Amid widespread backlash from New Mexicans after Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State Parks Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) proposed over 100% price increases in state park fees, the division is canceling a scheduled April 1, 2024, hearing on the matter.
According to a study commissioned by the division and reported by KOAT & News, “The study shows proposed fees such as raising day-use per vehicle from $5 to $10; raising camping fees from $10 to $20 a night for New Mexico residents; electric service from $4 to $10 a night; water service for $10.” These proposed increases would cost over 100 percent more.
New Mexico House Republicans came out unanimously against the proposed fee increase, writing in a letter, “New Mexicans are among the most economically challenged Americans. Raising our fees to be consistent with the fees of neighboring states – which in some instances results in increases of 200% – fails to account for the vast differences in wealth of residents in our neighboring states, all of which have significantly fewer people living in poverty. The increased fees and new fees will make activities like camping, boating, and paddle sports unaffordable for many New Mexicans at a time when they are struggling to keep up with the significant inflation of recent years.”
EMNRD’s Field Operations Bureau Chief Jared Langenegger wrote in a Wednesday statement, “New Mexico State Parks, a Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is announcing the postponement of the public hearing on its proposed rule revisions scheduled for April 1, 2024.”
He noted, “This decision allows additional time to review and consider over 800 public comments and feedback received regarding the proposed rule amendments. State Parks The Division will continue to receive public comments on the proposed rule changes through March 29, 2024.”
“State Parks The Division plans to review the public input received and revise the proposed rule changes in the coming months. Once the review and revision process is complete, recommendations will be presented through a rule revision process, which will include additional public meetings and another public comment period,” continued Langenegger.
In a recent development that has sparked controversy and debate over freedom of speech on social media platforms, Angelita Mejia, a Republican candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives, found herself censored by Facebook. Mejia, who is running unopposed in District 58 in Chaves County, had taken to Facebook to announce her candidacy and seek support in the form of ballot petition signatures, a requirement for official candidacy in New Mexico.
Mejia’s campaign and personal Facebook pages were abruptly deactivated within a day of her posting about her campaign and the need for petition signatures. Facebook cited a violation of its “community standards” as the reason for the shutdown but failed to provide a specific explanation for the action. This left Mejia and her campaign in the dark, unable to reach potential supporters through the platform as the crucial deadline for signature submission approached.
Steve Pearce, the Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM), expressed his concern over the incident, calling it an attempt by Facebook to silence a conservative voice. He said, “This is clearly an attempt by Facebook to silence a conservative Republican woman and to prevent her from being able to collect signatures needed to place her name on the ballot for the upcoming primary election.”
Candidate Angelita Mejia
Pearce demanded that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg take immediate action to restore Mejia’s accounts and uphold the principles of free speech and fair political engagement.
Despite Facebook’s actions, Mejia’s campaign was able to gather the necessary signatures through grassroots efforts, underscoring the resilience of traditional campaign methods in the face of digital obstacles. However, the incident has raised questions about the power wielded by social media giants and their role in the democratic process.
Mejia herself has called for an explanation from Facebook, not only for her sake but for the constituents of Chaves County whom she aims to represent. She emphasized that censorship is unacceptable regardless of political affiliation, pointing out what she perceives as an anti-conservative bias on the platform.
“Facebook not only owes me an explanation, but the company also owes an explanation to the people of Chaves County who next year will be my constituents,” said Mejia. “Censorship is always wrong, regardless of when it happens to a conservative woman or a liberal one. In my case, Facebook’s anti-conservative bias has been made very clear.”
This incident highlights the ongoing debate about the responsibility of social media platforms in moderating content while ensuring that the democratic process is not hindered. As digital platforms become increasingly integral to political campaigns, the balance between preventing harmful content and protecting free speech remains a contentious issue.
In a surprising turn of events, the Republican leadership in the New Mexico Legislature has declared they will not be pursuing reelection, leaving a significant leadership gap within the GOP. Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca of Belen made his decision public, citing intensive contemplation, discussions with family, and spiritual guidance as the reasons behind his choice.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane of Aztec allowed the filing deadline for the June primary election to pass without submitting his candidacy, signaling his exit from the race. However, his chosen successor, William Hall, is running unopposed in the GOP primary for the seat.
Baca, who has served since 2017 after a notable victory over a Democrat incumbent, expressed in a statement that he believes his future contributions to his community and state lie beyond another legislative term.
His decision has sparked speculation about potential aspirations for higher office, especially considering his pointed criticism of redistricting efforts that he perceives as attempts by progressives to create division within the GOP.
