renewables (such as solar and wind) pay their fair share in excise taxes, where we had a very good debate on the merits of the legislation and disproved Big Rewewables’ talking points that these industries were “baby industries” and that taxation would crush them, despite them being well-established in the state for nearly 30 years. The bill, unfortunately, died on a 6-4 party-line vote.

On the House floor, we celebrated oil and gas with a memorial that affirmed the industry’s contribution to the state coffers and to the economy, especially in terms of over 31,000 direct jobs and a total of 100,000 direct and indirect jobs to the state’s economy.

That afternoon, in HCPAC, Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and I debated bills that would expand the anti-gun “red flag” laws (H.B. 12), a bill to criminalize the second-hand sale of tickets at non-profit events (even if the money was being given back to the nonprofit) as a felony (H.B. 26), a bill that would ban librarians from removing pornographic books targeting children or else face revocation of state funding (H.B. 27), and H.B. 4, which revamps the state’s criminal competency law to help hold defendants who are not fit to stand trial (to somewhat alleviate the catch and release issue that plagues our state). All bills passed on 4-2 votes, with Rep. Lord and I voting against all but H.B. 4, which passed unanimously. The committee lasted for seven hours.

Wednesday — On Wednesday, we heard multiple bills in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee (HGEIAC), where we heard a proposed constitutional amendment (H.J.R. 1) that would require the legislature to meet in two 45-day sessions each legislature instead of the current 60-day session on odd-numbered years and a 30-day session on even-numbered years, which would give the ability to resurrect legislation that was not acted upon in the previous statement at its current place — giving bad legislation even more time to ram through horrific leftist bills. I voted against it.

The second proposed constitutional amendment, H.J.R. 2, would make the governor give a reason for each veto (eliminating the pocket veto), but without clear guidelines as to why such a veto was made. The resolution passed the committee with me as the only objection due to the lack of clarity; thus, it is not ready for passage. I only vote for ready legislation that will make a difference. Another bill that we voted on was H.B. 47, the enabling legislation to constitutional amendments to increase veteran and disabled veteran property tax exemptions passed in the last election. I am working with other legislators on legislation to reimburse counties for the revenue shortfall.

Thursday — On Thursday, Rep. Lord and I again battled for your rights in HCPAC, where we debated a slew of terrible bills, including bans that did not meet federal regulations on conversion devices that allow you to shoot rounds in a semi-automatic firearm faster (H.B. 38), a bill to not allow adults who had juvenile records relating to firearms from accessing their Second Amendment rights despite rehabilitation (H.B. 39), and a convoluted, confusing, and anti-business bill that would effectively put “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) into all predictive artificial intelligence in the state, making the AI industry mandatorily woke (H.B. 60). All of these we voted against, but the Democrats passed them on party-line votes. The only good bill presented was H.B. 50, which penalizes carjackers, which is needed because the state is at the top of the rankings for carjackings. A similar bill from last year died on a party-line vote despite Democrats sponsoring the legislation.

Friday — On Friday, in HGEIAC, we heard H.B. 69, a bill to comply with federal law regarding teacher student loan forgiveness, which passed the committee without opposition. We also heard H.B. 75, a bill that purports to increase funding of county and tribal health councils, but the increase in funding is by over 1,500% and also integrates “the intersection between health and climate change,” which I did not support because I don’t believe politics should be tied with health care. The expert on the bill also bashed the Trump administration and claimed “everyone is a DEI hire,” which further cemented my opposition to the bill, which now appears to be a way to push climate change and DEI propaganda into our healthcare industry. Politics has no business interfering with New Mexicans’ health care, period.

Later in the day, I presented a bill (H.B. 44) to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee to protect children from harmful material (pornography) by reasonable verification methods for sites that have this graphic content. The bill had much support and input from opponents, and so I am working with other legislators and stakeholders on tightening the language so it will get a do-pass vote from the committee later this session.

