Politics

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 »

Heinrich all but confirms he’s running for governor in 2026

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich is setting the stage for a likely run for governor in 2026, signaling a shift that could push the state further to the left. While Heinrich has not made an official announcement, his remarks leave little room for doubt. When asked by the outlet Semafor about a possible gubernatorial bid, he coyly responded, “I don’t really have anything to share today.” This non-denial has fueled speculation that he’s positioning himself for the role.

Heinrich’s political track record suggests he’ll bring a brand of far-left policies to the New Mexico governor’s office. Known for his advocacy of expansive green energy initiatives, Heinrich’s alignment with progressive climate policies is poised to shape his campaign platform. He’s expected to use his potential new role as the lead Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee to bolster his credentials as an environmental hardliner. Critics argue that these policies place ideology above practicality, risking energy reliability and driving up consumer costs.

Senator Ben Ray Luján, Heinrich’s colleague, underscored his influence in Washington, recalling how he urged former New Mexico Senators Tom Udall and Jeff Bingaman to remain in the Senate for the good of the state. “I think very highly of Martin,” Luján said, but many conservatives question whether Heinrich’s influence has actually benefited New Mexicans, given the economic impact of his policy priorities.

Heinrich’s record is dotted with extreme statements that have raised eyebrows. From his calls for more stringent environmental regulations to his support for “equity-driven” economic policies, critics argue his positions cater to the farthest edges of the Democrat Party. 

His past support for curbing traditional energy production has drawn fire from industry leaders, who warn that such moves could cost New Mexico jobs and increase residents’ energy bills. He also primarily lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he moved his family after being elected to Congress.

Some speculate that Joe Biden’s lame-duck Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a former congresswoman, could also enter the gubernatorial race, creating a potential battle between two far-left heavyweights. But for now, all eyes are on Heinrich, whose maneuvers signal that his ambitions for 2026 are already in motion.

With New Mexico’s economic future at stake, Heinrich’s potential run is likely to spark fierce debate. Critics argue that his far-left policies could push the state into deeper economic hardship, while supporters frame him as a champion of progressive values. As Heinrich himself said, he’s focused on “what’s best for New Mexico,” but for many, that’s exactly what’s up for debate.

Heinrich all but confirms he’s running for governor in 2026 Read More »

Toulouse Oliver and Torrez’s meddling could hike your grocery bill — Here’s how

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The high-profile merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons hit significant roadblocks on Tuesday, with rulings from judges in two states halting the $24.6 billion deal. Critics are now pointing fingers at New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, and other leftist officials, accusing both of overstepping their authority and jeopardizing a merger that could have provided much-needed relief to strained grocery prices and improved competition in the retail sector.

U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a preliminary injunction against the merger following a three-week hearing in Portland, Oregon. Later, on the same day, Judge Marshall Ferguson in Seattle handed down a permanent injunction, concluding that the merger would reduce competition in Washington and violate state consumer protection laws.

Kroger and Albertsons have expressed disappointment with the rulings and are evaluating their next steps, which could include appeals. The companies argue that the merger is essential to better compete with retail behemoths like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon. Without it, store closures, layoffs, and potential market exits may be unavoidable. “This merger would enhance competition, not reduce it, by giving us the scale to lower prices and improve service,” Kroger and Albertsons stated in response to the rulings.

Toulouse Oliver’s Role in the Merger Opposition

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s involvement in the opposition to the merger has drawn sharp criticism from industry leaders and consumer advocates alike. Her decision to join a coalition of attorneys general from Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico (Torrez), Oregon, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia in supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) effort to block the merger is being labeled as unnecessary interference in private enterprise.

In a letter signed by Toulouse Oliver and other officials, they claimed, “The proposed merger poses a significant threat to competition and could lead to higher prices, fewer choices, and diminished service for consumers in our states. We urge the FTC to take swift action to protect the public interest.” However, opponents argue that Toulouse Oliver’s support of the letter is a politically driven attempt to bolster her regulatory influence at the expense of consumers and the broader grocery market.

