Politics

Abortion tourism explodes in NM as out-of-staters drive huge increase: New study

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to numbers released by the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute’s Monthly Abortion Provision Survey, New Mexico saw roughly 20,970 abortions in the state, an approximated 370 percent increase from 2019, which saw 4,470, and an increase of 257 percent from 2020, which saw around 5,880. 

Of those nearly 21,000 New Mexico abortions, 14,550 of them were from out-of-state (69 percent), meaning 6,420 (38 percent) abortions were performed on in-state residents. In comparison to the Institute’s 2020 numbers, there were only 2,260 abortion tourists that year, an increase of 544 percent in just three years.

The institute notes, “Estimates include data on procedural and medication abortions provided at brick-and-mortar health facilities (such as clinics or doctor’s offices), as well as medication abortions provided via telehealth and virtual providers.”

In just four years, the state has seen an approximate increase of 16,500 abortions annually. On average, New Mexico saw around 1,758 abortions performed each month, or around 59 per day, mostly from out-of-state.

New Mexico saw the second-highest percentage of increase in abortions, being beaten only by Wyoming, which had a 433 percent increase since 2020. In 2021, Democrats in the state Legislature passed a bill legalizing abortion up to birth for any reason, which pro-abortion Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham gleefully signed.

Nationwide, the Guttmacher Institute notes that 1,026,690 were performed in 2022, an increase of 11 percent since 2019, which saw 916,460 abortions.

California performed the most abortions, with around 178,420 last year; New York came in second with 131,440; Illinois ranked third with 90,790; Florida ranked fourth with 86340; and New Jersey ranked fifth with 58,420. New Mexico had the 16th-highest number of babies killed in abortion, per the report.

Another finding from the report was the amount of medication abortions committed across the country. “New Guttmacher Institute research from the Monthly Abortion Provision Study shows that there were approximately 642,700 medication abortions in the United States in 2023, accounting for 63% of all abortions in the formal health care system. This is an increase from 2020, when medication abortions accounted for 53% of all abortions,” wrote the leftist pro-abortion group. However, a state-by-state medication abortion breakdown was not available.

Pro-life assistant professor Dr. Michael J. New of the Catholic University of America notes, “I would encourage pro-lifers to consider these new data with some degree of skepticism. The data comes from the Guttmacher Institute’s Monthly Abortion Provision Survey. This is different from Guttmacher’s Abortion Provider Census, which is conducted every three years. By Guttmacher’s own admission, the calculations for the Monthly Abortion Provision Survey come from ‘a slimmer portfolio of data’ and are designed to produce faster calculations on the incidence of abortion. Given that, the 2023 abortion estimates may not be as reliable as Guttmacher’s previous annual abortion estimates.”

“Even though these new data indicate that the incidence of abortion has increased since the Dobbs decision, there is still very strong statistical evidence that newly enacted pro-life laws are preventing abortions and [saving] lives. Three separate analyses of Texas birth data have found that the Texas Heartbeat Act saved over 1,000 lives a month. Also, a study published by the Institute for Labor Economics saw increased birth rates in many states that enforced strong pro-life laws shortly after the Dobbs decision. Enacting strong legal protections for preborn children is still a worthwhile policy goal for pro-lifers,” continues New.

NM braces for ‘most violent wave’ of illegal immigration after SCOTUS ruling

13 Comments / National, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision allowing Texas to enforce its S.B. 4, which allows law enforcement to arrest suspected illegal border crossers

This decision represents a notable albeit provisional victory for Texas in its efforts to manage unauthorized immigration.

This development follows a temporary injunction against the law, sought by the Biden administration, which has been challenging the legality of the measure, referred to as Senate Bill 4, introduced by Governor Greg Abbott in December. The administration’s lawsuit contends that the law encroaches on the federal government’s exclusive domain over immigration matters, reminiscent of a previous legal challenge to an Arizona immigration law.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the decision, viewing it as a triumph over the Biden Administration’s opposition and a defense of the state’s sovereignty. The Supreme Court’s decision focused on the procedural aspect of lifting a prior suspension by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rather than the substantive legal questions at the heart of the case. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion, emphasized the importance of allowing the appeals court to take the lead in such matters.

The legal saga is set to continue in the Fifth Circuit, which may revisit its decision, potentially leading to another round of Supreme Court deliberations. Governor Abbott sees this latest ruling as a positive step, albeit one within a broader legal and political battle over border security and immigration policy.

However, while the Supreme Court decision may be a victory for Texas, New Mexico will likely become the new epicenter for criminal trespass into the country through its over 50 miles of wide-open border that is not protected by any type of barrier.

