Michelle Lujan Grisham

Alternate reality: MLG says everything is fine at border czar Kamala Harris’ border

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a Sunday appearance on “Face the Nation,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham faced scrutiny over her responses to questions about the state’s handling of the border crisis. Despite mounting evidence and concerns from residents and officials in other border states, Lujan Grisham’s defensive posture and dismissive remarks about the crisis have drawn significant criticism.

During the interview, Robert Costa questioned the governor about the Biden administration’s border policies and her role in addressing the issues. Lujan Grisham claimed, “Right now, border crossings are as low as they’ve ever been, certainly lower than they were in the Trump administration.”

This false assertion starkly contrasts with reports indicating ongoing challenges at the border, including increased encounters and a strain on local resources. The Center Square reported, “Accounting for all the data, including new ways the Biden administration is allowing foreign nationals to enter the country, the claims are verifiably false.”

Since Biden took power, at least 10 million illegal aliens have traveled illegally across the southern border. Since also since Biden took office in January 2021, fentanyl-related deaths have skyrocketed. In 2021 alone, there were over 71,000 deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. The crisis continued into 2022, with fentanyl being involved in nearly 70% of all drug overdose deaths, totaling approximately 73,838 deaths for the year.

However, Gov. Lujan Grisham has failed to take any measures to secure New Mexico’s border. Unlike all other border-state governors — Democrat and Republican — who have implemented stricter security protocols, Lujan Grisham has not committed to similar actions, leaving New Mexico vulnerable to the ramifications of inadequate border control. Her refusal to acknowledge the severity of the situation and to implement robust measures has been a point of contention.

When pressed about the need for more Border Patrol agents, Lujan Grisham deflected, attributing the lack of resources to Congressional inaction. She stated, “They [Republicans] did not do anything to pass a bipartisan border deal that put 1,500 more Border Patrol and 1,200 more ICE agents.” The so-called “deal” she referred to would have given mass amnesty to millions of criminal aliens entering the country illegally, a non-starter. 

However, facts show that this response overlooks her administration’s responsibility in advocating for and securing necessary resources to protect the state and its residents due to her pulling of the National Guard from the border and refusal to consider legislation to assist with the humanitarian crisis, which has opened up a channel for deadly fentanyl to kill countless citizens.

She then praised Joe Biden’s border czar, Kamala Harris, saying, “Hispanic voters here want is a prosecutor who’s got a history in a border state dealing with border and immigration issues that can cause risk, like her prosecution successfully and transnational gangs on drugs and guns.”

“And this is the second time we’ve seen Trump and his cast of characters be really clear. They don’t want immigration reform. They want fear, they want division, they’re going to continue to demonize Hispanics and Latinos and immigrant communities. And you know what they see? They see someone who’s tough, fair, balanced, pragmatic, and somebody they can relate to in terms of her own family. That motivates Hispanic voters,” she added. 

When asked about Harris being in charge of the border catastrophe, she said, “Well, as a straight shooter, thank you, Robert, and thank you, New Mexico voters. We have to be engaged in better diplomacy in Central America and South America. She did that very effectively.”

Lujan Grisham’s handling of the border issue is a stark disconnect from the realities faced by many in New Mexico and other border states. A recent FBI report noted the border crisis’ effect on higher crime in New Mexico. Her interview highlighted a concerning lack of urgency and proactive measures to address the complex challenges posed by the border crisis. This stance has led to growing frustration among constituents who feel that their concerns are being dismissed or minimized by state leadership.

Alternate reality: MLG says everything is fine at border czar Kamala Harris’ border Read More »

MLG admin. cooks up scheme to lure pro-abortion, ‘gender-affirming’ docs.

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Department of Health has launched a multi-state campaign aimed at attracting pro-abortion and “gender-affirming” healthcare professionals to New Mexico, per a report from the Santa Fe New Mexican.

“Every day we’re looking for ways to try to attract more people to New Mexico to meet the health care needs of our state,” Health Sec. Patrick Allen said. He emphasized that states like Texas and Arizona create a political and legal environment where healthcare providers are restricted from mutilating children and aborting babies up to birth.

The “Free to Provide” campaign, lasting one month, features online advertisements on social media in metropolitan areas of Texas and Arizona, as well as six billboards in the Medical Center Area of Houston, according to department spokesman Robert Nott, who formerly was a reporter at the New Mexican. 

The campaign cost approximately $350,000 and includes a dedicated website, freetoprovidenm.org, where healthcare workers can find information about New Mexico job opportunities, including links to the state’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program and the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit Program.

