New Mexico

Violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua expands to NM: Inside its ATM theft ring

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The violent prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), originally from Venezuela, has expanded its influence across multiple states, including New Mexico. The gang, notorious for crimes like kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking, has been linked to a nationwide ATM theft ring, with incidents reported in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, as well as in Colorado, South Dakota, and other states.

In New Mexico, local law enforcement has been collaborating with federal agencies to address these crimes. Investigations reveal that the TdA network targets financial institutions with sophisticated techniques, such as “jackpotting” ATMs—hacking machines to release large amounts of cash.

Doña Ana County officials reported several suspicious ATM thefts this year believed to be connected to the gang’s operations.

This criminal activity is part of a broader, multi-state effort led by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and other agencies to dismantle the gang’s operations. Local authorities in New Mexico have expressed concern over the gang’s ability to exploit vulnerabilities at the border, allowing its members to enter the U.S. illegally.

The Biden administration has faced criticism for the record number of Venezuelan migrants crossing the southern border, some of whom are believed to have ties to TdA. In some communities, they are taking over apartment complexes and areas of towns.

In July, the U.S. Treasury Department classified TdA as a transnational criminal organization, freezing its assets and sanctioning its leaders. New Mexico officials have taken this designation seriously, partnering with state and federal agencies to disrupt the gang’s activities within the state.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas recently declared TdA a foreign terrorist organization, emphasizing its threat to public safety nationwide. The designation has prompted states like New Mexico to increase vigilance, especially in areas near the border where gang-affiliated migrants may attempt to establish operations.

As law enforcement agencies continue to investigate, the U.S. State Department has offered significant rewards for information leading to the capture of key TdA leaders. These efforts aim to curtail the gang’s violent influence, which spans multiple states, including New Mexico and threatens local communities through its involvement in ATM theft, drug trafficking, and other crimes.

Violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua expands to NM: Inside its ATM theft ring Read More »

Victory for NM heritage: Judge demands city restore Santa Fe plaza monument

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A state district judge has ordered the city of Santa Fe to remove the wooden box and shrubbery surrounding the remnants of the Plaza obelisk within 30 days unless the city requests and secures a stay. The ruling, issued Friday by District Judge Mathew Wilson, also directs the city to either rebuild the Soldiers’ Monument within 180 days or consider alternative options, potentially prolonging the contentious debate over the monument’s fate.

The decision, which follows months of deliberation after a trial in the case, is a significant victory for Union Protectíva de Santa Fé, a historic preservation group that sued Santa Fe far-left Democrat Mayor Alan Webber and the city over the monument’s destruction during Columbus Day in 2020.

Wilson’s ruling supports the group’s claims that the obelisk is protected under the state Prehistoric and Historic Preservation Act and that any changes to the monument must adhere to the act’s guidelines. The city’s actions—including a proclamation calling for the obelisk’s removal and the construction of the large protective box—were deemed noncompliant with the act.

In his decision, Wilson stated that obscuring the obelisk violated state laws protecting historic sites. He described the monument as “an integral part of the aesthetic, character, and history of the Plaza.”

Erected in 1868, the Soldiers’ Monument honors Union soldiers from the Civil War. In 2020, Mayor Webber called for the obelisk’s removal, along with other monuments in the area, including a Kit Carson memorial (which was violently attacked) and a statue of Don Diego de Vargas (which was removed in the dead of night and stashed in a city worker’s yard until it was removed to the history museum), amid growing protests by radicalized out-of-state “activists.” Later that year, the monument was toppled during a protest, and the city’s subsequent efforts to address the issue have repeatedly faltered.

Friday’s ruling was met with approval from Union Protectíva members and others advocating for the monument’s restoration. Daniel Ortiz, founder of the Hispanic Anti-Defamation Association, expressed hope that the decision signaled “the end of cancel culture on the Plaza.”

Attorney Kenneth Stalter, who represented Union Protectíva during the trial, called the ruling “a victory for the rule of law and for the preservation of our shared history.”

“The Court’s ruling underscores that government entities must follow established legal processes when altering historic sites,” Stalter said. “The Soldiers’ Monument holds deep cultural and historical value for the Santa Fe community, and today’s judgment ensures that it will once again be visible as a central feature of the Plaza, where it belongs.”

The judge’s decision allows the city to choose from several options regarding the monument’s future.

