New Mexico

Democrat lawmaker takes Gov. Lujan Grisham to court 

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A Democrat representative in New Mexico, State Representative Miguel P. García (D-Albuquerque), has taken legal action against Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham over her veto of significant portions of an omnibus tax bill during the 2023 legislative session. García filed a petition in the New Mexico Supreme Court on September 6, 2023, seeking to declare the governor’s actions unconstitutional. To assist in this legal challenge, García enlisted the support of a lawyer and former New Mexico Senator Jacob Candelaria (I-Albuquerque).

The focus of the legal action is House Bill 547, which García contends is primarily a tax bill, not a bill appropriating money. He argues that Governor Lujan Grisham exceeded her limited line-item veto authority by striking down most of the bill, including provisions related to tax proposals to exempt more Social Security retirement income from State Income Tax.

House Bill 547 was a substantial piece of legislation during the recent legislative session, spanning over 100 pages. It sought to bring about various changes, including adjustments to the state’s income tax brackets, establishing a single corporate income tax rate, and introducing tax credits for a wide range of workers. This bipartisan effort was hailed as one of the most comprehensive tax reforms in recent years.

However, when the bill reached the governor’s desk, Lujan Grisham exercised her veto power to eliminate significant portions, including the proposed changes to the state’s income tax brackets. In her message to the legislature explaining her decision, she expressed concerns about the overall sustainability of the tax package, citing potential impacts on essential services and programs such as education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure.

Despite her veto, the governor did acknowledge her support for specific aspects of the bill. She emphasized her approval of portions that provided one-time tax rebates, increased the child income tax credit, enhanced the benefits of the film tax credit, and expanded the health practitioners’ gross receipts tax deduction. According to her statement, these measures aligned with her commitment to supporting working families, the healthcare system, and the state’s economy.

KRQE News 13 reached out to the governor’s office for a response to the legal challenge seeking to overturn the vetoes. In response, Caroline Sweeney, the governor’s press secretary, issued a statement acknowledging the right of New Mexicans to use the judicial system for seeking change and stated that they anticipate the suit will be dismissed after a judge’s review.

The legal dispute centers on interpreting the New Mexico Constitution, which grants the governor the authority to veto entire bills and approve or disapprove parts of any bill appropriating money. The petition argues that this language prevents the governor from vetoing portions of a tax bill like House Bill 547, which does not appropriate money. Candelaria contends that while the bill does mention money, such as tax rebate checks approved by lawmakers, a separate law appropriates those funds.

It remains to be seen when the New Mexico Supreme Court will address this issue, as there is no specific time obligation outlined in the state’s court procedures under Rule Set 12.

NM responds to ​​Gov. Lujan Grisham declaring a ‘gun violence’ emergency

46 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a “gun violence” “public health emergency” on Thursday, as well as shelling out $750,000 taxpayer dollars on new gun grabs, which she did by the stroke of a pen in an executive order.

The governor used an 11-year-old boy’s tragic murder on the way home from a baseball game as the pretext for her order. 

Here’s how New Mexicans responded to Lujan Grisham’s latest attempt at clinging to more power:

New Mexico House Republican Leader Ryan Lane (R-Aztec) wrote, “It is unfortunate that the Governor has decided to politicize the death of an 11-year-old to push her anti-gun agenda. What’s likewise unfortunate is that with billions in revenue this state has not funded meaningful criminal justice reform including addressing reckless pre-trial release policies and behavioral health rehabilitation. The Democrat’s policies have created and exacerbated the crime crisis that is literally killing New Mexicans daily. It is unacceptable that it has taken this long to notice the number of everyday New Mexicans that are being affected by criminal violence.”

State Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) wrote on X, “If only @GovMLG cared about the high number of babies and children that have died from Fentanyl overdose in New Mexico.”

“Or cared about the 599 overdose deaths each year, putting New Mexico 45.89% higher than the national average OD death rate. Or if she had pushed for the increased penalty bills for criminals with guns that I cosigned with Rep Bill Rehm. Or pushed for the ‘tough on crime’ bills that we presented.”

She added, “If only she cared enough to look at other states and how they have successfully lowered crime with task forces in high-crime areas that target criminals with guns.”

One person wrote, “What are you going to do to stop violent criminals? Guns are inanimate and in no way, shape, or form commit violent crime. People commit crime and it’s cowardice to blame inanimate objects. Not fooled.”