In total, the state partnered with around three dozen New Mexico hospitals and clinics, consolidating and linking their job postings on the campaign’s website, organized into five regions for easy navigation. 

Allen highlighted the collaborative effort, saying, “They were enthusiastic. They’re like us — they’re interested in trying to hire good people, and anything that we can do to make their job openings more visible is a benefit to them.”

New Mexico has faced a shortage of healthcare workers for years, requiring thousands more hires to reach a standard provider-to-population ratio, according to a 2023 report from the New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee.

At the end of the four-week campaign, the department will assess its impact and consider extending or expanding the campaign to other southwestern states if necessary. 

Allen reiterated the campaign’s goal, stating, “We need more of everything everywhere, whether it’s primary care providers or OBGYNs in Albuquerque or practitioners in rural parts of the state. We’re really trying to aim at that notion of, ‘This is a good place to practice, it’s a good place to live, and you can come here and practice without some of the risks and concerns that you face in other states.’”

What was not mentioned in the ad is the cost of malpractice insurance in the state, which previously was astronomical, has been reduced to a more manageable — yet expensive — level.

MLG admin. cooks up scheme to lure pro-abortion, ‘gender-affirming’ docs. Read More »

‘Self-righteous’ MLG throws ‘tantrum’ at Dems who killed crime special session

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, the New Mexico Legislature convened a special session called by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to address public safety measures. The session aimed to consider eight bills related to criminal competency standards, mental health treatment, crime reporting, pedestrian safety, gun violence, drug overdoses, and wildfire relief. In the final hours before the session, the governor added three additional bills targeting fentanyl distribution and racketeering.

However, the Democrat-run House and Senate adjourned within five hours, and none of the governor’s public safety measures were enacted. The only legislation passed was HB 1, known as the “feed bill,” which allocated funds for wildfire damage relief and other expenses, including:

  • $10 million to the Mescalero Tribe for fire damage
  • $10 million for statewide wildfire mitigation
  • $10 million for FEMA-related public assistance
  • $70 million for zero-interest loans to repair infrastructure
  • $3 million for mental health programs
  • $211,900 for the special session costs

Republicans in the House attempted to add $10 million to the appropriation via a floor amendment to send equipment and resources to New Mexico’s border regions to help apprehend the flow of deadly Chinese fentanyl seeping through the southern border. Democrats refused even to consider the amendment, claiming it was not “germane” despite fentanyl being in the governor’s proclamation. The Democrats voted to kill the amendment on a party-line vote.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, emphasized on the Senate floor that he urged the governor to sign the provisions into law to rebuild collaborative relationships between government branches, as the relationship has deteriorated as Democrats have rejected the governor’s proposals.

Leading Democrat legislators expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the governor’s proposed bills, particularly regarding mental health legislation, which they claimed lacked input from relevant advocates. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth stated, “We certainly look forward to working with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. We have done some terrific work together. And I hope we can continue to do that work.” House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, noted the equal branches of government, asserting that the Legislature has previously invested significantly in public safety.

Following the session’s adjournment, Governor Lujan Grisham issued a sharp rebuke of the Legislature’s inaction:

“This legislature just demonstrated that it has no interest in making New Mexico safer. Not one public safety measure was considered. Not one, despite the bills having the backing of police chiefs, public safety unions, mayors, prosecutors, businesses, tribal leaders, crime victims, and others who have seen firsthand the erosion of public safety that has deeply damaged the quality of life in our state.”

She continued, highlighting her recent visit to a neighborhood plagued by crime and criticizing the Legislature for ignoring these stark realities:

“The legislature as a body walked away from their most important responsibility: keeping New Mexicans safe… The legislature should be embarrassed at their inability to summon even an ounce of courage to adopt common-sense legislation to make New Mexicans safer.”

Governor Lujan Grisham called the day “one of the most disappointing” of her career and urged the public to be outraged. She promised to continue fighting for the safety of New Mexicans.

Blogger Pete Dinelli opined, “The only thing the Governor accomplished is having a little temper tantrum complete with self-righteous rhetoric for all the world to see for not getting her way that was beneath the dignity of her office.”

‘Self-righteous’ MLG throws ‘tantrum’ at Dems who killed crime special session Read More »

Lame duck GOP lawmaker will carry MLG’s special session bills

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is pushing forward with a special legislative session focused on crime, despite opposition from within her party and traditional allies who question the effectiveness of her proposed measures.