“Although I am proud of what we have accomplished, my work is not done. Our state has a bright future ahead and our momentum in the State Senate is evidence of that. A new day for New Mexico is coming, and as leader of the Senate Republican Caucus, a small business owner, and husband and father, I will do everything I can to see that day become a reality,” said Baca.
Lane, reflecting on his tenure, emphasized his desire to dedicate more time to his family as a primary reason for stepping down. Having led the House Republicans since January 2023, Lane believes the party is well-positioned for future success and has a strong lineup of candidates ready to steer New Mexico toward a more “centrist” path.
“The House Republicans are positioned for success moving forward. We have a slate of great candidates and intend on focusing on competitive races to bring New Mexico back towards the middle,” he said.
The announcements from Baca and Lane have caused a stir within the Republican Party, with new candidates like William Hall II stepping forward to fill the void.
Hall, a retired FBI special agent with extensive law enforcement experience, was encouraged to run for Lane’s House District 3 seat. He aims to bring his knowledge of the criminal justice system to the Legislature and is committed to serving the state and its residents with pride.
“I was basically asked [to run for the seat], and I thought, ‘Well, I’d like a chance to serve,’” Hall, 61, said in a telephone interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican. “I’ve always been in a service capacity. I was in law enforcement for many years and so I said yes, and the rest is history. It was kind of a last-minute decision, you might say.”
As the GOP faces these unexpected leadership changes, the party looks to the future with optimism, rallying behind new candidates ready to take up the mantle and continue the work of their predecessors.
Following Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech, Kamala Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, made a visit to Albuquerque to highlight updates being made at the Albuquerque International Sunport due to federal funds.
At a press event held at the airport on Friday, Emhoff praised the infrastructural enhancements being made, aligning with the themes Joe Biden emphasized in his recent address, particularly the importance of investing in infrastructure for “community-wide” benefits.
The Sunport has benefited from approximately $20 million in federal grants from Biden’s infrastructure law, enacted in 2021. The federal boondoggle added $1.2 trillion to the national debt.
These funds have been allocated to various airport projects, including the upgrade of passenger bridges, the revamp of the baggage claim area, and the improvement of electrical systems.
Emhoff highlighted the significance of these upgrades, stating, “These new … bridges will ensure passengers and employees can get on and off aircraft safely,” and acknowledging the stress associated with baggage claim processes that these improvements will alleviate.
In addition to the grants, the Sunport utilizes around $66 million from Passenger Facility Charge funds, bringing the total federal investment in the airport’s renovation to $86 million.
The infrastructure law has provided nearly $1 billion to airports nationwide, with the Sunport and others, such as Chicago’s O’Hare and Appleton International Airport in Wisconsin, being notable beneficiaries.
Lauren Dudley, the FAA’s assistant administrator, accompanied Emhoff and praised the Sunport as a model for airports nationwide.
This is Emhoff’s second visit to Albuquerque after visiting the state in 2021.
In the 2024 legislative session, state legislators passed over 70 pieces of legislation, all of which required the governor’s signature to become official laws. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the majority of these bills, especially those she had specifically requested lawmakers to consider.
Despite the high rate of approval, two bills were “pocket vetoed” by the governor, meaning she let the deadline pass without signing them. These were Senate Bill 129, aimed at enhancing the implementation and reporting of cybersecurity procedures within government agencies, and Senate Bill 175, which sought to establish a fund for law enforcement recruitment. S.B. 129 passed the Senate 37-0 and the House 58-0. S.B. 175 received a 39-0 vote in the Senate and a 64-1 vote in the House, with far-left anti-law enforcement Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) being the sole vote against.
Although Senate Bill 175 did not receive approval, the governor allocated $25 million through the state budget for law enforcement and correctional officer recruitment.
Additionally, Governor Grisham outright vetoed Senate Bill 217, which proposed transferring over $80 million from the state’s severance tax bonding fund to the severance tax permanent fund. The governor reasoned that a previous bill had already significantly contributed to the severance tax permanent fund, rendering Senate Bill 217 unnecessary.
The governor also made selective vetoes within the massive $10.2 billion state budget, mainly targeting language that she believed would restrict spending inappropriately. For instance, she vetoed a stipulation that tied $1 million allocated to the General Services Department to the publication of building use fees and removed restrictions on the state healthcare authority’s capacity to expand Medicaid eligibility.
One notable veto was against language limiting the New Mexico Public Education Department’s power to mandate a 180-day school year. Following this, on March 7, the Public Education Department announced it would implement the 180-day requirement, despite the Legislature’s firm stand against such mandates.
The New Mexico State Land Office has announced a pause on leasing its most lucrative oil and natural gas sites in the Permian Basin after legislation during the 2024 Legislative Session to shake down oil and gas producers for more money via higher royalty rates failed.
Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard highlighted the effort to increase the current top royalty rate of 20 percent to 25 percent, a move that has seen repeated setbacks despite the Democrats dominating both chambers of the Legislature.
The proposal aims to align New Mexico’s royalty rates with those of Texas, which can go as high as 25 percent for oil and gas extraction on state trust lands. The Permian Basin, a hotspot for drilling, spans southeastern New Mexico and parts of western Texas. Texas’ royalty rates haven’t risen since the late 1990s, so the sudden attempt to hike rates appears solely politically motivated.
Revenue from oil and gas royalties in New Mexico contributes to a substantial investment trust that supports public education, universities, and healthcare institutions.
Garcia Richard emphasized her duty to optimize returns for the beneficiaries, stating, “I am a fiduciary on behalf of the school kids. It’s my job to make them the most money possible, and leasing these tracts below market rate means that school kids are subsidizing the oil and gas activity.” But with pauses on these leases, there will be no revenue coming in on the tracts in question.
The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, through its CEO Missi Currier, expressed concern that halting new leases could disadvantage both the industry and the public who benefit from the revenues. Currier noted that New Mexico’s existing tax and royalty framework is competitive with neighboring states.
The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico’s Executive Director Jim Winchester wrote following the news, “The State Land Office has unilaterally decided to cut off future revenues to state beneficiaries and the general fund by suspending new leasing of premium tracts. IPANM strongly opposes this action especially considering the decision was abruptly announced without any consideration of the economic impact to all New Mexicans.”
The suspension of lease sales, starting with up to six leases in March’s auction, represents a small fraction of total transactions but signals a significant shift in policy. Garcia Richard re-elected for a second term in 2022, acknowledged the short-term loss of revenue from bonus payments due to the suspension but likened the strategy to a homeowner waiting for a more favorable market to sell property, emphasizing the long-term financial benefits. Time will tell if Richard’s shakedown will work.
Rachael Hein made the decision to move her family from New Mexico to Missouri, prompted by her concerns over policies at her daughter’s school, Las Cruces Centennial High School, particularly a facility known as “the transgender closet,” according to Fox News.
Hein told the outlet about her decision, mentioning how a Facebook post led her to investigate the gender-inclusive closet initiative at the high school. “I had to verify it because I don’t immediately take everything on Facebook at face value,” she said. Upon confirmation, Hein felt compelled to act, citing discomfort with the environment her daughter was being exposed to and the potential for her children to be influenced by messages she didn’t agree with.
The controversy stemmed from a grant awarded to the high school by the It Gets Better organization in 2022, aimed at supporting trans and gender non-conforming students by providing a gender-inclusive space stocked with affirming supplies and clothing.
Jfullbright31, Wiki Commons.
Hein’s dissatisfaction with the educational system wasn’t new. The pandemic had already made her more engaged with her children’s schooling, leading her to experiment with homeschooling and online education. The decision to add 10 extra days to the school calendar for the 2022-2023 year, described by Hein as “party days,” added to her frustration, feeling they lacked educational value.
Hein was particularly disillusioned with the response from school boards and education officials, feeling her concerns were acknowledged but not genuinely considered. “It seemed like they were on a predetermined course, regardless of community feedback,” she expressed.
Cardozo School of Law. dyjpt, Wiki Commons.
The move to Missouri represented a significant shift for Hein and her family, who found the new environment more receptive to parental involvement and community engagement. “It’s a different vibe here; more communal and safer for my kids to just be kids,” Hein noted.
Despite her departure from Las Cruces, Hein encouraged those remaining to stay active and involved in the educational conversation. “Change only happens when people speak up and participate, rather than staying silent on the sidelines,” she advised.
Fox News Digital sought a comment from Las Cruces Centennial High School, which has not yet provided a response.
In a recent podcast interview with Greg Sargent of “The New Republic,” a far-leftist group, Democrat New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stirred controversy with statements admitting to blatant voter manipulation and hypocrisy on key issues. Amidst an array of contentious topics, Lujan Grisham’s remarks on the “New World Order” and her reflections on policy and demographic responses drew particular attention.
Lujan Grisham, who made the controversial decision to remove National Guard troops from the border early in her tenure, said during the interview that more politicians need to embrace unconstitutional public health orders to get issues like immigration fixed.
“I think southwestern governors can show an impact in workforce development, in public safety and security, and in ways that are more meaningful but can sort of set the model in the same way. Not every state should or will embrace a public health order to deal with particular high-cost, high-stakes gun violence emergencies in their communities. But I think you’ll see them talk about it in more of a public health context, and I think this way, it isn’t a fight between extremism on either side of an issue,” she said.