“This is on YOU.  You have created the crisis. The Constitution CANNOT be suspended because of a State public emergency that you have no authority to initiate & make up based on the policies YOU put into place,” another wrote, adding, “THE CHILD’S BLOOD IS ON YOU & THOSE THAT SUPPORT YOUR INSANITY. OWN IT. Because I guarantee I will let everyone know about throughout NM. You will not be able to escape the truth of what you are responsible for. I will not be silent.” 

“Disregard and flatly ignore NM Executive Order 2023-130,” wrote state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo).

The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association wrote, “For years, our Governor has constantly attacked law enforcement and peaceful gun owners while violent crime spiraled out of control. With every legislative measure passed, the problem has only become worse. This only stops when violent criminals are held accountable.”

Here are some other notable replies to Lujan Grisham’s latest order: 

Lujan Grisham declares ‘gun violence’ emergency, uses $750K for gun grabs

Lujan Grisham declares ‘gun violence’ emergency, uses $750K for gun grabs

37 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a public health emergency in New Mexico, cloaking it in the tragic murder of an 11-year-old boy on his way home from a baseball game. 

“The time for standard measures has passed,” she wrote. “Today, I am declaring gun violence a public health emergency in New Mexico.” Gov. Lujan Grisham emphasized what she perceived as the need for additional action to combat the escalating gun violence.

“I want to know that local officials are giving the epidemic of gun violence the attention it deserves. I want to know that every parent is making sure their guns are locked up. I want to know that district attorneys and judges are using every tool at their disposal to hold bad actors accountable. I want to know that every gun store is not allowing straw purchases. I want to know that every law enforcement agency is using our red flag law,” she added in the long-winded statement.

The governor called on citizens to demand change from their communities, friends, and elected leaders, urging them to get involved and speak out against “gun violence.” She pledged to provide more details on this public health emergency in collaboration with law enforcement and criminal justice leadership.

Governor Lujan Grisham has scheduled a meeting to determine immediate actions to snatch guns in New Mexico communities. She also made a plea to Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging them to take swift action to combat the illegal flow of drugs and guns into the state and provide additional federal resources. She even claimed she “begged” Garland for additional federal agents. 

The governor noted that the executive order “provides $750,000 to state agencies for the purposes of quickly reducing gun violence and encourages mayors, sheriffs and other officials… request additional emergency funding from the state as well.”

Lujan Grisham has been actively seeking federal assistance since June 2022, and she claims she recently sent her fourth letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate resources to combat violent crime in New Mexico.

The executive order and accompanying press release were light on solutions to help with New Mexico’s mental health crisis.

Police raid Hobbs facility linked to disgraced abortionist

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In Hobbs, a controversy has erupted surrounding an office space allegedly rented by abortionist Steven Brigham. The office was linked to the Freedom Care abortion facility on the 4th floor of the Turner Street Don Garey Tower office building. This facility was reportedly evicted in July due to unpaid rent, resulting in Brigham’s breach of contract lawsuit against the landlord.

The situation is complicated, with allegations of deceptive practices. According to the landlord’s counterclaim, Brigham misrepresented the purpose of the rented space, initially claiming it was for specialty medical doctors, including cardiologists, without disclosing his true intention of operating an abortion mill. Moreover, Brigham was accused of concealing substantial unpaid liens and judgments.

Steven Brigham has a history of association with multiple abortion facilities across the United States, including the American Women’s Services chain in Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia, the Capital Women’s Services in D.C., and the recently closed American Family Planning. His practices have faced scrutiny for various violations, including health and safety issues, abortion-related injuries, and lawsuits. Brigham has also encountered legal troubles, including murder charges related to discovering late-term aborted fetuses in a freezer at one of his facilities.

It is worth noting that Brigham has had his medical license revoked, suspended, or relinquished in multiple states, and he is not licensed to practice medicine in New Mexico.

The registration of the Hobbs facility, referred to as NM Medical Offices, LLC, doing business as Freedom Care, raised questions about its true purpose. According to court documents, the facility’s stated business purpose did not match its activities. The facility planned to offer first-trimester surgical abortions and dispense the abortion pill for pregnancies up to 12 weeks — two weeks longer than the FDA’s approved limit.

Additionally, the facility claimed that clients would meet with female healthcare providers. The controversy surrounding this facility intensified when it was revealed that Steven Brigham had signed the lease initially negotiated in October 2022.