The governor issued a proclamation authorizing nine issues for legislative debate during the special session, starting Thursday at noon. While the agenda includes emergency aid for fire damage and funding for the session, the primary focus is on crime-related proposals. These include temporary holds for certain defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial, more frequent crime reports from law enforcement, and enhanced penalties for felons found with guns.

In a news conference at the Capitol, Lujan Grisham criticized Democrat lawmakers for not acting sooner on repeat offender legislation, saying, “Don’t let them tell you they don’t have enough time — they’ve had decades.” She suggested she might call multiple special sessions if her agenda is dismissed.

Lame duck Sen. Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque), an extreme moderate and failed congressional candidate who lost CD-1 in the largest blowout in recent New Mexico congressional history to Melanie Stansbury, has agreed to sponsor most of the governor’s bills, stating, “Even though some of the bills the governor is proposing are tepid, they are a step forward,” per the Albuquerque Journal. 

The Governor’s Office confirmed Moores’ sponsorship and indicated potential bipartisan support. However, the special session’s duration and the fate of all proposed issues remain uncertain.

This special session, the sixth since Lujan Grisham took office, is politically risky due to the lack of a pre-agreed plan with majority Democrats. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups argue that the proposals haven’t been thoroughly vetted and were crafted without sufficient input from affected communities. Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, highlighted the complexity of the issues, stating, “We all want simple solutions, but complex problems sometimes require complex solutions.”

A coalition of progressive groups, including the ACLU of New Mexico, called for the session’s cancellation, and some advocates argue that a proposal to limit loitering on roadways would not effectively reduce pedestrian deaths. Justin Allen, an Albuquerque community organizer, contended that “criminalizing panhandling is not a public safety measure, but a direct attack on our unhoused population.”

Democrats have significant majorities in both legislative chambers, but it’s not certain all will support the governor’s agenda. In the House, at least 11 Democrats would need to join Republicans to advance Republican bills, and in the Senate, at least six Democrats would need to do the same, with Lt. Gov. Howie Morales casting the deciding vote in a tie. In the House, some Republicans have made it clear they will not be entertaining voting for such agenda items, meaning the 11 Democrats needed would have to expand exponentially for passage of such legislation.

The governor stressed that political considerations should not influence lawmakers’ decisions during the session. She expressed frustration with resistance to crime-related bills, noting past legislative efforts on firearm regulations. “They don’t get to just appropriate money for soccer fields,” she said, a potential threat to legislators’ capital outlay if they don’t get in line and ram through her agenda. “They have to do the hard work, too.”

Lame duck GOP lawmaker will carry MLG’s special session bills Read More »

Despite vast opposition, MLG trucks ahead with likely futile special session

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Wednesday, Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham held a press conference to announce her call for the special session she has proclaimed to begin at noon on Thursday. 

Despite vast opposition from her own party on her five crime-related bills that would increase penalties for felons in possession of firearms and holding mentally ill individuals pending trial, among other measures — all opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union and a compact of many other leftist groups that say the policies are rushed or useless. 

Flanked by Democrat Mayor Tim Keller to her right and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales and First Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman to her left, the defiant governor said, “Tomorrow at noon, we’re asking lawmakers to do right by New Mexico families.”

“Not one day I don’t see this behavior,” referring to homelessness and crime.

Keller said, “I am here in solidarity” with social workers and police departments.” He claimed that “people with a badge” said a special session was correct to call. 

“I do appreciate the governor’s courage to call this,” he continued, bemoaning the fact that New Mexico has a part-time legislature. He said special sessions are the “only way to work on urgent problems.” 

Bregman said to the governor, “Thank you for shining a light on these important issues. I don’t think anybody can deny the fact we have a crime problem.” He applauded the governor’s proposed criminal competency bill and bill to increase the penalties for all felons (including nonviolent felons) in possession of firearms to 12 years of mandatory sentences. 

Morales said the special session is to address “consistencies” he sees being brought forward across the state. He said it was a “business,” “environmental,” and “education” special session.

In a move meant to save face, the governor added to her call legislation for compensation to Ruidoso’s fire victims, who suffered massive losses earlier in the summer due to two wildfires — one said to be lightning-related and one that is suspected arson. 

The bills she is demanding be addressed include legislation that would impose “civil commitment and outpatient treatment,” ban people from panhandling on “medians,” address “gun violence,” including increasing penalties for “felons in possession,” addressing racketeering laws to “stem the rise of organized crime by effectively prosecuting” criminals, address “drug overdoses” due to fentanyl, and compensate the South Fork/Salt Fire victims.

