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

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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. 

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

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.

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Vasquez promotes defunding ICE after vote against Laken Riley Act

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Democrat U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez from the Second Congressional District has come under fire for using his taxpayer-funded congressional office to promote materials from the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), an organization advocating for the defunding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Vasquez’s actions were highlighted just as he voted against the Laken Riley Act, a proposed measure aimed at bolstering border security. All three members of New Mexico’s delegation, including Vasquez, Teresa Leger Fernandez, and Melanie Stansbury, voted against the commonsense legislation. 

Vasquez shared the NIJC’s “Know Your Rights” toolkit on his official congressional account. This resource, aimed at guiding undocumented migrants on avoiding deportation, includes strategies for identifying law enforcement officers and declining cooperation with immigration officials. Critics argue that these tactics enable migrants to evade lawful detention and deportation efforts.

The NIJC, whose mission includes dismantling ICE and CBP, is clear in its stance against immigration enforcement. Their social media campaigns, such as the “#DefundHate” initiative, call for an end to Title 42 and advocate for the release of detained individuals. Screenshots of their website and social media posts showcase their explicit coaching of migrants on circumventing federal law enforcement.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) quickly condemned Vasquez’s promotion of the NIJC’s toolkit. Ben Petersen, an NRCC spokesperson, stated, “Gabe Vasquez betrayed voters and showed he’ll never secure the border. New Mexicans demand a representative who will secure the border, not this radical using his office to aid and abet illegal migrants.”

Petersen’s remarks underscore the NRCC’s position that Vasquez’s alignment with organizations like the NIJC undermines national security and contradicts his responsibility as a public official.

Vasquez’s promotion of the NIJC’s materials comes at a time when border communities in New Mexico are grappling with increased migration and strained resources. Critics argue that by opposing the Laken Riley Act, Vasquez signaled a lack of commitment to addressing these challenges. The bill, aimed at enhancing enforcement and border infrastructure, has received support from border-state Republicans seeking more robust measures to manage migration.

Supporters of Vasquez, however, claim that the NIJC toolkit is an essential resource for migrants seeking to understand their rights under U.S. law. They argue that ensuring humane treatment and protecting constitutional rights does not equate to endorsing illegal activity.

Vasquez’s promotion of the NIJC toolkit and his voting record on immigration enforcement have sparked questions about where his priorities lie and how they align with the needs of his district, especially as he attempted to rebrand himself as moderate during the last election.

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Heinrich makes decision on 2026 run for governor

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Far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich announced on Friday that he will not pursue a bid for New Mexico governor, opting instead to continue his work in the U.S. Senate. In his statement, Heinrich emphasized that the Senate “is where I believe I can have the most impact.”

“After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, constituents, and colleagues, I’ve decided to remain in the United States Senate,” Heinrich said. “It’s clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever — the stakes are simply too high.”

Heinrich highlighted his concerns about recent actions by former President Donald Trump, including his push to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants through an executive order and the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

“From fighting back against these harmful policies to defending the progress we’ve made lowering costs for working families, growing our economy, and keeping our communities safe, the Senate is where I believe I can have the most impact,” Heinrich added.

While critical of Trump’s policies, Heinrich noted that he remains willing to collaborate with the former president when appropriate but is prepared to oppose him on key issues.

Heinrich’s decision to remain in the Senate comes as a relief to Senate Democrats, who hold a narrow minority with 47 members. His choice also avoids a potential primary clash, as former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has reportedly been considering a run for governor in New Mexico.

Heinrich, who was reelected to a third Senate term in November, defeated Republican challenger Nella Domenici by a 10-point margin, further cementing his position as a leading figure for New Mexico in Washington, although his electoral victories have continued to slip.

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NM AG Raúl Torrez’s move to buck federal immigration enforcement

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In response to a federal decision that rescinded protections for sensitive areas—like churches and schools—from immigration enforcement, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez issued guidance ostensibly aimed at protecting such spaces from immigration actions. Torrez’s actions reflect a woke agenda prioritizing ideological goals over public safety and lawful immigration enforcement.

The guidance from Torrez’s office warns against disruptions in “spaces like schools and hospitals,” claiming such actions “jeopardize access to education, healthcare, and essential services.” This language suggests that the AG’s focus is less on enforcing immigration laws and more on shielding illegal immigrants under the guise of protecting public services. 