Local pro-life advocates believe that Brigham chose Hobbs due to its proximity to an airport and states with stronger protections for children in the womb, namely Texas. Hobbs residents were working to pass a Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn ordinance when Brigham’s facility entered the community. Based on the federal Comstock Act, the ordinance aimed to prevent the shipping and receiving of abortion-inducing drugs and abortion paraphernalia. Although similar ordinances were passed in other cities and counties in New Mexico, legal challenges have emerged, raising questions about local autonomy and federal law compliance.

Concerns regarding the Hobbs facility arose when pro-life activists discovered its existence. The landlord, who resides in Texas, claimed to have been unaware of Brigham’s involvement and the abortion plans. The landlord took swift action to terminate the lease due to unpaid rent, locking the abortionist out of the property. This move also alleviated concerns about potential criminal liability under Texas’ Heartbeat Law, which allows civil enforcement against individuals aiding and abetting abortions.

Law enforcement is now investigating the situation, with a sealed search warrant executed at the Hobbs facility, according to Live Action. The controversy highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding abortion facilities, deceptive practices, and local ordinances in the United States.

Teacher fumes after NM school bans ‘Pride’ flags, other ‘political messages’

75 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A New Mexico high school teacher is triggered about the Rio Rancho Public School District (RRPSD) decision to ban the display of the Pride flag on classroom safe space signs as part of a policy aimed at eliminating “political messages” from educational spaces and apparently cracking down on grooming children.

The policy came to light when the principal of Cleveland High School sent an email to all teachers instructing them to remove the Pride flag from safe space signs and display only the school logo. This directive aligns with the district’s new guidelines.

Safe space signs, often featuring the Pride flag, are supposedly intended to create “inclusive” and “supportive” environments for “LGBTQ+” students. The anonymous teacher from Cleveland High School expressed confusion and disappointment about the change, telling KOB 4, “I’m not sure where this is coming from. Why did signs have to change or what, like, why they have to be these new signs which completely are inadequate in signaling anything that’s meaningful for students.”

The teacher emphasized the supposed importance of these safe spaces, claiming, “LGBTQ students, the statistics are really clear, they experience more bullying, and as a result, are more likely to experience mental health issues or suicidal ideation. And so safe spaces are places where students feel they can just be themselves.”

In response to the policy change, RRPSD is reportedly instructing teachers to remove pronouns from their email signatures, allowing only their title and name.

Alexander Grey via Unsplash.

When questioned about the policy shift, RRPSD provided a statement emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The statement indicated that the district’s goal is to maintain unity and inclusivity without singling out specific groups.

“We believe that all buildings, classrooms, and playgrounds should be safe zones,” the statement reads. “We are all unified in this effort and chose not to represent one group of students individually from another but rather each school is unified in their support of ALL students regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, spousal affiliation, physical or cognitive disability or any other distinguishing characteristic; or on an association with a person, or group with any person, with one or more of the actual or perceived distinguishing characteristics.”

The RRPSD oversees 20 schools and serves approximately 16,000 students. The district’s decision has sparked debate about the balance between promoting inclusivity and preventing perceived political messaging within educational institutions.

NM ranked one of the worst states for money and well-being

23 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico has found itself among the states ranked as some of the least favorable places to live regarding money and financial well-being — joining other low rankings for the Land of Enchantment. According to a comprehensive analysis by GOBankingRates, factors such as crime rates, property and income taxes, unemployment, and overall cost of living were considered to determine the states where your money may not stretch as far as elsewhere in the country.

The study incorporated data from various trusted sources, ranging from NeighborhoodScout for crime statistics to ATTOM Data for property tax rates. Additionally, data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other reputable sources were included in the assessment.

Hawaii took the unenviable top spot as the worst state for financial well-being. Hawaii’s overall cost of living is a staggering 79 percent higher than the national average, with healthcare and grocery prices soaring 18 percent and 25.6 percent above the norm, respectively. Despite these challenges, Hawaii does boast the lowest average state property tax rate in the country and a relatively lower violent crime rate.

Often seen as a land of rugged beauty, Alaska holds the second position on this list. It has the second-highest violent crime rate in the nation, and its overall cost of living is 24.4 percent higher than the national average, with groceries and healthcare costs soaring 27.4 percent and 49.8 percent above average, respectively. However, Alaska does not impose an income tax, offering some financial relief.

Washington, D.C., while not a state but an influential territory, finds itself in the mix due to concerning statistics across various parameters. D.C. has the highest violent and property crime rates among all 50 states. It also imposes the third-highest average state income tax rate and reports the second-highest unemployment rate at 5.74 percent. Additionally, the cost of living in the nation’s capital is 48.7 percent above the national average.