Victory for NM heritage: Judge demands city restore Santa Fe plaza monument Read More »

Major NM county removes marijuana testing for new employees

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Bernalillo County, encompassing Albuquerque and home to approximately 672,000 residents, has recently amended its Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy. The county commissioners unanimously voted to exclude marijuana—when used legally off-duty for medical or recreational purposes—from its definition of illegal drugs. Consequently, most public employees will no longer undergo pre-employment or random workplace testing for marijuana.

While this policy shift aligns with actions taken in other municipalities such as Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, as well as states like California, Connecticut, and New York, it raises significant concerns regarding workplace safety and productivity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents and 85% more injuries compared to those who tested negative.

Furthermore, the absence of reliable testing methods to determine current impairment from marijuana use complicates the enforcement of workplace safety standards. Unlike alcohol, marijuana metabolites can remain in the body for extended periods, making it challenging to assess whether an employee is under the influence during work hours. This issue has been highlighted by workplace safety experts, raising concerns about potential liability for employers.

The decision by Bernalillo County also sets a precedent that may influence other counties in New Mexico. However, it’s important to note that the state’s Cannabis Regulation Act does not prohibit employers from maintaining drug-free workplace policies. Employers retain the right to discipline employees for being impaired by or possessing marijuana on the job, as noted in guidance from the Employers Council.

The implications of similar policy changes in other states are concerning. For instance, in Vermont, a medical marijuana user was terminated from his job after testing positive for cannabis and was subsequently denied unemployment benefits. This case highlights the potential legal and ethical dilemmas employers face when balancing employee rights with workplace safety.

Moreover, the trend of removing marijuana from drug testing panels has been linked to increased instances of employees attempting to subvert drug tests. A report by Quest Diagnostics indicates that workers are cheating on drug tests at the highest rate in more than 30 years, with marijuana being the most commonly detected substance.

Major NM county removes marijuana testing for new employees Read More »

Stansbury fights tears in video after power play blows up in her face

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a Tuesday video posted to X, a clearly shaken and bitter-sounding far-left Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-CD-1) held back tears, announcing that she had failed to secure a committee leadership role in the House Committee on Natural Resources, losing by default to Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) after she quit the race before the vote.

“On Tuesday, Stansbury withdrew from the race, leading to a unanimous vote by the full Democratic caucus in support of Huffman,” the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

According to Axios, “House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee voted to recommend Huffman for the role, according to sources familiar with the matter,” adding, “The choice still has to be approved at House Democrats’ full caucus meeting – though steering picks are rarely rejected in those votes.”

In an X video, Stansbury whined that she “spent literally my entire career working at the nexus between the environment, social justice, and our communities.”

“And there were three contested races, and three women ran, including myself. And one of the reasons I ran is because in the 220 years there has been a public lands committee, there has never been a woman in charge. But unfortunately, one, only one woman won [a] leadership race today — that was Angie Craig — who won the ag race.” 

Stansbury earned the endorsement of outgoing Natural Resources Ranking Member Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), who is a socialist, along with all members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation except Sen. Martin Heinrich, who refused to back her in the contest. 

Heinrich is actively mulling a run for the governorship, while Joe Biden’s Interior Sec. Deb Haaland is setting the groundwork for a formal launch after she falls from power in January when the Donald J. Trump administration is inaugurated.

Stansbury fights tears in video after power play blows up in her face Read More »

Economist outlines why NM’s green dream is a ‘regressive tax’

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent op-ed by Kenneth Costello, a regulatory economist, has sparked debate over New Mexico’s aggressive clean energy policies. Published on Master Resource, the piece criticizes the state’s Energy Transition Act (ETA – also known as its Green New Deal), and related mandates, arguing they impose higher energy costs on consumers, especially low-income households, while providing minimal environmental benefits.

Costello’s critique begins with a sobering assertion: “New Mexico has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. Higher energy prices are, in effect, a regressive tax that places low-income households in the state in peril.” He argues that the ETA’s stringent renewable energy mandates, which require 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050, will significantly raise electricity rates. The burden of these increased costs, he notes, will fall hardest on the state’s most vulnerable populations.