Torrez’s statement that federal actions “stain the reputation of a once-proud institution” further indicates a broader effort to undermine immigration enforcement in favor of leniency for those in the country unlawfully.

Torrez’s guidance also emphasizes the so-called anti-commandeering principle, stating that the Tenth Amendment prohibits federal authorities from compelling local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. The guidance creates unnecessary barriers to cooperation between federal and local authorities in upholding the rule of law.

The Attorney General provided specific guidance for various sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of worship, advising them on how to resist cooperating with federal immigration authorities. 

These recommendations, while framed as “support” for communities, effectively promote an open-borders agenda by discouraging collaboration with federal agencies tasked with enforcing immigration laws.

Critics accuse Torrez of prioritizing progressive talking points over the interests of law-abiding citizens. By emphasizing the potential “chilling effects” of immigration enforcement on undocumented individuals, the guidance disregards the safety and security concerns of communities affected by illegal immigration. 

Instead of ensuring that local law enforcement can partner with federal agencies to address crime—including those stemming from illegal immigration—Torrez’s guidance instructs local agencies to steer clear of federal cooperation, effectively tying their hands.

For instance, Torrez’s statement that federal detainers are merely “requests,” not legal mandates, encourages local agencies to ignore these requests despite the potential public safety risks posed by releasing dangerous individuals back into communities. This approach has drawn criticism from those who believe it undermines the integrity of law enforcement and places ideology above the welfare of New Mexico residents.

New Mexico, a border state, faces unique challenges tied to illegal immigration, including strain on public resources and risks to public safety. Yet Torrez’s guidance seems to dismiss these realities, focusing instead on limiting enforcement. By framing federal actions as harmful disruptions to sensitive areas, the Attorney General’s approach effectively creates sanctuaries for illegal immigrants, emboldening those who seek to evade accountability.

The guidance also raises questions about accountability and fairness. For example, while Torrez criticizes federal threats against local non-cooperation, he offers no alternative solutions for addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. His rhetoric of “protecting families” and “stability” for undocumented individuals appears to sideline the concerns of legal residents and taxpayers who expect their government to uphold immigration laws.

By painting immigration enforcement as an attack on vulnerable populations, Torrez seems more concerned with advancing a progressive narrative than addressing the practical challenges of immigration policy. His invocation of the Tenth Amendment, while legally grounded, is presented in a way that fuels mistrust of federal immigration authorities rather than fostering constructive solutions.

Furthermore, the guidance’s emphasis on “safe zones” for illegal immigrants, including schools and hospitals, risks undermining these institutions’ primary missions. Schools and healthcare facilities should focus on education and patient care, not be entangled in political debates over immigration enforcement. Yet Torrez’s guidance effectively transforms them into shields for those seeking to avoid lawful accountability.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s guidance reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing progressive ideology over public safety and the rule of law. By promoting policies that discourage cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Torrez not only undermines the enforcement of immigration laws but also places undue strain on local communities tasked with addressing the consequences of illegal immigration. New Mexicans deserve leaders who will uphold the law, protect public safety, and prioritize the interests of legal residents over the demands of a political agenda.

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What you need to know before the 2025 60-day legislative session

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The 2025 60-day legislative session in New Mexico is set to begin on January 21, and it promises to be a pivotal period for policymaking in the state. For people looking to stay informed and make their voices heard, here is a comprehensive guide on what to expect, how to get involved, and the key issues likely to dominate the session.

Opening Day: Tradition and Procedure

The session will officially kick off at noon on January 21 at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Opening day typically begins with ceremonial activities, including the Governor’s State of the State address, which outlines the administration’s priorities for the session. Legislators will be sworn in, and committee assignments will be finalized, setting the stage for the weeks ahead.

Conservatives are encouraged to attend the opening day to observe the proceedings and network with like-minded individuals. The atmosphere is lively, with stakeholders, advocacy groups, and citizens from across the state gathering to witness the start of New Mexico’s legislative process.

The Legislative Process: How It Works

The 60-day session is a time for lawmakers to introduce, debate, and vote on bills covering a wide range of issues. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  1. Introduction of Bills: Legislators draft and introduce bills, which are then assigned to committees for review.
  2. Committee Hearings: Bills are discussed, amended, and either approved or tabled in committee hearings. These are critical for shaping legislation.
  3. Floor Debates: Approved bills move to the House or Senate floor for debate and voting.
  4. Cross-Chamber Review: If a bill passes one chamber, it moves to the other for the same process.
  5. Governor’s Signature: Bills approved by both chambers are sent to the Governor for signing into law or veto.