California, another state with a high cost of living, houses the largest number of unemployed individuals at 1.6 million. It ranks in the top five for unemployment rates in the nation, with an overall cost of living 34.5 percent higher than the national average. The state also grapples with a relatively high debt-to-income ratio.

Unfortunately, New Mexico stands out for having one of the country’s highest violent crime rates and property crime rates. Additionally, it reports the third-highest poverty rate among all U.S. states. While its overall cost of living isn’t significantly above the national average, healthcare costs in New Mexico are nearly on par, at 99.6 percent.

The study also highlighted other states, including Maryland, Louisiana, New York, and South Carolina, for various economic challenges, such as high property tax rates, elevated income tax rates, high crime rates, and significant poverty levels.

While these rankings provide a snapshot of the financial landscape in each state, it’s essential to consider individual circumstances and preferences when evaluating the best places to live based on financial factors.

Far-left Dems seize Labor Day to advocate for more socialism in NM

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrats in the New Mexico Legislature used the Labor Day holiday to demand more socialism in New Mexico, this time wanting paid medical leave.

Senate President Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) wrote in a Las Cruces Sun-News op-ed that they think “it’s time for a New Mexican Paid Family and Medical Leave.”

“Our push in the last legislative session for Paid Family and Medical Leave got more support than ever before. We were disappointed it didn’t become law this year, but we have not given up the fight because we know New Mexico workers deserve this important benefit,” they insisted. 

They plugged a far-left extremist group in its upcoming event that will advocate for the passage of the extreme socialist proposal, “We encourage you to join Southwest Women’s Law Center for one of their series of Town Halls across the state to share how access to Paid Family and Medical Leave would impact your family.”

S.B. 11, sponsored by the lawmakers, died at the hands of Democrats in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, with Reps. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup) and Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) rejected the proposal with multiple concerns. In the Senate, Sens. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque) and George Muñoz (D-Gallup) voted against the bill.

Terri Cole of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce said the legislation would impose a “large escalating tax” on workers and employers, as reported by the Albuquerque Journal. The bill’s fiscal impact report (FIR) noted a shocking $516 million deficit in the fund would accrue by the 2028 budget year. 

Other concerns from stakeholders include the vagueness of the language in the bill and expanding the scope of coverage to any “blood” relative of the person in question.

“UNM also says the definition of a family member in Section 2.G (5), indicating that a family member is “any other individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee or employee’s spouse or domestic partner is the equivalent of a family relationship” broadens the federal definitions of family members under the Family Medical Leave Act and leaves some ambiguity in terms of how the department will interpret this language.  As written, it appears to open the door for paid FMLA to care for a parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, and potentially individuals such as cousins or cousins-in-law, depending on the Department’s interpretation of “blood” and “affinity” in this section,” according to the FIR.

Still, the far-left, led by Stewart, is hell-bent on ramming through “paid family leave,” likely in the next 30-day legislative session, which begins in January. 

Hispanic group’s leader savages Santa Fe mayor over monument vandalism

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

This week, vandals attacked the Kit Carson monument that sits in front of the federal courthouse in Santa Fe, just years after other key monuments have been taken down or destroyed by extremist anti-Hispanic hate groups. 

The Soliders’ Monument that previously sat in the Santa Fe plaza was viciously attacked and destroyed by droves of domestic terrorists, many of whom were from out of state. The leftist Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies gave the attackers a slap on the wrist and no jail time. 

The statue of Don Diego de Vargas, which previously sat in Santa Fe’s Cathedral Park, was removed in the dead of night in 2020 with the help of Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

All of these monuments’ removal was advocated for by Santa Fe’s far-left Democrat Mayor Alan Webber.

In 2018, The Red Nation successfully convinced the leftist City of Santa Fe officials and the Fiesta Council to cancel the “Entrada” pageant, re-enacting the peaceful reconquest of Santa Fe by Don Diego de Vargas over 300 years ago.

Now, the Hispanic fraternal group La Union Protectiva’s president, Virgil Vigil, is speaking out after the latest violent attack on yet another monument.

He wrote in a Santa Fe New Mexican letter to the editor, “Just over two years ago, Mayor Alan Webber publicly promised he would remove the Don Diego de Vargas statue, the Soliders’ Monument, and the Kit Carson Monument. The mayor needs to be recognized and congratulated for accomplishing what he set out to do.”

The snarky response lays blame at Webber’s feet for the three iconic monuments’ displacement and/or destruction due to the leftist mayor being the chief supporter of their removal.