Impact on Grocery Prices and Consumer Choice

According to Kroger and Albertsons, Toulouse Oliver’s actions, along with those of other state officials, risk worsening an already precarious grocery market. They argue that blocking the merger denies consumers access to the benefits of increased competition against larger players like Walmart and Amazon. “This merger is essential to maintaining competitive pressure on the largest players in the retail grocery space,” the companies stated. They further emphasized that the combined resources would allow for $1 billion in price reductions and $1 billion in higher wages for grocery workers.

Industry leaders warn that Toulouse Oliver’s interference will only drive prices higher. “Preventing this merger leaves smaller grocers unable to compete with retail giants, and it’s consumers who will bear the cost,” one industry expert noted. Kroger and Albertsons have pledged significant price cuts and investments in employee wages, but these benefits are now in jeopardy due to the regulatory roadblocks led by Toulouse Oliver and her allies.

Legal and Market Implications

The FTC’s lawsuit to block the merger received support from multiple states and labor unions, with arguments centered on reduced competition, higher prices, and potential harm to workers. However, Kroger and Albertsons contend that these claims are flawed and counterproductive. They pledged to sell 579 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers to avoid anti-competitive overlap. But Judge Ferguson dismissed this solution, stating, “Wholesaler C&S, with its limited retail experience and infrastructure, will not be able to replicate the ferocity of that competition or compete effectively in Washington against the colossus that is a merged Kroger and Albertsons.”

An Albertsons grocery store in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Tony Webster via Wiki Commons.

Despite this, supporters of the merger argue that divesting stores to smaller retailers like C&S creates a more diverse market, which is exactly what antitrust laws are supposed to encourage. The injunctions represent significant setbacks for Kroger and Albertsons, as further litigation could take months or years. Meanwhile, critics argue that Toulouse Oliver’s overreach is actively working against consumer interests.

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s opposition to the Kroger-Albertsons merger has drawn widespread criticism for being an unnecessary act of meddling that could leave consumers facing higher grocery prices and fewer options. Kroger and Albertsons argue that the merger is essential for competing against retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. 

With the future of the merger hanging in the balance, consumers and industry leaders alike are calling for regulatory restraint and urging officials like Toulouse Oliver to reconsider the broader economic impact of their decisions.

Toulouse Oliver and Torrez’s meddling could hike your grocery bill — Here’s how Read More »

Dems reap oil billions, but their ‘green’ agenda trying to sink the state’s fortune

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s financial strategy to safeguard and grow its wealth from local oil production is yielding significant returns, with state investment income now surpassing personal income tax revenue for the first time, according to a recent fiscal forecast. However, this progress is unfolding against a backdrop of mounting efforts by far-left Democrats to dismantle the state’s oil and gas sector through initiatives like the so-called “Energy Transition Act,” New Mexico’s version of a Green New Deal, which was passed in 2019.

For the fiscal year spanning July 2024 to June 2025, the state’s revenue from its two multibillion-dollar permanent funds and interest on treasury accounts is projected to reach $2.1 billion. This figure edges out the $2 billion anticipated from personal income taxes. The rise in investment earnings is intended to sustain crucial public programs — such as childcare subsidies and socialized “free” college — even as New Mexico faces potential declines in oil revenue due to the push for a shift to so-called “green” energy.

Meanwhile, legislators have revised the state’s income tax brackets, lowering residents’ taxes in the nation’s second-largest oil-producing state, behind Texas.

These figures serve as a foundation for budget negotiations when the Democratic-controlled Legislature convenes in January.

The state’s financial growth remains deeply linked to oil production, which continues to drive revenue increases at a more moderate pace. However, this growth exists in tension with legislative priorities, including far-left energy policies to curb fossil fuel reliance. Efforts like the Energy Transition Act have been criticized as a direct attack on New Mexico’s oil and gas industry, threatening a vital sector supporting the state’s economy.

Economists predict New Mexico will see a record-setting $13.6 billion in general fund revenue for the fiscal year running from July 2025 to June 2026, reflecting a 2.6% increase from the prior period. This surge leaves room for an additional $892 million in state spending, representing a 7% increase. In total, the state’s general fund income is expected to exceed its core annual spending obligations by a staggering $3.4 billion.

Recognizing the windfall, lawmakers are exploring new savings initiatives to safeguard against future economic uncertainty. One proposal would create a $1 billion trust to support mental health and addiction treatment services, responding to growing public concern about crime and homelessness. Lawmakers may also revisit a proposal to establish a trust for Native American education — all cutting into oil and gas funding.