Key Issues to Watch in 2025

For conservatives, some of the most pressing topics likely to arise include:

  • Second Amendment Rights: Potential debates over gun control measures, including changes to the red flag law and attempts to ban “high capacity” firearms.
  • Education Policy: Discussions around parental rights and school choice, while attempts to change funding will also be discussed.
  • Taxation and Regulation: Proposals impacting businesses and economic growth, including an attempted alcohol tax, among attempts to harm oil and gas via taxation.
  • Energy Policy: Renewable energy mandates versus traditional energy interests, including a “buffer zone” bill to ban oil and gas production within one mile of a school, among other measures.

How to Get Involved

Engagement is critical for influencing the legislative process. Here are practical steps for conservatives:

  1. Contact Your Legislators: Reach out to your representatives and senators to express your opinions on specific bills. Use email, phone calls, or in-person meetings. Find their contact information at the New Mexico Legislature’s website: NMLegis.gov
  2. Testify at Hearings: Public testimony is a powerful way to share your perspective. Check the committee schedules to find relevant hearings and sign up to testify in person or via Zoom, with the online meeting details available on the “What’s Happening” tab under “Calendars.”
  3. Submit Written Testimony: If you can’t attend a hearing, submit your comments in writing to members of committees, with contact information available on the website. Clearly state your position and back it up with facts and personal stories.
  4. Stay Informed: Follow legislative updates through news outlets (like ours), advocacy groups (like the NRA, New Mexico Business Coalition, Rio Grande Foundation, etc.), and the official New Mexico Legislature website. The Legislative Tracking System (LTS) is a valuable tool for monitoring bills.
  5. Join Advocacy Groups: Partner with organizations that align with your values to amplify your voice and stay informed about coordinated efforts.

What You Can Do on Opening Day

Attending opening day is a great way to start the session. Here’s how to watch it live:

  • Visit the NM Legislative website at 12:00 noon for the joint legislative floor session to begin. The live feed will be available via this link. 

The 2025 legislative session will shape the future of New Mexico. By staying informed, engaging with the process, and advocating for conservative principles, you can make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through testifying at a hearing, writing to your legislators, or joining a grassroots campaign, your voice matters.

Mark your calendars and get ready to make a difference. Together, we can ensure that conservative values are well-represented in Santa Fe.

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Leftists have embarrassing showing at tiny anti-Trump ABQ protest

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On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, a few hundred far-left radicals, many of whom were wearing pink “p***y” hats, “Palestine” flags, and anti-Trump gear, gathered in Albuquerque for what they branded as “The People’s March,” a thinly veiled attempt to stir unrest and oppose Trump’s presidency following his historic win last November.

The event, organized by the New Mexico Women’s March, aligned with other similarly radical demonstrations across the country, serving as a rallying point for extremist rhetoric and divisive policies — the same policies the American people largely rejected across the country. New Mexico shifted five points toward Trump in 2024, showing the massive unpopularity of failing left-wing policies. 

Samia Assed, chair of the New Mexico Women’s March, stood before the crowd, begging them to resist Trump’s leadership while ominously referencing his anticipated policy agenda. “A big responsibility lies on our shoulders, and we have to be up for it,” Assed declared, seemingly advocating for defiance. She continued, “Come Tuesday, President Trump will have his 100 executive orders ready for us. Project 2025 will unfold. Are we going to fight back?” This call to arms reflects a broader far-left agenda that prioritizes resistance over unity to solve problems.

Joe Biden’s lame duck U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a keynote speaker at the event, used the platform to further her political aspirations, reportedly positioning herself for a 2026 run for New Mexico governor. Haaland seized the opportunity to fan the flames of division, asserting that Trump surrounds himself with the “super-rich” who supposedly “look down on us and our communities” — talking points she incoherently read off a script.

“Our fight is not over,” Haaland proclaimed. “We will need to do the hard work of getting important things done and pushing back against an administration who couldn’t care less about regular people, about people like us.” Her remarks emphasized a partisan narrative while ignoring the widespread economic successes and opportunities fostered under Trump’s leadership.