Santa Fe Kit Carson monument toppled in ‘cowardly act’

Controversial former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson dead at 75

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Bill Richardson, the former Democrat New Mexico governor, 2008 presidential candidate, and former diplomat, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his summer residence in Chatham, Massachusetts, at the age of 75.

Mickey Bergman, Vice President of the Richardson Center, announced Richardson’s passing. Bergman praised Richardson’s hand in intervening in international diplomacy far after he left office.

During his years of diplomatic engagements, he held meetings with figures such as Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, Hugo Chavez, and even a few Kims from North Korea.

Jon Franks, who collaborated with Richardson on various efforts to secure the release of Americans detained abroad, including Trevor Reed, a former Marine held in Russia in 2019, mourned the passing of his mentor and friend. Richardson’s dedication to the cause of reuniting families separated by unjust detentions left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire efforts in the same vein. Richardson is survived by his wife, Barbara.

Far-left Democrat U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez mourned Richardson’s passing, calling him a “titan in New Mexico and abroad.”

Richardson’s controversial tenure as governor left the state with a plethora of new state departments and gave the governorship power over education, which plummeted achievement in the state to be the worst in the nation. 

Richardson was also listed in deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s “little black book,” and had many allegations lobbed against him regarding sexual impropriety.

In a 2016 deposition, Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein sex worker claimed she was instructed “to go to (former U.S. Sen.) George Mitchell, (modeling agent) Jean-Luc Brunel, Bill Richardson, another prince that I don’t know his name. A guy that owns a hotel, a really large hotel chain, I can’t remember which hotel it was.” She claims she was told by Epstein and the billionaire’s “madam” Ghislaine Maxwell to give the former governor “erotic massages.” 

Dozens of accusers say they were underage, some as young as 14, when Epstein allegedly sexually abused them. Richardson denied the accusations.

Epstein purchased a secluded, 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch in southern Santa Fe County, which, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, “he purchased from former Gov. Bruce King in the early 1990s. On that property is a 26,700-square-foot hilltop mansion as well as a small airplane hangar and airstrip.” 

Epstein called on Richard Branson and Bill Gates to appear alongside him during a 2014 panel about money’s origins at Arizona State University, according to an email from theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss at the time.

According to the Daily Mail, “It was Krauss who revealed this news in a 2013 email to Jim Simons, asking the famed mathematician if he might be interested in a spot on the same panel.

Krauss wrote to Simmons that Epstein was coordinating the panel on the Origins of Money, and said ‘right now he has Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Larry Summers on board.’”

SOS Toulouse Oliver ‘reviewing’ ways Trump could be booted from NM ballot

39 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to a report by Democrat blogger Joe Monahan, far-left New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s office is “reviewing the legal theories” that could boot 45th President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 election ballot.

ABC News reported, “The argument to disqualify Trump from appearing on primary or general election ballots in 2024 boils down to Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which states that an elected official is not eligible to assume public office if that person ‘engaged in insurrection or rebellion against’ the United States, or had ‘given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof,’ unless they are granted amnesty by a two-thirds vote of Congress.” 

Despite an extreme amount of exonerating evidence showing that Trump was not guilty of any crimes on January 6, 2021, with explicit directions to rally attendees to be peaceful while calling on then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi for higher security at the U.S. Capitol, Toulouse Oliver is trying to use this trick to keep Trump off of the ballot.

“We’ve been getting inquiries into our office about this. All candidates for [the] 2024 elections are required to file with our office in February 2024. We are aware of and are reviewing the legal theories regarding the 14th Amendment that conclude Donald Trump is ineligible to run for President,” Toulouse Oliver’s office wrote to Monahan.

“If Donald Trump files in New Mexico to run for President, we will make a determination at that time based on our understanding of New Mexico law and the requirements to run for office in New Mexico. Any determination about a specific candidate’s eligibility for the ballot will be made after the candidate filing day in February 2024,” the statement continued.

“Some Dems would relish keeping Trump off of the NM ballot but other more pragmatic ones point out that Biden has already beaten Trump here once and stands a good chance to do so again. That might not be as easy with another GOP presidential nominee, although the Dem would be favored over any R in blue NM,” wrote the blogger.

The news comes days after a poll commissioned for the far-left New Mexico Political Report found the 45th President within single digits of Joe Biden, showing that Trump’s support in the state is significant. 

New leftist poll shows Trump polling within within single digits of Biden in NM
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