The Week Ahead — Watch out for the week ahead, as many bad bills are coming to the committees that will encroach on your rights, harm our state’s economy, and keep New Mexicans vulnerable. Those include the evil H.B. 35, dubbed the “children’s health protection zones” bill that will annihilate all oil and gas production in the state, being heard in the Energy committee on Tuesday, a horrible resolution to open the state up to lawsuits galore over “climate” with passage of the “Green Amendment,” being heard in HGEIAC on Monday, and the horrible red flag expansion to further erode your Second Amendment rights being heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, to name a few. Rep. Lord and I will also be presenting our Constitutional Carry bill (H.B. 83) in HCPAC on Tuesday. Please show up to testify in support. To access the latest calendar of House bills (which includes Zoom login information and committee times), please click here.

All schedules for the House and Senate can be accessed by clicking here.

To access all of my proposed legislation and the status of each bill, please 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

Representative John Block
NM House District 51
Republican, Otero County

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Amid legislative session, MLG once again flees state for DC

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As New Mexico lawmakers press forward in the 60-day legislative session, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is once again absent from the state, choosing instead to travel to Washington, D.C., for meetings with national Democratic groups.

The governor, who spent much of last year crisscrossing the country stumping for former Vice President Kamala Harris, left for the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) winter meeting on Thursday, her office confirmed. The DNC is set to elect a new chair on Saturday after a disappointing election cycle in which Democrats lost both the White House and control of Congress. Lujan Grisham is also scheduled to attend a Democratic Governors Association (DGA) meeting before returning to New Mexico on Sunday.

Lujan Grisham’s latest departure is just one of many. Throughout her tenure, she has frequently left New Mexico for national and international political events, personal vacations, and out-of-state fundraisers, raising concerns that she is more focused on national ambitions than the needs of New Mexicans. 

Her out-of-state trips have included multiple visits to Washington, D.C., high-profile climate summits in Scotland, and extensive campaigning in other states, all while major crises—including rising crime, education struggles, and economic downturns—plague New Mexico.

This trip comes as some Democrat governors have been pressuring Senate Democrats to take a more aggressive stance on President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees.

Despite regularly leaving the state, Lujan Grisham did not directly address the Trump administration during her State of the State Address, a stark contrast to her past criticisms of Trump’s policies, particularly regarding health care. This could be due to the state’s dire dependence on federal dollars, which is the most dependent state in the entire country. 

Whether she is positioning herself for a future role in national politics or simply avoiding the mounting challenges back home, the governor’s repeated absences are becoming hard to ignore. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales once again assumes the role of acting governor in her absence, as required by the state Constitution—a role he has had to fill many times before due to her frequent out-of-state trips.

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Luján humiliates himself during RFK, Jr. confirmation hearing

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In a trainwreck of a question and answer session during the confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), found himself stumbling through a misguided line of questioning that once again showcased his lack of understanding of federal departments and legislative authority. The hearing, which took place before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, saw Luján trying and failing to corner Kennedy on Medicaid policy, only to be corrected in real-time by the nominee himself.

Luján, a senator who has made a habit of attempting — and failing — to stump Trump officials on issues outside of their purview, asked Kennedy whether he would cut Medicaid if President Trump requested it. Keeping his composure, Kennedy responded by pointing out the obvious: “Oh, it’s not up to me to cut Medicaid. It would be up to Congress.” The blunt correction left Luján momentarily flustered before he attempted to brush past his embarrassing blunder with an awkward laugh and a hasty retreat: “Mr. Kennedy, you don’t want to answer? I’ll move on.” But the damage was done, and his credibility took yet another hit.

This isn’t the first time Luján has exposed his lack of knowledge of Medicaid and its oversight. In a previous hearing, he tried to corner Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with a similar question about the federal healthcare program, only to be reminded that Medicaid falls under the jurisdiction of Congress—not the Treasury Department. Rather than learning from his mistake, Luján appears to have doubled down on his ignorance, now directing his confusion at the incoming HHS secretary, whose role in Medicaid funding decisions is also limited.