While the economic gains are undeniable, “progressive” energy policies like the Energy Transition Act risk eroding New Mexico’s economic foundation. The act, which aims to transition the state away from fossil fuels, could ultimately jeopardize funding for the very social programs lawmakers are striving to protect. The state’s oil and gas sector not only fuels public revenue but also supports tens of thousands of jobs, a fact that some believe the far-left faction of the Democrat Party has overlooked in its pursuit of environmental goals. Futile efforts to “go green” risk undercutting the very prosperity that is now enabling increased social spending, tax cuts, and trust fund expansions.

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NM Republicans choose new state chair

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, New Mexico Republican State Central Committee members met in Truth or Consequences to choose new party officers, including a new state chair. 

Current Chairman Steve Pearce, a former congressman, chose not to run for another term in the position, leaving the spot open to a new face following his exit.

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela, a former chairwoman of the Otero County Republican Party and the current NM GOP first vice-chairwoman, won the vote to become the next Republican Party of New Mexico chief.

The new first vice-chair is Hessel Yntema, the second vice-chair is Mike Nelson, and the current secretary, Kathleen Apodaca, ran unopposed, as did Kim Skaggs for party treasurer.

In the state’s First Congressional District, former New Mexico House of Representatives candidate Joshua Neal ran unopposed for the position of CD-1 chair; in the Second District, Julianne Stroup won for CD-2 chair, and in the Third District, Public Education Commissioner Sharon Clahchischilliage, a former state representative, won that seat.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Republicans made up ground for President-elect Donald Trump, whose vote margin against Kamala Harris rose five points from 2020 when he ran against Joe Biden. 

With the shift in momentum toward the Republican Party in the state, Barela and the new party officials will have the job of recruiting volunteers, registering voters, and helping the GOP finally win back key seats in Congress, on the state-wide level and majorities in the state Legislature, where Democrats dominate 44-26 in the House and 26-16 in the Senate following the November elections.

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NM’s oil industry: No. 2 producer in the nation despite state’s Green New Deal

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As of 2024, the United States remains the largest crude oil producer in the world, maintaining its top position since 2018. While Texas often steals the spotlight, New Mexico has emerged as a vital player, ranking as the second-largest oil-producing state. This rise has cemented New Mexico’s role in driving U.S. energy production forward.

New Mexico produced an impressive 665.55 million barrels of oil in 2023, accounting for 14.1% of the country’s total crude oil output. In August 2024 alone, the state contributed 64.85 million barrels, showcasing steady production growth. 

According to the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico (IPANM), “New Mexico is the second-largest domestic oil producer and one of three states that saw an increase in production from 2019 to 2020, despite the reduced demand brought about by the pandemic.” This resilience underscores the state’s ability to adapt and thrive, even in challenging market conditions.

Much of New Mexico’s success stems from its access to the Permian Basin, a geological treasure trove of oil reserves. Advances in drilling technologies, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have played a significant role in unlocking these resources. 

The state’s efforts have not only elevated its oil output but also bolstered its economy. The industry provides over $2.5 billion annually to fund essential public services, including education, infrastructure, and healthcare, while serving as New Mexico’s largest employer.

Despite its reliance on oil, New Mexico has balanced its energy dominance with a focus on broader economic contributions. As IPANM notes, “Despite oil’s historical and economic importance in New Mexico, mining, including oil and natural gas production, accounts for just one-tenth of its GDP.” This duality highlights the need for diversification to ensure long-term economic stability.

New Mexico’s transportation sector, responsible for over 80% of the state’s petroleum consumption, further underscores the importance of its oil industry. 

Despite New Mexico being a leader in oil production, far-left New Mexico Democrat leaders passed the “Energy Transition Act,” the state’s Green New Deal, in 2019, aiming to annihilate the industry by the next decade. 

NM’s oil industry: No. 2 producer in the nation despite state’s Green New Deal Read More »

‘Anything’ and ‘a little bit beyond’: MLG vows defying oath again to resist Trump

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At far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Tuesday “Public Safety Town Hall” in Gallup, she once again vowed to defy the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including that of removing criminal aliens who entered the country illegally.