The piece outlines three “hard truths” that Costello believes should shape New Mexico’s energy policy. The first is that New Mexico’s clean energy efforts will have “no climate benefit” due to the minimal impact a single state’s actions have on global climate change. Costello references data showing that even if the entire Paris Agreement were fully implemented, it would only reduce global temperatures by 0.17 degrees Celsius by 2100. He points out that unless large emitters like China and India fully participate, state-level initiatives are effectively symbolic and economically self-destructive.

The second “truth” is that clean energy mandates drive up prices. Costello argues that the ETA creates a “moral hazard” for utilities like the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), which is allowed to recover costs associated with shutting down fossil fuel plants. This incentivizes PNM to comply with costly mandates while passing expenses on to ratepayers. “The losers from this bootleggers-and-Baptists coalition are energy consumers,” Costello writes, highlighting how utilities face reduced accountability under the ETA’s cost-recovery provisions.

The third truth concerns the “cost-benefit failure” of clean energy mandates. Costello contends that clean energy policies like tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy mandates fail any rigorous cost-benefit analysis. By prioritizing special interests and “quasi-religious” climate activism over practical economics, New Mexico’s policies ignore the financial toll on residents and the broader state economy.

Costello’s op-ed critiques the “specious reasoning” behind clean energy advocacy, asserting that politicians and the media exaggerate climate threats to justify costly policies. He argues that scientific uncertainty is often downplayed in public discourse, while media coverage inflates the likelihood of worst-case climate scenarios. “One must then ask why New Mexico is so committed to promoting clean energy?” Costello asks, suggesting that rent-seeking special interests, not the public good, are driving policy decisions.

Highlighting examples from other regions, Costello warns that New Mexico risks following in the footsteps of California and Germany, where aggressive clean energy policies have led to skyrocketing energy costs and economic decline. He points to data showing that electricity rates in California’s major cities increased by as much as 63% from 2020 to 2023. Germany’s “Energiewende” program, he notes, has similarly driven up power costs while diminishing the nation’s industrial competitiveness.

The op-ed concludes with a cautionary note about the unintended consequences of government-led energy transitions. Costello emphasizes that effective energy policy must balance costs and benefits, account for economic trade-offs, and prioritize the well-being of consumers. Without these considerations, he warns, New Mexico risks further economic hardship, especially for low-income households, and will see “diminished economic efficiency, lower economic growth, and amplified economic inequality.”

Kenneth Costello’s analysis offers a stark warning for New Mexico’s policymakers as they push forward with their clean energy agenda. His call for greater scrutiny of energy mandates echoes broader national debates on the economic impact of green energy policies.

Economist outlines why NM’s green dream is a ‘regressive tax’ Read More »

NM braces for political showdown between Haaland and Heinrich

32 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is reportedly preparing a bid for New Mexico’s governorship in 2026, setting up a potential high-profile showdown with Senator Martin Heinrich, per an Axios report. The move would thrust New Mexico into the national political spotlight as the two influential Democrats vie for control of the state’s executive office.

“Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is quietly preparing to run for governor in New Mexico, setting up a potential Democratic showdown with Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in 2026,” wrote the outlet.

Haaland’s candidacy could draw significant attention and financial backing from national donors eager to maintain Democratic control of the governor’s office. Haaland’s tenure as Interior Secretary, however, has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed to ethical concerns and questionable decisions that could cloud her campaign.

During her time as Secretary, Haaland faced backlash over her handling of oil and gas leases on federal land. Her role in halting drilling permits drew criticism from industry leaders and state officials concerned about New Mexico’s heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues. Additionally, reports of favoritism in awarding federal grants raised ethical red flags, with some questioning her judgment and transparency.

Fresh off a third-term Senate win, Heinrich brings political capital and over 20 years of political careering. As a sitting senator, he can maintain his position in Washington, win or lose. If he wins the gubernatorial race, Heinrich could appoint his own successor in the Senate, bolstering his political clout within the party.

“They’re both very popular. Deb Haaland is well-liked in New Mexico, well-liked in so many spheres,” Senator Ben Ray Luján told Axios. “Martin is going to come at this with resources, but Deb has a strong base with people back home. When Deb runs, Deb wins, she finds a way to win.”

While Luján’s remarks emphasize Haaland’s local appeal, her tenure in Washington may be subject to greater scrutiny. Unlike Heinrich, Haaland’s role as a Cabinet member under President Biden limits her ability to officially announce a run until the end of the president’s term on January 20, 2025. However, insiders say she’s already laying the groundwork for her campaign, with allies quietly building momentum.