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The governor added, “The same issues are expected to be addressed here, and Hispanics and Latinos both want that. For example, if I had to wait in line to come here, then other people should too. But they also recognize you can’t get a visa anymore. They recognize that all of the drama about all the nefarious activity at the border — they recognize that more of that nefarious activity is organized crime at ports of entry.”
However, she nor her legislative allies have proposed any legislative action to alleviate the border issue. At the same time, political leaders like State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) have led the Republican effort to help secure the state’s border, which has fallen on deaf ears to Democrats in the Legislature.
Her interview highlighted what many see as a pattern of failing to address the tangible crisis at the border — a crisis amplified by her early actions as governor, which directly contributed to the current state of affairs.
“I’m not gonna give it up now for this extremism effort in this country and around the world,” Grisham declared, framing her political stances as a fight against what she labeled as a rise in fascism and sexism.
It is notable that the governor repeatedly tried to declare Republicans as “extreme,” while during her tenure as governor, she has pushed for the most extremist policies in the country, including abortion up-to-birth laws, executive orders and bills banning all gun possession, hiking prices on gas, and enacting socialist programs that are costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
“I see it in my state with, you know, MAGA extremists, not with everyone else, but certainly there. And I can see that the risks are greater for me as I campaign or go out publicly. They are really angry, but I think it’s intimidation and insecurity and a New World Order, which I hate using that language. But we’re talking about fascism and sexism and inequality, and I think, uh, it somehow makes some people feel better about themselves. And Trump plays into that, I think, very effectively, but it’s incredibly dangerous,” she told Sargent.
When asked about citizens exercising the right to vote and potential fears of violence during the 2024 elections, Lujan Grisham said, “I hope not, but I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibilities. Just look at the Trump era pre-, during, and post-COVID. Anyone making any policy decisions was at risk. Certainly, I was threatened. Any of our marches or protests were met with far too many individuals who were very angry and were carrying automatic weapons and rifles that does not create an environment where people can, in fact, peacefully protest. That level of intimidation is purposeful.”
It is worth noting that the governor applauded Black Lives Matter/Antifa rioters who protested in the streets and bucked her own public health orders during her years-long COVID-19 lockdown. In her above statement, she also incorrectly claims that New Mexicans counter-protested these marches and riots with “automatic weapons,” which did not happen. Automatic weapons are illegal in the United States, per federal law.
The governor did not shy away from touting her socialist educational policies, implying that initiatives such as “free” college and pre-k were key to garnering votes, particularly from younger demographics. She said, “So, in New Mexico, free college, free daycare, free universal pre-k, leaning in to make sure that every New Mexican reads, not just at but above grade average, which is something we haven’t leaned into.”
She then admitted, “And I think with the rhetoric with every other issue except the economy, Biden needs to lean in hard for his successes there. He needs to lean in hard for education. I will tell you, I got voters in record numbers — younger voters — because of free college,” Lujan Grisham stated, in an admission that these socialist programs are actually a mechanism to buy votes.
Her commentary also ventured into the realm of identity politics, criticizing Hispanic men who didn’t support her while at the same time trying to court their votes. “I had economic messaging work to do with Hispanic men, in particular, in rural areas,” she confessed, acknowledging a need to recalibrate her strategy to appeal to this demographic.
The interview also saw Lujan Grisham attacking her own constituency, specifically Hispanic men in rural areas, suggesting that their disapproval of her stemmed from outdated sexist ideologies supposedly revived by the Trump era. She accused MAGA supporters of sexism and intimidation, categorizing their political passion as “MAGA fury” and claiming it was rooted in a fear of losing power.
Moreover, Lujan Grisham criticized the GOP’s approach to immigration, framing it as failure and fear-mongering. “They would actually want a candidate not to poison the debate and not to create fear and anger, which is racist, but to actually resolve some of the problems,” she said, trying to position herself as the more reasonable and solution-oriented leader despite her administration flatly ignoring border policies.
Also, in the interview, Sargent asked the governor about the bill she just signed, S.B. 5, banning some guns at polling places and if it was meant to increase public safety, specifically at the polls.
She responded, “Certainly not in the day-to-day violence that we’re seeing playing out in far too many communities in New Mexico. But if you’re gonna take measures and you’re gonna focus on — we all have a constitutional right to be safe at work and at our churches, grocery stores, movie theaters, and homes and neighborhoods, then I think it’s really valuable we have this piece of legislation that I signed into law yesterday that says ‘Look, we care about polling workers and we care about creating safe spaces for people to exercise their right and privilege to vote.’”
