2025 Legislative Session

NM Dems push alcohol tax hike despite declining alcohol-related deaths

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.

NM Dems push alcohol tax hike despite declining alcohol-related deaths Read More »

ACTION ALERT: Anti-gun, anti-business, anti-energy bills to be heard next week

Next week, New Mexico’s House of Representatives will hear detrimental bills to the public, including the anti-gun H.B. 12, which expands New Mexico’s red flag law, the business-crushing paid family and medical leave legislation, H.B. 11, and the anti-oil and gas H.B. 33 and H.B. 35.

Constitutional Rights-Grabbing Anti-Gun Red Flag Bill

On Tuesday, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee (HCPAC) will consider the red flag change, sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Sens. Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque), and Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerue), which forces those accused in a red flag situation to immediately give up their firearms instead of the previous 48-hour allowance.

It also adds on who can petition for such an order to take away one’s constitutional right to a firearm that “a law enforcement officer may also file a petition based on credible information that the officer collected while carrying out the officer’s official duties.” It is unclear what “credible” means, further eroding constitutional rights. 

Please show up and testify at 1:30 p.m. for the HCPAC and email legislators. 

To show up physically, visit Room 317 at the Capitol in Santa Fe or to testify via Zoom, please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89876224491 

For phone participation, please use the following information: Phone one-tap: +16694449171,,89876224491#

Webinar ID: 898 7622 4491

To see the members of the committee to contact them, visit this link.

Business-Crushing Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) and Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo-Senate President Pro-Tempore), involves the creation of a state-run fund paid into by both employers and employees. It will be heard on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 307 of the state Capitol. 

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

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

To join the meeting, use the following information:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar! Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86178202695 Phone one-tap: +16694449171,,86178202695# US  Webinar ID: 861 7820 2695 

To contact the members of the committee, please click here.

Economy-Crushing Anti-Energy Bills

The anti-energy bills, H.B. 33 by Rep. Debbie Sariñana (D-Albuquerque) and H.B. 45 by both Sariñana and Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces) will be heard in the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 317.

The legislation, both aimed at harming the oil and gas industry and targeting specific places in the state, with H.B. 33 mandating that law “shall prohibit the construction of a new source relating to oil and gas production in a county where the environmental improvement board or the local agency determines that emissions from sources in a county within the environmental improvement board’s jurisdiction or the local authority’s jurisdiction cause or contribute to ozone concentrations in excess of the primary national ambient air quality standard for ozone as promulgated pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act or its subsequent amendments and successor provisions” 

H.B. 35 aims to create a “buffer zone” to effectively ban all oil and gas production within one mile of a school, crushing entire communities, especially in the oil-patch southeast corner of the state and the energy-rich northwest corner of the state. The idea is unconstitutional and targets specific counties. 

To join the meeting, the login details are below: 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar! Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89512433827  Phone one-tap: +17193594580,,89512433827# US Webinar ID: 895 1243 3827 

To contact members of the committee, please click here

Good Bill Being Heard: Protecting Children from Harmful Materials

H.B. 44 by Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) to ensure age verification for children on explicit online websites, legislation similar to many other states to protect the most vulnerable, will be heard on Friday in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. Please show up to testify in support:

Friday, January 31, 2025 – 1:30 PM – Room 317

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84498420158  Phone one-tap: +16699009128,,84498420158# US (San Jose) +17193594580,,84498420158# US Webinar ID: 844 9842 0158 

To contact the members of the Commerce Committee, they can be found here.

Other Horrible Bills Being Heard in Committees, As Scheduled:

Senate Conservation Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 – 9:00 am – Room 311 

S.B. 4 — CLEAR HORIZONS & GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

S.B. 21 — POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM ACT

S.B. 22 — WATER QUALITY & POLLUTION

S.B. 23 — OIL & GAS ROYALTY RATE CHANGES

For public participation and to register for the Zoom Webinar send email to SCONC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov.  To attend meeting via Zoom Webinar click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82404382748   Webinar ID: 824 0438 748, Zoom Call: 1-669-900-9128

ACTION ALERT: Anti-gun, anti-business, anti-energy bills to be heard next week Read More »

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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 »

Piñon Post’s John Block joins RGF’s Paul Gessing to preview 2025 legislature

Piñon Post publisher and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) joins the Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing for an episode of “Tipping Point New Mexico” to discuss what to expect during this upcoming 2025 Legislative Session and what is expected to come up the pipeline.