If Heinrich enters the race, he’ll face a tough choice: stay in Washington as a ranking member of the powerful Senate Energy Committee or pursue the governorship. Stepping down would mean giving up seniority in the Senate, something Senator Luján highlighted as critical. “I’ve always been taught that seniority matters, especially in the United States Senate — and New Mexico’s leadership exemplified that,” Luján said.

Despite Heinrich’s political strengths, Haaland’s campaign could lean on her popularity with far-left voters. However, she’ll have to contend with scrutiny over her Cabinet tenure. Critics will likely raise issues related to her federal decisions on natural resource management and ethical lapses that surfaced during her time in office, as well as her decision to ban land around Chaco Canyon from Navajo Nation residents — crippling their economy.

With a year until the campaign can formally kick-off, Haaland’s backers hope to capitalize on her local support base. In contrast, Heinrich’s role in the Senate could tie him to Washington’s hectic schedule, giving Haaland a head start in New Mexico. Heinrich primarily lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

As the Democrat primary approaches, New Mexico leftists will face a decision between two powerful figures with sharply different records. For Haaland, questions of ethics, transparency, and economic impact during her time as Interior Secretary may become key battlegrounds. For Heinrich, the challenge will be balancing his Senate duties with a state campaign and deciding whether to leave behind the influential post he’s built over a decade in Washington.

New Mexico’s gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a contentious contest between two Democratic power players. Haaland’s controversial record as Interior Secretary will likely be a focal point of the campaign, while Heinrich’s decision to prioritize the governorship over Senate seniority will be scrutinized. Both candidates bring unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the table, promising a primary that will be anything but ordinary.

NM braces for political showdown between Haaland and Heinrich Read More »

AARP backs job-crushing NM ‘paid family and medical leave’ legislation

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session approaches, the leftist AARP New Mexico has made its priorities clear — and at the top of the list is a push for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Despite repeated failures in past legislative sessions, AARP is doubling down on its support for this controversial policy. However, for New Mexico’s small business owners and job creators, this proposal represents a looming economic disaster.

PFML, championed by Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) and Reps. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), and Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) narrowly failed in the 2024 legislative session, falling just two votes short in the House. 

The plan involves the creation of a state-run fund, paid into by both employers and employees. Under the prior proposal, employees would contribute $5 for every $1,000 they earn, while employers would be forced to match it with $4 for every $1,000 in payroll. Workers would be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave to address personal health issues, care for sick loved ones, or even adjust to the arrival of a new child.

The reality of PFML is far from rosy for New Mexico’s small business community. Mandating these contributions amounts to a payroll tax hike, hitting employers where it hurts most — their bottom line. For many small businesses already operating on razor-thin margins — and still recovering from Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s brutal COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns — this could mean cutting employee hours, freezing hiring, or even closing their doors entirely.

AARP’s push ignores the economic strain this policy would place on the very people it claims to help. 

This isn’t the first time New Mexico’s legislature has flirted with job-crushing PFML policies, and each prior attempt failed for good reason. Lawmakers recognized the burden it would place on small businesses, many of which are still recovering from the financial setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The notion that businesses can easily absorb additional costs reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how small enterprises operate.

For seniors and older New Mexicans, AARP’s position raises eyebrows. Many seniors rely on small businesses for part-time work, and a PFML mandate could slash these opportunities. This is one of the reasons why an increasing number of older Americans are turning away from AARP in favor of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC).

Unlike AARP, which aligns with progressive policies that threaten economic growth, AMAC takes a more pro-business, pro-senior stance. AMAC advocates for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and policies that protect, rather than punish, job creators. For seniors looking for an organization that respects small businesses and the livelihoods they support, AMAC is a refreshing alternative.

AARP’s advocacy for PFML may come wrapped in the language of compassion, but the economic consequences are anything but kind. It would produce harmful, unintended effects: lost jobs, shuttered small businesses, and fewer opportunities for seniors seeking employment. If New Mexico’s legislature failed to pass it before, it’s because they recognized these risks.

As the legislative session unfolds, New Mexicans should watch closely. Will lawmakers stand with small businesses, or will they bow to AARP’s job-crushing agenda? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: Seniors and small business owners alike deserve better than a policy that threatens to crush New Mexico’s economy.