Kennedy’s confirmation hearing was already bound to be contentious, given his independent streak and willingness to challenge establishment narratives on public health policy. Democrats, desperate to discredit him, have tried everything from smearing his record to attempting to trip him up with irrelevant gotcha questions. However, Luján’s fumbling performance only served to highlight the unserious nature of Democrat opposition to Kennedy’s appointment. Rather than engaging in substantive debate about Kennedy’s policies, Luján resorted to ill-prepared theatrics that only embarrassed himself.

Sen. Luján’s political career has long been propped up by nepotism rather than merit. The son of former New Mexico House Speaker Ben Luján, he has ridden his father’s political coattails his entire career. Rather than earning his way through legislative accomplishment or deep policy knowledge, Luján has consistently relied on the family name to ascend through the ranks of New Mexico’s Democrat machine. His latest misstep before the entire Senate further proves that he is in way over his head.

As Kennedy’s nomination moves forward, it remains clear that the Biden/Harris-era Democrat Party has little substance to offer in their opposition. Instead, they continue to flail through hearings, desperately searching for a moment to damage Trump’s picks but only succeeding in humiliating themselves. Sen. Luján’s latest faceplant is just another example of the intellectual bankruptcy plaguing Washington Democrats as they desperately cling to power in the face of Trump’s decisive leadership.

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Scandal-plagued Deb Haaland wants to be governor—But can NM afford her?

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According to an Axios report, former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is reportedly preparing to announce her candidacy for governor of New Mexico, according to sources close to her campaign. Haaland, a former congresswoman, is said to be actively organizing a team of experienced political operatives both from New Mexico and nationally, with Scott Forrester, a seasoned campaign manager, expected to lead her efforts. The move suggests she is positioning herself as the Democratic frontrunner for the race, which will likely attract significant attention given her national profile.

This development comes on the heels of far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich’s decision to remain in the Senate rather than pursue the governorship, a choice that spares Haaland from a potentially contentious primary battle. 

Heinrich, who is widely regarded as a key figure in the state’s Democrat Party, recently received praise from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his decision to stay in Washington, where he is seen as a crucial ally for advancing Democratic priorities. Although Heinrich has chosen not to endorse a candidate for the governor’s race at this time, his decision clears a path for Haaland to consolidate support among Democrats, particularly within progressive circles, unless a dark horse Democrat candidate comes out to challenge Haaland.

Despite the enthusiasm from “progressive” groups, Haaland’s candidacy is already drawing criticism from conservative voices and skeptics who question her suitability for the role. During her time as Interior Secretary, Haaland faced intense scrutiny over her policies, particularly her aggressive push to restrict oil and gas production, a critical component of New Mexico’s economy. 

Many argue that her actions demonstrated a lack of understanding of the state’s economic realities, prioritizing ideological environmental policies over the livelihoods of countless New Mexicans who depend on the energy sector. Her approach alienated many in the state, including those who saw her tenure as a direct threat to their economic stability.

Moreover, her time at the Department of the Interior was marred by allegations of ethical missteps and a series of controversies that called into question her leadership capabilities. Critics argue that Haaland struggled to effectively manage the complexities of her role, with her tenure marked by delays, mismanagement, and what many perceived as poor decision-making. Concerns about her mental fitness have also surfaced, with detractors pointing to moments of apparent confusion and incoherent public statements as evidence that she may lack the clarity and focus necessary to lead a state as diverse and challenging as New Mexico.

While progressive organizations such as EMILYs List have publicly praised Haaland as a “35th-generation New Mexican” and a leader who can deliver results (unknown what those are), many New Mexicans remain unconvinced. 

Her candidacy will likely polarize voters, forcing them to weigh her progressive credentials and national profile against the controversies and doubts that have followed her political career.

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NM Treasurer insults war vet senator as Legislature poised to increase her power

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New Mexico State Treasurer Laura Montoya, a Democrat, already no stranger to controversy, finds herself under renewed scrutiny as she takes on significant responsibilities managing a newly proposed $1 billion behavioral health trust fund if the Legislature passes the bill. 

On Thursday, Montoya addressed the New Mexico Counties Association’s Treasurers’ Affiliate, using the occasion to attack newly elected state Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho), an Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan. Montoya alleged that all veterans “except Jay Block” care about veterans’ issues.