The governor, who has previously been reprimanded by federal courts for breaking the Constitution and even had articles of impeachment introduced against her twice for breaking her oath, claimed President-elect Donald Trump was being unconstitutional by acting on his plan to carry out mass deportations of these law-breaking criminals. She even went as far as saying she would go “a little bit beyond” her power to attempt to resist Trump’s policies.

Leftists, such as Lujan Grisham, have attempted to victimize illegal aliens as “asylum seekers,” however, they did not enter the country through the point of entry, which is the proper way to seek asylum.

In a question from an audience member if the governor had any plans to “help these people and protect these people,” referring to illegal aliens, Lujan Grisham responded, “We aren’t going to cooperate, we are not going to violate the constitution, uh, we

aren’t going to do … We’re going to fight and file lawsuits if the next administration works to use the military against residents and citizens of this country.”

“I’m very concerned about immigrant rights, um, and about mixed-status families, and the unintended consequences all across the board that are inhumane and inappropriate,” she claimed.

“What this President-elect is suggesting is not constitutional,” she continued to claim, adding, “We’re going to use our attorney generals (sic) and every other tool in the toolbox to protect the residents of our state.” 

“I can’t make promises uh more than anything in my power and a little bit beyond expect us to do every bit of it every day for everyone,” she concluded, floating once again breaking her oath. 

WATCH:

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NM Republicans crush Dems in November voter registrations

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New Mexico’s most recent voter registration statistics reveal a significant shift in the political landscape, with Republicans gaining momentum. As the state gears up for a critical election cycle in 2026, the latest data shows the GOP surpassing Democrats in new voter registrations in November by a 2-to-1 margin. This development comes as New Mexico remains a battleground state, with voter dynamics playing a crucial role in the upcoming elections.

According to the figures, the total party registration in New Mexico now stands at 1,406,281. Democrats maintain a lead with 597,208 registered voters, compared to 451,145 Republicans. 

Voters registered under other affiliations or independents total 357,928. Despite the Democrats’ overall advantage, the GOP’s recent registration surge is noteworthy, with a gain of 15,783 new voters in November, compared to 6,907 new Democratic registrations. Independents (Decline to State voters) also saw a rise, adding 6,506 voters during the same period.

This momentum could prove pivotal, given the state’s recent electoral history. In the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump lost New Mexico by 99,720 votes to Joe Biden, a margin of 10.79%. In 2024, Trump narrowed that gap significantly, losing to Vice President Kamala Harris by just 55,000 votes (6%). The November numbers indicate that Republicans have already clawed back a good 20% of this deficit through strategic voter registration efforts, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics.

The shift underscores a broader trend of Republican ground game successes in traditionally Democrat-leaning areas. New Mexico, while considered a reliably blue state in presidential elections, has significant pockets of major Republican strength, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. The recent gains could signal increasing GOP engagement in these communities, as well as potential shifts among independent voters.

Democrats, while holding a numerical advantage, may face challenges in maintaining their edge if the GOP’s upward trend continues. With a Democrat advantage of 146,063 voters as of December, the battle for New Mexico is far from over.

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, the governorship opens for Republicans to flip the key office after the scandal-plagued tenure of termed-out Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

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MLG’s war on oil: Court upholds far-left emissions rules to harm industry

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Court of Appeals, which is comprised entirely of Democrat judges, has upheld a contentious set of emissions regulations targeting the oil and gas industry in one of the nation’s most productive energy states. This decision reflects a broader push by far-left environmentalists to undermine the industry, even as experts point out the lack of tangible or scientific evidence that such measures provide meaningful public benefits, whether measurable or otherwise.

The case focused on a 2022 regulation requiring operators to monitor and reduce emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, under certain conditions, claim eco-leftists.

Proponents argue that high ozone levels can exacerbate respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. New Mexico’s oil-producing regions are well within federal standards, casting doubt on the necessity of these regulations, not to mention the science used to attempt to correlate them.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration has ferociously pushed these rules as part of its agenda to combat “climate change.” This agenda is driven by political ideology rather than practical necessity, say many. Also interesting is that half of the judges on the Court of Appeals were appointed by the governor.