State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) said after the decision via X, “Brace for the most violent wave of illegal immigration our state has ever seen after this Supreme Court ruling unless our state takes action. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham must immediately order a state of emergency due to the border crisis, direct the New Mexico National Guard to send personnel to assist agents at the border, and direct the New Mexico State Police to immediately begin arresting suspected illegal border crossers.”

This ongoing dispute is part of a series of confrontations between Texas and the federal government regarding border management strategies, including previous legal actions related to physical barriers on the Rio Grande and access restrictions to key crossing points. The issue of border security remains a pivotal topic in the political landscape, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, with both President Biden and former President Trump articulating their stances during visits to Texas.

NM high court shuts down utility’s $5M rate hike to comply with ETA

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled on a contentious matter concerning Southwestern Public Service Co.’s proposal to impose an additional charge on its customers, aiming to garner over $5 million in a span of three years. 

This proposed charge, known as a rate rider, was intended to offset the costs associated with augmenting the utility’s renewable energy output as a shift from traditional fossil fuel sources, mandated by the state’s Green New Deal, also known as the Energy Transition Act (ETA).

In New Mexico, the fully Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham-appointed Public Regulation Commission (PRC) oversees electricity tariffs. In 2021, the Southwestern Public Service Co. approached the PRC with a request to introduce this rate rider, positioning it as a necessary step toward fulfilling the state’s mandate for increased renewable energy production. 

New Mexico’s legislative framework mandates a significant push toward so-called “renewable” energy, setting strict guidelines for utilities to follow.

However, the PRC turned down this request, citing a need for concrete evidence from Southwestern Public Service Co. regarding their specific plans to invest in or develop new renewable energy projects with the proceeds from the proposed rate hike.

The state’s highest court has now affirmed the PRC’s decision, providing clarity on the issue. The court’s judgment underscored that the legislation encouraging the shift toward renewable energy was designed to promote the actual development and acquisition of clean energy resources. 

The justices pointed out that the utility company’s proposal failed to demonstrate how it would contribute to expanding renewable energy infrastructure, thus falling short of the legislative intent behind financial incentives for a “clean” energy transition. 

With utilities unable to increase rates for costly new eco-leftist mandates, it is unclear what utilities will be forced to do if no rate hikes are granted due to the apparent steep requirements mandated by the Democrat-run state.

See what grade New Mexico gets for its tax burden

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Each state in the U.S. has its unique approach to taxation, significantly influencing residents’ financial health. The increasing trend of remote work has further fueled the discussion around the impact of state taxes, as individuals are no longer bound to live near their workplaces.

To determine the tax efficiency across the U.S., MoneyGeek undertook a comprehensive study, leveraging data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Tax Foundation, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey. This research culminated in a grading system ranging from “A” for the most tax-efficient states to “F” for those with the heaviest tax burdens, considering sales, income, and property taxes.

The findings revealed that Nevada stands out as the state with the highest tax efficiency, with residents facing an average tax bill of $2,949. In stark contrast, Illinois emerged as the least tax-efficient, where the average family tax bill soars to $12,472 annually.

The disparity in tax burdens is stark, with a typical middle-class family in Illinois shouldering $9,524 more in taxes annually compared to a family in Nevada.

The study also linked tax efficiency to population trends, noting that states with an “A” rating in tax-friendliness saw a population growth of 0.9%, while those rated “F” experienced negligible growth. Florida, in particular, enjoyed a substantial 2.1% population increase, the highest nationwide, coinciding with its “A” tax-friendliness rating. Conversely, New York, with a “D” rating, witnessed the most significant population decline at -0.8%.

New Mexico has a “C” rating, with the 20th-highest tax burden. MoneyGeek notes that the estimated taxes are $6,808, with a 7.1% tax burden.

In an in-depth look at the tax landscape, MoneyGeek’s analysis identified the ten most and least tax-friendly states. The study defined a typical middle-class family as a married couple with one dependent, earning the median national income and owning a median-valued home. This benchmark family found Nevada, North Dakota, Wyoming, Tennessee, and Washington to be the most tax-efficient states. Notably, all “A”-rated states, except Arizona, benefit from having no state income tax, a trait shared by South Dakota and Texas, which both received a “B” rating. In these tax-friendly states, taxes account for merely 5% of a typical household’s income.

Conversely, the least tax-friendly states impose taxes that constitute 11% of a typical family’s income. Illinois, the lowest-ranked state, sees taxes consuming an astonishing 13% of household income. Most of the bottom ten states are situated in the Northeast or Midwest, with Oregon being the only exception.

Officer Justin Hare’s murder suspect apprehended in ABQ

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early on the morning of Sunday, March 17, 2024, we shared the news that Jaremy Smith, the individual accused of fatally shooting New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare and being a key figure in the investigation into the death of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a paramedic from South Carolina, was apprehended.