According to Block’s campaign website, “He served for well over 20 years as a nuclear weapons officer, where he had the honor of being trusted with the country’s nuclear codes. Jay also volunteered for a combat tour in Afghanistan, commanded twice on foreign soil representing our country, and retired from military service in 2016 as a Lt Col.” 

The trust fund, backed by Democrat Sen. George Muñoz, the chairman of the powerful Legislative Finance Committee, aims to provide $50 million annually to address mental health and substance abuse treatment, infrastructure, and workforce development. While the fund is a critical step for New Mexico’s behavioral health initiatives, Montoya’s personal and professional history casts doubt on her ability to effectively oversee it.

Senator Block, a former Sandoval County commissioner, told the Piñon Post in response, “I’m amazed she wasn’t paying attention when I fought for a veteran services officer to meet veterans at the Sandoval County facility because we had no service officers in our county to help them with claims. I attend many veteran functions and am a lifetime member of my local Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled Veterans organizations.”

“I pushed hard for those constitutional amendments to pass to help our veterans; you never heard anything from Laura. As a retired Air Force officer, combat veteran, and disabled veteran, I would hope Laura would quit her continuous lies and harassment of me and focus on her own personal behavior with her ethics violations and toxic leadership in her own office.” 

“She’s been a mess as state treasurer. Everyone knows it, and even members of her own party have disowned her because of her ethics, lies, and behavior. Just ask her predecessor, fellow Democrat State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg. A good man and servant who is disgusted with Laura. But then again, there are many. Laura, clean up your own house before you start attacking veterans,” he concluded.

Montoya’s tenure as state treasurer has been marred by ethical violations and misconduct allegations. Most recently, the State Ethics Commission found that Montoya violated the Campaign Reporting Act during her election campaign, accepting a $10,000 straw donor contribution through a political committee but failing to properly disclose its source. The Commission stated, “Straw donor contributions… undermine transparency in our elections.” Montoya’s appeal of the decision was rejected, cementing concerns about her campaign practices.

Further tarnishing her record, Montoya has faced allegations of fostering a toxic work environment as Sandoval County treasurer. Former employees reported instances of verbal abuse, coercion to perform campaign tasks during work hours, and widespread turnover in her office. One former employee, Judi Walker, described Montoya’s behavior as “narcissistic and abusive,” citing a mass exodus of over a dozen employees under her leadership. Walker’s claims were backed by other staff members, including allegations that Montoya directed racist remarks at a Black employee.

Montoya’s personal history also raises eyebrows. In 2014, she faced a battery charge after allegedly biting and punching her boyfriend during an altercation. Montoya claimed self-defense, and the charge was ultimately dropped, but the incident continues to overshadow her career. Additionally, critics highlight her association with members of the Los Padillas gang, further amplifying concerns about her judgment.

As we previously reported, Montoya was photographed with members of the Los Padillas Gang, including Jerry Padilla, among other questionable figures. Read more about some of the Gang members’ federal guilty pleas here.

Her political adversaries, including former state treasurer and current Democrat Bernalillo County Treasurer Tim Eichenberg, have not held back in exposing her alleged misconduct. Eichenberg accused Montoya of accepting unemployment benefits while campaigning full-time, a charge Montoya denies, describing the attacks as “false and sexist” without a shred of proof to the contrary. 

However, allegations of financial mismanagement persist. Investigators recently discovered that Montoya delayed filing her biannual campaign finance report until October 26, well past the October 15 deadline. She previously waited until June to file a campaign report due in October of the following year — stringing together a pattern of carelessness for New Mexico laws — as she had the reigns of the state’s finances.

Despite her “proven track record” claims, Montoya’s legacy remains clouded by scandals and unresolved questions. With significant responsibility now placed on her shoulders to manage a billion-dollar trust fund to combat New Mexico’s behavioral health crisis, many question whether Montoya is the right person for the job. 