AARP backs job-crushing NM ‘paid family and medical leave’ legislation Read More »

Ahead of imminent gubernatorial run, Heinrich snubs Stansbury

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury has received the backing of nearly every member of New Mexico’s all-Democrat congressional delegation in her campaign to become the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. However, one prominent figure remains notably silent on the matter.

While U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez have all publicly supported Stansbury’s bid to become the leading Democrat on the committee, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich has chosen not to take a stance.

“Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury is an incredible leader who’s dedicated her career to championing the issues affecting communities in New Mexico and across the country,” Heinrich said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. While acknowledging Stansbury’s qualifications, Heinrich emphasized his decision to remain neutral in the matter. “I am not a member of the House and do not weigh in on House leadership races, but I wish her the best as she seeks this position,” he stated.

Stansbury’s campaign to lead the House Natural Resources Committee has drawn attention, as it would position her as a key voice on matters affecting public lands, environmental policy, and natural resource management—critical issues for New Mexico. The role of ranking member is significant, especially in a politically divided Congress where the party in the minority seeks to assert influence over legislative priorities.

The decision by Heinrich to abstain from offering an endorsement is noteworthy. While it’s common for senators to refrain from involvement in House leadership races, the fact that the rest of New Mexico’s delegation has publicly supported Stansbury highlights the contrast. Some political observers may view Heinrich’s silence as a neutral stance, while others might interpret it as strategic discretion.

However, Heinrich is known to meddle in many contests across the state, including endorshing his hand-chosen candidates in Democrat primaries, including far-left Rep. Gabe Vasquez, to the chagrin of many of his party. It appears that with the governorship in his sights, Heinrich is distancing himself from Stansbury, who is a far-left extremist.

Stansbury’s rise in the House has been swift since her election in 2021 following Deb Haaland’s resignation to head Joe Biden’s Department of the Interior. Known for her activism in water policy and “environmental” issues, she has sought to leverage her background to secure a leadership role on the Natural Resources Committee. As the ranking member, she would be responsible for leading Democratic efforts on key environmental legislation and pushing back against the Republican majority.

With three of New Mexico’s four congressional Democrats backing her bid, Stansbury’s path to the position seems well-supported by New Mexico Democrat members of Congress. However, Heinrich’s decision not to offer an endorsement leaves room for speculation about internal dynamics within New Mexico’s congressional delegation. 

Ahead of imminent gubernatorial run, Heinrich snubs Stansbury Read More »

MLG’s turbulent Cabinet shrinks yet again with latest defection

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration is experiencing a notable pattern of high-level departures, raising concerns about stability within key state agencies. The latest resignation is that of General Services Department Secretary Robert Doucette Jr., who will step down at the end of the year after less than a year in the role. 

Doucette’s exit marks the fourth Cabinet-level resignation in as many months, underscoring a troubling trend. Health Secretary Patrick Allen resigned abruptly in November after serving less than two years. 

September saw the departures of Aging and Long-Term Services Secretary Jen Paul Schroer and Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero stepping down amid critical periods for their departments. 

This pattern of turnover is familiar to Lujan Grisham’s tenure. Since her inauguration in 2019, the administration has seen a revolving door in key positions. For instance, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is now seeing its fourth secretary in five years, a stark contrast to the previous administration, which had only two education secretaries over eight years. Mariana Padilla was appointed to be the governor’s fifth pick to lead the NMPED.

The Health Department has also faced instability. Before Allen’s brief tenure, the department was led by multiple secretaries in quick succession, including Kathy Kunkel and Dr. Tracie Collins, who departed amid the governor’s brutal COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. 

Such frequent leadership changes have raised questions about the administration’s ability to maintain consistent policy direction and effectively manage state affairs. As New Mexico approaches a 60-day legislative session, the absence of stable leadership in critical departments could hinder the state’s capacity to address pressing issues.

While some turnover is expected in any administration, the rate at which key officials are exiting under Governor Lujan Grisham’s leadership is unprecedented.

MLG’s turbulent Cabinet shrinks yet again with latest defection Read More »

Big promises, bigger waste: Inside MLG’s extravagant NM budget ask

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recently unveiled $10.9 billion budget proposal is being marketed as a major investment in New Mexico’s future, but a closer look reveals troubling trends of fiscal irresponsibility, misallocation of funds, and misplaced priorities. While the administration touts its commitment to issues like homelessness, child care, and infrastructure, critics argue that the governor’s reckless spending, fueled by oil and gas revenues she simultaneously seeks to undermine, is setting New Mexico up for long-term instability.