The event featured a lineup of speakers notorious for their far-left ideologies, including U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, state Sens. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and Harold Pope, state Rep. Eleanor Chavez, Pueblo Action Alliance Executive Director Julia Bernal, and others. Their collective rhetoric painted an unrealistic, divisive picture of the Trump administration while promoting policies that many argue would harm working families and small businesses.

Adding fuel to the fire, pro-Hamas protesters made their presence known, brandishing radical slogans and signs in support of anti-Israel agendas. Others at the stage included members of the “Autonomous Brown Berets,” an extremist anti-police organization that has a New Mexico chapter. Their participation underscores the increasingly extreme nature of these so-called “progressive” movements.

Haaland’s final words encapsulated the march’s hostile tone: “We’re going to fight to remind people in power that they answer to us.” While Haaland and her allies claim to stand for the people, their rhetoric and actions suggest a commitment to political posturing rather than meaningful solutions.

Meanwhile, President Trump continues to champion policies to empower all Americans, create jobs, and foster prosperity. As Haaland and her extremist allies push for chaos and division to further their political ambitions, Trump remains focused on delivering results for the nation.

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As MLG enters her last 60-day session, Dem infighting likely to sink crime agenda

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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham enters her final 60-day legislative session with a sharp focus on addressing New Mexico’s crime crisis, which has escalated to unprecedented levels. Her push for a slate of public safety measures—including stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, firearm restrictions, and reforms to criminal competency laws—reflects an acknowledgment of the urgency to restore safety and accountability in the state. However, her own political decisions have created significant obstacles to achieving these goals.

During her tenure, Lujan Grisham orchestrated a reshaping of the Democrat caucus, targeting moderate, pragmatic lawmakers in primary elections and replacing them with progressive allies. 

While this move consolidated her influence, it also sidelined legislators who were more open to bipartisan approaches to crime policy. The result is a Legislature where many Democrats now vehemently oppose tougher penalties, preferring instead to focus on measures like expanded “behavioral health services” and “free” housing initiatives. This ideological shift has left the governor grappling with resistance from within her own party as she attempts to push through her public safety agenda, while also delivering on these ineffective, woke social programs that are proven not to aid in battling crime.

The fallout from last summer’s special session underscores the challenges of this political realignment. The governor’s proposals—ranging from stricter pretrial detention laws to reforms for handling mentally incompetent defendants—were met with a cold shoulder from the very lawmakers she helped elect. The session ended without a single bill advancing, an outcome the governor described as one of the most disappointing days of her career. Her frustration was palpable as she accused legislators of a “dereliction of duty,” but the impasse highlighted her inability to bridge the ideological divide within her own party.

“We all agree that there were a lot of sort of missteps before, in the calling [of the special session] and right after,” she said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. “Those missteps, on both sides, are not creating a perception that we can’t work together for any of us in this session. That should not translate to that my job is ever easy or that they think that I’m going to be a pushover. We’re going to come to, I think, the best balance that we’ve ever had. Let’s see if I’m right.”

Despite these setbacks, Lujan Grisham has shown determination to tackle crime. She has held town halls across the state to rally public support and has urged New Mexicans to pressure their representatives to act. Her administration has prepared up to 35 crime-related bills for the session, reflecting a comprehensive, if controversial, approach to addressing public safety. The governor’s emphasis on combating violent crime, holding repeat offenders accountable, and addressing gun violence through measures like assault weapon bans and stricter penalties for felons in possession of firearms resonates with many New Mexicans fed up with the status quo.

However, the governor’s vision faces significant hurdles. Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups remain skeptical of approaches that punish violent criminals, clinging to the belief that they fail to address the root causes of crime and may infringe on constitutional rights. 

Resistance has also emerged from law enforcement leaders and judges, who question the feasibility of implementing some proposals given the state’s limited behavioral health infrastructure and workforce shortages, according to the New Mexican. 

Even within the Democrat leadership, there is a reluctance to fully embrace Lujan Grisham’s agenda, with Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth cautioning against rushing into measures that could have unintended consequences.

“These are complex, really tricky constitutional issues,” Wirth said. “You can’t pass laws if the infrastructure is not there to get the people the help they need.”

Adding to the complexity is the governor’s mixed messaging about bipartisanship. While she has called for unity in addressing public safety, her political maneuvers have often deepened divisions. Many Republicans, who have long championed tougher crime policies, view her recent proposals as a delayed acknowledgment of the crisis. 