Her history of ethical violations, workplace controversies, and inflammatory rhetoric threaten to erode public trust as she navigates one of the most consequential roles of her career. Now, attacking a sitting state senator and decorated war veteran as not caring for veterans shows complete disrespect for the state’s legislative branch and the over 141,000 veterans in the state. 

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Days into the new Trump term, new border wall is already going up in NM

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Just days after President Donald J. Trump took office for his second term, the border barrier, which had previously been constructed but stopped under Joe Biden, resumed south of Deming, New Mexico.

With accompanying photos, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks wrote on X, “USBP actively strengthens border security by refining strategies to deliver effective impedance and denial capabilities, addressing illegal cross-border activity head-on.”

“Efforts like installing wall panels to fill critical gaps in Deming, New Mexico, exemplify our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and operational effectiveness. Agents drive these solutions by leveraging advanced technology and their ingenuity to adapt to evolving challenges, ensuring a more secure and managed border,” he continued. 

Biden let the building materials intended to finish the border barrier sit idly while millions of criminal aliens entered the country illegally due to the lack of security in key areas across the border — specifically in New Mexico. 

President Trump’s team quoted the X post writing, “The border wall is being built again — and it hasn’t even been a week since President Trump took office. PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!” 

Under President Trump’s leadership in this new term, thousands of criminal aliens are being apprehended and deported back to their countries of origin after the previous regime allowed them to run roughshod over communities, including violent gangs taking over apartment complexes and neighborhoods. 

New Mexico’s Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Democrat-dominated legislature have refused to take any border action, instead blaming the issue on the federal government and not appropriating money or resources to assist with the border catastrophe, despite pleas from Republican leaders to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis. 

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NM Dems push alcohol tax hike despite declining alcohol-related deaths

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Alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico have decreased for the second year in a row, according to data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). In 2023, the state reported 1,896 alcohol-related deaths, a notable drop from 2,067 in 2022 and 2,274 at the peak in 2021. New Mexico has made strides in reducing its grim statistics.

“The decline highlights the positive impact of targeted interventions, community partnerships, and policy initiatives designed to address alcohol misuse,” said NMDOH Chief Medical Officer Miranda Durham. She emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through expanded access to healthcare, substance use treatment, and prevention efforts.

Notably, McKinley County saw one of the steepest declines, with alcohol-related deaths dropping by 38% from 2021 to 2023.

Despite these improvements, Democratic lawmakers, with support from Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration, are moving forward with plans to raise alcohol taxes during the upcoming legislative session. The proposal seeks to increase alcohol excise taxes and impose a new 12% sales tax, which would significantly raise costs for consumers. For example, a bottle of vodka could cost $2.50 more, and Scotch whiskey prices might climb by $15 per bottle.

Proponents of the tax argue it would reduce alcohol consumption by 4% to 11%, though critics question the data and highlight the disproportionate impact on low-income New Mexicans. Additionally, in a November presentation to the interim Indian Affairs Committee, advocates of the tax controversially attributed alcohol harms to racial disparities in consumption and mortality. “Most alcohol in the state is consumed by individuals who are White, yet the highest mortality is observed among Indigenous, Hispanic, and Black individuals,” the presentation noted.

State Representative John Block (R-Alamogordo) has been vocal in his opposition, calling the proposal another example of government overreach. He criticized the governor’s simultaneous promotion of “Dry January,” where New Mexicans are encouraged to abstain from alcohol for the month. “Governor drunk on power wants you to join ‘Dry January,’” Block quipped, pointing to reports of Governor Lujan Grisham’s lavish taxpayer-funded alcohol purchases during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

For example, KOB reported that the governor’s office spent approximately $350 on alcohol purchases for a staff party, including beer, tequila, and wine. Critics have labeled this spending hypocritical, given the administration’s current push to raise taxes on alcohol consumers.

While alcohol-related deaths are declining, Democratic legislators appear intent on passing tax hikes that will raise costs for everyone, particularly harming working-class New Mexicans. As the legislative session ramps up, citizens should be prepared to fight this legislation or risk increasing everyday alcohol purchases by a massive margin.

NM Dems push alcohol tax hike despite declining alcohol-related deaths Read More »

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