It is unclear why the governor is now creating new constitutional “rights” when she herself claimed while signing an illegal, anti-gun executive order that no constitutional right, including her oath of office, is “absolute.” She also openly admitted that the anti-gun law relating to polling places would “certainly not” help alleviate crime, proving it was just another Democrat feel-good messaging bill.
The governor’s dialogue with Sargent revealed much about her political strategy and low views about her constituents. Her candidness may resonate with the fringes of her base. However, her words appear to only evidence her prioritization of partisanship and political gamesmanship over the substantive issues facing New Mexico and the nation.
In a decisive move, the House approved the Laken Riley Act, mandating that immigration authorities detain non-citizens charged with crimes. This measure is seen as a rebuke to the current administration’s immigration policies. Despite the bipartisan nature of the bill, with 37 Democrats voting in favor, it passed mainly with Republican support, the final count being 251-170.
The act, named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from the University of Georgia who was allegedly killed by an immigrant with a previous arrest for illegal border crossing, has put immigration and border security firmly on the legislative agenda. As the nation approaches Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, Republicans are sharpening their focus on immigration, challenging the administration’s approach to border management.
“The Laken Riley Act would help prevent future tragedies. If Senator Schumer and [Joe] Biden care to protect Americans and are serious about securing the border, they will bring this legislation up for a vote and sign it into law immediately,” House Speaker Mike Johnson stated.
However, the passage of this bill has highlighted stark divisions among legislators, with far-left, open-borders Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, which runs along the border, voting against the life-saving legislation. His vote has been met with intense criticism from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
“Americans murdered in cold blood – but Gabe Vasquez does not care about the safety of his community. As Joe Biden’s lackey in the House, Vasquez allowed for this open border crisis to flourish and this vote means he has blood on his hands,” NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar expressed in a scathing rebuke. Other Democrat Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez voted against the bill.
The Laken Riley Act, at its core, is designed to mandate that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain migrants arrested for committing a crime. Riley’s tragic death has ignited a firestorm among Republicans, who cite it as a preventable consequence of what they perceive as the Biden administration’s failed border security policies. They have called for a reinstatement of more stringent border measures from the previous administration.
The issue of immigration policy has become increasingly charged as Republicans press Joe Biden to address the issue directly in his State of the Union speech, suggesting that a failure to mention victims like Riley would signify a neglect of the real-world impacts of immigration policy.
While Riley’s parents declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union, Representative Mike Collins of Georgia honored them with a moment of silence on the House floor, leaving a vacant seat to represent not just Riley but all American victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
As the debate continues, Representative Vasquez’s vote is likely to be an election issue, especially due to the Second Congressional District direcly harmed by his inaction on the border crisis. GOP former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell is the Republican nominee to take on Vasquez in November.
Far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) has announced a new rule to enforce a mandatory 180-day school calendar, stirring fury among educators, administrators, and lawmakers. While the rule aims to standardize instructional time across the state, exemptions have been included for certain schools, acknowledging the major pushback from the educational community.
Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero articulated the Department’s stance, “In order to equalize instructional time across the state, we have chosen to adopt the 180-day calendar rule. We must improve student outcomes across the state, our students deserve better, and that begins with quality instructional time in the classroom.”
This adjustment is slated to be implemented in the 2024-25 academic year. Notably, the Santa Fe Public Schools had preemptively planned for such a change, indicating an adaptation of the school year calendar to fit the new requirements by modifying holiday breaks and other scheduled closures.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has been a vocal advocate for this expansion of the school year, reiterating her commitment to a 180-day school year in her State of the State address and displaying her stance by vetoing language in the budget that would have precluded her from enacting the 180-day rule.
However, this proposal has been met with substantial resistance from the educational sector, including the state’s teacher’s unions, who came out in full force against the mandate. A large number of teachers and school administrators voiced their dissent at a public hearing, labeling the move as an overextension of the Public Education Department’s authority. This sentiment was echoed in the thousands of written comments submitted in opposition to the rule change.
Mary Parr-Sánchez, president of the New Mexico branch of the National Education Association teacher’s union, underscored the opposition, stating, “We believe that [the calendar] is a local decision. There was public outcry, and educators were included in that outcry.”
Legislators also criticized the rule, suggesting it contradicts the Legislature’s intention and the principle of local autonomy in decision-making. The 2023 bill passed by both legislative chambers advocated for increased school time measured in hours rather than days.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential erosion of public trust in state decision-making. House Education Committee Chairman Andrés Romero voiced his apprehensions: “I really fear for that, that they’re not going to trust what the state is doing,” alluding to the close timing between the legislative extension of the school year and the new rule’s introduction, per the Santa Fe New Mexican.