The proposed budget represents a $720 million, or 7%, increase in state spending compared to the current fiscal year. Since Lujan Grisham took office in 2019, recurring state spending has skyrocketed by a staggering 45%. Such ballooning expenditures would be unsustainable for most states, but New Mexico’s budget is propped up by record-breaking oil and gas production from the Permian Basin—a source of revenue that accounts for 35% of the state’s total income.

This irony is not lost on many critics. On one hand, Lujan Grisham’s administration has made a habit of demonizing the oil and gas industry, promoting aggressive “climate” policies and stricter regulations. On the other hand, the state’s financial health remains dependent on that very industry. It’s a double standard that has left many New Mexicans questioning the governor’s true intentions.

Despite this influx of oil-fueled billions, many believe the money isn’t being spent wisely. Instead of prioritizing savings or trust funds (such as the rainy day fund) that could support future generations, Lujan Grisham’s proposal calls for sweeping expenditures on initiatives that have yet to prove effective. For example, the $50 million allocation for rental assistance and homeless shelters is a drop in the bucket compared to the scope of New Mexico’s housing crisis, and similar expensive policies tried out in other states prove to be ineffective or even more harmful than the original crisis. Without structural reforms or measurable outcomes, such one-time cash infusions risk becoming wasteful handouts with no lasting impact.

State employees and public school workers are set to receive pay raises under the plan—3% for teachers and education workers and targeted raises for state employees. It’s unclear if these raises are being distributed in a manner that addresses critical staffing shortages or high-need areas.

The governor’s budget also calls for significant investments in “behavioral health” programs, including $100 million to expand mental health and substance abuse facilities. While no one doubts the importance of behavioral health, critics argue that much of this money could end up in bureaucratic limbo. Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, who chairs the New Mexico House Appropriations Committee, insists lawmakers are making “very significant” investments in behavioral health, but without clear accountability measures, it’s hard to see how New Mexicans will directly benefit.

Another point of contention is the proposal’s handling of tax relief. Despite New Mexico’s multi-year revenue boom, the governor’s budget offers no specific calls for tax cuts or rebates. In contrast, Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, a top budget official, has criticized past rebate checks as a “waste of money” and argues that excess funds should be funneled into trust funds to generate future investment returns. Muñoz’s perspective highlights a fundamental divide between short-term giveaways and long-term financial stewardship.

Meanwhile, the state’s public education system—already consuming 44% of the budget—would receive even more funding under Lujan Grisham’s plan. Despite a notable drop in statewide school enrollment, the governor proposes expanded funding for universal school meals, summer reading initiatives, and a $150 million investment in Native American education over three years. While improving educational outcomes is essential, critics argue that increased spending without addressing enrollment declines could lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

Supporters of the governor’s approach highlight the creation of trust funds as a silver lining. For instance, an early childhood trust fund established with a $300 million allocation in 2020 now boasts a projected $9.6 billion balance. But this success story is not replicated in all areas of the budget. In contrast, other trust fund contributions, such as $50 million for rural hospitals and $110 million for federal matching funds, come with less clarity on how they’ll be managed or evaluated.

The contradictions in Lujan Grisham’s fiscal strategy are hard to ignore. She’s banking on oil and gas revenues to support a spending spree while simultaneously pushing policies to limit that very industry’s future in New Mexico. Instead of ensuring that excess funds are saved or invested wisely, the governor’s plan leans heavily on headline-grabbing initiatives that may have little long-term impact.

New Mexico House Republicans noted, “All the creative accounting in the world can’t hide the BILLIONS of your tax dollars just sitting in the hands of Santa Fe politicians.” 

With the 60-day legislative session set to begin on Jan. 21, lawmakers will have their chance to amend or reject portions of this bloated budget. As debate heats up, New Mexicans deserve answers on how their oil- and gas-derived tax dollars are being spent—and how much of that money is being squandered on initiatives that lack accountability, oversight, and lasting value.

Big promises, bigger waste: Inside MLG’s extravagant NM budget ask Read More »

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 … 222

Stay Updated

Scroll to Top