Sources, who chose to remain anonymous, have indicated that Smith was wounded by gunfire from deputies in Bernalillo County, per ABQ Raw. Although the New Mexico State Police were observed escorting the ambulance headed to UNMH, the specifics of Smith’s current health status remain undisclosed.

The vicinity of Anderson Hill and Unser is presently swarmed by law enforcement, leading to traffic advisories for motorists to steer clear of this area.

In a subsequent update at 9:30 AM, the New Mexico State Police confirmed that Jaremy Smith was captured following a car chase that culminated in an exchange of gunfire with deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

The Multi-Agency Task Force has launched an inquiry into the incident involving the deputies’ use of firearms. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that none of their deputies sustained injuries during the incident.

NM residents ranked most federally dependent in the entire country: Study

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to WalletHub, New Mexico residents are ranked the most federally dependent, and the state at large is ranked the second-most federally dependent state in the union, only beaten by Alaska.

New Mexico’s federal dependence score was 76.70 out of 100, while Alaska’s was 89.52. 

WalletHub notes, “New Mexico is the second-most federally dependent state, in large part because it receives a huge amount of federal funding compared to the taxes that residents pay. For every $1 paid in taxes, New Mexico gets $3.26 in federal funding. Around half of the other states get less than $1 in federal funding for every tax dollar.”

“Federal funding makes up a large share of New Mexico’s revenue as well, at around 47%, and more than 3.5% of the Land of Enchantment’s workforce is employed by the federal government. Both of these rates are among the highest in the country, proving that New Mexico’s economy owes a lot to the federal government,” the study continued.

WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe noted, “Regardless of whether the distribution of federal funds is fair or not, living in one of the most federally dependent states can be beneficial for residents. For every dollar residents of the top states pay in taxes, they get several dollars back in federal funding, which often leads to higher-quality infrastructure, education, public health and more.”

However, Happe’s analysis shows that is not the case in New Mexico, which despite the incredible government subsidies, is ranked near the bottom of every economic, health care, well-being, and safety state ranking. New Mexico also had the 46th lowest gross domestic product in the entire country, per WalletHub.

Suspect still on the lam after killing NM State Police Officer Justin Hare

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Friday morning, New Mexico when State Police Officer Justin Hare, 35, was fatally shot in eastern New Mexico. The incident occurred along Interstate 40, near mile marker 320, not far from Tucumcari. 

Officer Hare was conducting a welfare check related to a vehicle stopped on the highway’s shoulder when the situation escalated, leading to the suspect commandeering the police vehicle, which subsequently crashed.

Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, who was last spotted wearing a brown hoodie and jacket. The New Mexico State Police have released an image of the suspect and are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward.

The suspected murderer has been identified as Jeremy Smith of Marion, South Carolina, per the New Mexico State Police.

The area where the suspect was last seen is between Montoya and Newkirk, New Mexico, near mile marker 304 on Interstate 40. The search for the suspect is ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved.

This heartbreaking event marks the second loss of a New Mexico State Police officer in the line of duty within the past four years, following the death of Officer Darian Jarrott in 2021.

In 2023, Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson was murdered by a felon who was released despite pending charges of brandishing a firearm on another law enforcement officer. 

NM AG Torrez joins other Dem states in attempt to nuke First Amendment rights

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a major legal battle that has drawn national attention, 23 Democrat states, along with the District of Columbia, have filed amicus briefs in favor of the Biden regime in the Supreme Court case Murthy, et al v. Missouri, et al. Some have termed this case as the “most important free speech case in a generation,” and it is set to be heard by the Supreme Court soon.

The states supporting the administration assert their interest in collaborating with tech companies to promote responsible public behavior and counter alleged “disinformation” and online predatory activities, which attempt to gut First Amendment rights. Their stance suggests a belief in the government’s authority to regulate and potentially censor certain forms of speech.

New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez and other far-left attorneys general and solicitor generals have signed the brief.

The other states advocating for this anti-First Amendment stance include New York, Colorado, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Vermont, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nevada.

On the other side of the debate, 16 states, including Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Tennessee, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Arizona Legislature, have filed a brief in support of free speech and the respondents in the case.

This legal confrontation stems from allegations against the Biden administration for purported First Amendment violations, particularly directing social media platforms to censor or remove content deemed objectionable by the government. The case involves several plaintiffs, including three doctors, a news website, a healthcare activist, and two states, who claim their content was unfairly targeted and suppressed by these directives.

MLG regime cancels public hearing amid backlash to proposed state park fee hike

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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.

Facebook accused of silencing NM GOP candidate after page deactivated

4 Comments / Politics / By

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.

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