Block has overseen the Piñon Post since its inception as “John For New Mexico” in 2016 and its official launch as the Post in 2020 — marking five years of constant reporting in the state.

Watch Gessing’s interview with Block by clicking below

Piñon Post’s John Block joins RGF’s Paul Gessing to preview 2025 legislature Read More »

Dems’ 2025 legislative preview: Alcohol tax hike, woke policies, CYFD neglect

As New Mexico’s legislative session nears, Democrat lawmakers are championing a slate of policies under the guise of public safety and behavioral health. However, these proposals threaten to harm the very communities they claim to help, deepen government dependency, and distract from pressing issues like the long-standing crisis within the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD).

Alcohol Tax Hikes: A Step Toward Modern-Day Prohibition

Democratic lawmakers are once again pushing for higher taxes on alcohol despite evidence that such policies disproportionately harm the state’s poorest residents. The latest “hybrid” proposal seeks to combine increased wholesale taxes with a new 12% retail tax, which would drive up prices across the board, particularly for consumers in low-income brackets. Proponents, such as House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, argue the move will reduce alcohol-related deaths, yet similar measures have historically failed to achieve meaningful results.

Raising alcohol prices effectively punishes responsible consumers and mirrors the prohibition-era mindset of legislating personal behavior. Instead of addressing root causes like addiction treatment and education, Democrats are targeting taxpayers to fund their schemes, diverting attention from solutions that could empower individuals rather than penalize them. This approach not only burdens working families but also risks fueling an underground market for alcohol, exacerbating the very public health crises lawmakers claim to solve.

Woke Behavioral Health Plans Masquerading as Public Safety

House Democrats have also unveiled plans to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into so-called behavioral health initiatives, framing them as public safety measures. These initiatives include providing state-funded housing, food, and other unmentionables for individuals battling addiction under the guise of “managed alcohol programs.” Such policies, popularized in Canada, enable addiction rather than confront it, creating a cycle of dependency where the government perpetuates, rather than alleviates, suffering.

Instead of enforcing accountability and implementing meaningful reforms to tackle crime and addiction, Democrats seem intent on expanding the welfare state. Public safety measures should focus on holding offenders accountable, protecting communities, and addressing the root causes of crime—not subsidizing destructive behaviors at taxpayers’ expense.

Democrat Inaction on CYFD: A History of Stalled Reform

While pushing these controversial policies, Democrats have failed year after year to address the critical failings of CYFD. This embattled department, responsible for safeguarding New Mexico’s most vulnerable children, has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement and systemic dysfunction. Efforts to establish an independent Office of the Child Advocate to oversee CYFD have repeatedly been blocked by Democratic lawmakers, who appear more concerned with protecting the status quo than ensuring transparency and accountability.

House Speaker Javier Martínez’s admission that CYFD is “broken” rings hollow when Democrats continue to stymie reform efforts. Their opposition to creating an independent ombudsman’s office, which would provide critical oversight, underscores a lack of political will to prioritize children’s safety. Instead of fixing CYFD, lawmakers are content to throw more money at the department without addressing its structural issues.

Misplaced Priorities and Empty Promises

Democratic lawmakers tout their agenda as a path to progress, but their policies reveal a disconnect from the real needs of New Mexicans. From punitive alcohol taxes to misguided behavioral health programs and a glaring failure to address CYFD, Democrats are doubling down on big-government solutions that hurt the most vulnerable and leave systemic problems unaddressed. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes practical, effective solutions over ideological posturing and political expediency.

Dems’ 2025 legislative preview: Alcohol tax hike, woke policies, CYFD neglect Read More »

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

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 »

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

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.

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

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