House Minority Whip Alan Martinez noted that Democrats are now adopting ideas Republicans have introduced for years, albeit under different branding. For their part, GOP lawmakers have signaled readiness to work on crime solutions, even as they remain skeptical of the governor’s ability to navigate the legislative gridlock she helped create.

Lujan Grisham’s political legacy is at stake as she seeks to deliver public safety reforms in the waning years of her governorship. The state’s violent crime rate remains among the highest in the nation, with cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe grappling with repeat offenses, drug abuse, and homelessness. Albuquerque, run by progressive Democrat Mayor Tim Keller, was recently ranked the 20th most dangerous city in the world.

The governor has acknowledged the systemic failures contributing to the crisis, describing it as a breaking point requiring punitive and preventative solutions. Yet her ability to enact meaningful change will depend on overcoming the ideological divisions she has fostered and building consensus across the aisle.

While Lujan Grisham’s newly found crime focus is interesting, given her years-long attacks on New Mexicans’ constitutional rights, her strategy of sidelining moderate voices in favor of a far-left agenda in elections has undercut her ability to rally broad support for critical reforms. 

New Mexicans need action, not political posturing, to ensure safer communities. Whether the governor can deliver on her promises or remains mired in partisan deadlock will define her final chapter in office. However, the ball is entirely in the Democrats’ court, and if they fail to produce results, it is entirely on them — especially since they hold the governorship and wide majorities in both chambers of the legislature.

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What Dems don’t want you to know about their bloated $10.8B budget ask

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State lawmakers unveiled a record-high $10.8 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026, a budget that includes higher starting salaries for teachers, an average 4% pay increase for state employees, and over $3 billion in one-time expenditures. This marks a 5.7% increase over the current year’s budget. However, a closer examination reveals concerns about the long-term implications of this level of government spending, as highlighted by the Rio Grande Foundation’s analysis.

“New Mexico is in the best financial situation it’s ever been in its history,” said Sen. George Muñoz (D-Gallup), chair of the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), during a press briefing. Muñoz emphasized that the budget aims to invest in priorities such as education, healthcare, and job opportunities for future generations. Yet, critics argue that such spending perpetuates an unsustainable trajectory.

The budget’s $10.8 billion in recurring spending is slightly below Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s $10.9 billion proposal. Additionally, while the LFC’s recommendation calls for a 4% raise for state employees, the governor’s plan includes a smaller 3% increase. Differences also exist in reserve levels, with the LFC maintaining reserves at 33% compared to the governor’s 34.2%.

The Rio Grande Foundation raised concerns about the broader implications of the spending spree. With $900 million in new revenue and $13.4 billion in general fund revenue available, the Foundation criticized the lack of focus on returning surplus funds to taxpayers. “Whether the money is spent now or allocated to one of our State’s permanent funds, it is going to be spent by government,” the Foundation noted. The question, they argue, is whether average New Mexicans and businesses will benefit from this surplus.

Despite the enthusiastic rhetoric from lawmakers, the Foundation’s analysis highlights that this budget reflects a growing government at the expense of direct relief to taxpayers. “The Democrats have grown government and mostly NOT shared the wealth with average New Mexicans,” the Foundation’s critique states, pointing to recent electoral success as a driver for this trend. They caution that taxpayers may once again be “left out in the cold,” especially with no tax cuts included in the bill.

Democrat House Speaker Javier Martínez lauded the budget’s focus on affordability, safety, and healthcare access, calling it “a guide and driving force of the entire session.” Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth described the spending plan as an “extraordinary opportunity” for investment. However, the Rio Grande Foundation’s perspective suggests a need for restraint and an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.

The proposed $3 billion in one-time spending includes $1.7 billion for endowments and funds, as well as new initiatives such as a “behavioral health trust fund.” While these initiatives aim to address immediate and long-term needs, critics argue they sideline opportunities for direct tax relief. “Taxpayers should have a say in how surplus funds are utilized,” the Rio Grande Foundation posits, urging lawmakers to prioritize returning money to the people who generate it.

As New Mexico’s financial position remains strong, questions about how to balance investment in public services with taxpayer relief will shape the upcoming legislative session. With a budget described by some as a “responsible investment” and by others as a “missed opportunity,” the debate over spending priorities continues.

What Dems don’t want you to know about their bloated $10.8B budget ask Read More »

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