Lujan Grisham’s Environment Secretary, James Kenney, celebrated the court’s ruling, declaring that the regulations were developed with “substantial evidence” and urging the industry to cease legal challenges and focus on compliance. “These rules aren’t going anywhere,” Kenney stated, signaling the administration’s unyielding stance against the industry.

The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico challenged the rule, contending that it disproportionately affects small, family-owned operators in New Mexico while allowing larger corporations to shoulder the costs more easily. The group highlighted how these burdens are part of an ongoing “death by a thousand cuts” approach that threatens the survival of independent businesses in the state. Its executive director, Jim Winchester, expressed frustration with the administration’s hostility toward local operators and indicated that the group is exploring further legal options.

The court dismissed arguments that counties such as Chaves and Rio Arriba should be excluded from the rule. Judges concluded that these counties were part of larger regions that reached the ozone threshold, though critics argue that including these areas stretches the scientific justification for the rule’s geographic application. This reasoning, some say, underscores a broader lack of concrete evidence supporting the regulation’s purported environmental and health benefits.

This decision adds to growing concerns about the ideological slant of New Mexico’s judiciary. With the entire Court of Appeals comprised of Democrats, many see this ruling as a reflection of partisan alignment with the Governor’s eco-left agenda rather than a balanced consideration of the rule’s economic and scientific merits. The lack of diverse perspectives on the court raises questions about the fairness of rulings that have far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy and residents.

The regulations require operators to invest significant resources in monitoring emissions and repairing leaks, with substantial costs that critics contend will yield negligible improvements in air quality. The burden falls hardest on smaller operators, potentially driving them out of business and consolidating power within larger corporations—an outcome that contradicts claims of supporting local communities and economies.

While supporters frame these regulations as essential for addressing climate change and protecting public health, detractors argue they are more about political posturing than achieving real-world results. The oil and gas industry remains a vital part of New Mexico’s economy, providing jobs and revenues that sustain the state. Policies that weaken this sector without clear, evidence-based benefits risk harming New Mexico more than helping it.

The court’s decision, celebrated by environmental advocates, is a stark reminder of how far ideological motivations can drive regulatory efforts. For an industry that plays such a critical role in New Mexico’s economic health, this ruling represents yet another hurdle—one that seems more aligned with far-left political priorities than with any demonstrable benefit to public health, the environment, or the state’s residents.

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The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has sparked controversy following her recent appearance on MSNBC, where she voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policy proposals. However, critics, including the Rio Grande Foundation, a free-market think tank based in Albuquerque, have taken issue with several of her claims, including those related to child poverty and education.

During the interview, Lujan Grisham asserted that New Mexico had dramatically improved its child poverty ranking, moving from 50th to 17th in the nation. The Rio Grande Foundation swiftly countered this claim, stating that the alleged improvement is based on a shift in data measurement rather than real progress. “New Mexico’s ‘improvement’ in child poverty is driven by the use of a different data set—the Census Bureau’s supplemental poverty measure,” the foundation explained in a recent analysis. They noted that while the supplemental measure accounts for factors like tax credits and housing costs, it has been criticized for its complexity and inconsistencies.

The think tank added, “We don’t take a position on whether the traditional or supplemental measure is better, but MLG is being her usual disingenuous self in claiming this massive improvement, especially when all other reports show New Mexico to be not doing a good job with child outcomes.”

Critics also took aim at MSNBC’s portrayal of Lujan Grisham as an education policy expert. Despite the governor’s firm opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education, the Rio Grande Foundation questioned her credibility on the topic. “It is both hilarious and a sign of the media’s extreme bias that they would include New Mexico’s Gov. as an ‘expert’ on education policy,” the group remarked. They pointed to New Mexico’s persistent struggles with education outcomes, which remain among the worst in the nation.

The think tank also expressed openness to the idea of eliminating the Department of Education, arguing that its presence has done little to improve outcomes in New Mexico or across the country. They concluded, “It is laughable to value MLG’s opinions on an issue where she has failed so miserably.”

Lujan Grisham has yet to respond directly to these criticisms, but the debate underscores the ongoing scrutiny of New Mexico’s progress—or lack thereof—on key social and economic issues under the current governor’s regime.

The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you Read More »

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