“I’m no stranger to what is available,” she said regarding a question about calling as many special sessions as necessary to ram through her agenda. 

When asked about her own party bucking her agenda, she said, “That’s for them to answer about why,” hoping they would not be “playing politics” with the special session.

“This isn’t about doing the work to coming to [an] agreement…. This is about a Legislature, the day the last session started, were not willing to discuss these proposals,” Lujan Grisham said to reporters regarding Democrats in the Legislature who buck her proposals. “There’s still time” to discuss these bills, she said. 

“We’ve added the relief for Ruidoso, we’ve added the racketeering bill, we’ve added the fentanyl bill,” she said regarding the changes she made in her proposals since Monday’s press conference from Democrat leadership, who said they opposed her agenda.

“If they just adjourn, people in Ruidoso who didn’t create a fire — don’t deserve this — could lose an opportunity to know that their house gets saved,” she said. 

Despite vast opposition, MLG trucks ahead with likely futile special session Read More »

ACLU, progressives ramp up pressure against MLG’s special session

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, during a meeting of the Legislative Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee, multiple members of the public came out in opposition to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s so-called “crime” agenda she plans for her upcoming special session, which she has set to begin Thursday.

Members of the public, almost entirely leftists, said bold statements about the governor’s five proposed bills, characterizing them as failing to “get at the root of the problem,” “unconstitutional and unproductive,” “failed approaches,” and claims that the governor is using homeless people as a wedge issue or a “scapegoat.” 

The American Civil Liberties Union wrote on X, “While the governor seems intent on ignoring the requests from our communities, please urge our lawmakers to tell her they don’t support her call for a special legislative session.”

In a petition it shared, the ACLU added, “[T]his call is unpopular within members of her own party who want to work on real solutions to public safety, not empty gestures that will only make us less safe. The governor’s proposals will not advance public safety in New Mexico — but they will pose serious risks to New Mexicans’ rights, dignity, health, and autonomy.”

“The governor’s rushed special session lacks meaningful community input, excluding key organizations and experts. The proposed bills share a flawed reliance on punishment and incarceration instead of a public health approach,” concluded the group.

Despite vast opposition from Democrats, who the governor needs to vote for her legislation in the session, and progressive groups, the “rushed” special session still looks set to begin on Thursday.

However, it is unclear what will be accomplished in the meeting of the Legislature, which might result in both or one chamber gaveling out sine die shortly after gaveling in.

ACLU, progressives ramp up pressure against MLG’s special session Read More »

‘Shame on you’: Livid gov trashes ‘never serious,’ ‘failed’ Dems for resisting her

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday morning, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham visited a problematic area in downtown Albuquerque to highlight the need for the upcoming special legislative session aimed at addressing public safety and mental health issues.

Governor Lujan Grisham criticized some legislators for canceling critical meetings, lunches, and hearings ahead of the special session, stating, “Which tells me they were never serious about supporting any of these issues in the first place. My message for them on behalf of the business owners and the people living here is, ‘Shame on you.’”

Amid pushback from Democrat leaders, the governor declared, “Enough is enough.” She emphasized that legislative and city leaders, including Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, are committed to tackling these pressing issues. “I’ve got legislative policy markers, lawmakers who have a sense that the mayor and I, and others, aren’t really considering this issue from an affordability and a place of compassion,” Lujan Grisham said, aiming to prove her critics wrong.

During her visit to 1st Street and Prospect Avenue, an area plagued by homeless encampments, Mayor Keller noted, “We had 3,000 calls for service for encampments, and as I mentioned, we clean about 200 encampments a month.” Both the governor and mayor believe the proposed bills could bring much-needed relief. “You can’t walk on the sidewalk. You can’t enter these businesses. These business owners can barely keep their doors open. They spend more time on their own public safety and the environment around their business,” Lujan Grisham added.

One proposed bill would change how courts handle offenders found incompetent to stand trial. “If these individuals will not seek care and break the law and come right back to the streets, there is nothing we can do to interrupt this chaos,” the governor stated.

Local business owners, like William Johnson of ABQ’s Best Equipment Service, are frustrated with the situation. “We’re scared to be out there sometimes because they are throwing needles over the fence while we are back there working. Same thing, they are out there smoking whatever,” Johnson said.

Governor Lujan Grisham urged New Mexicans to support the special session, stating, “The climate is so harsh that you are not safe anywhere. I would say to those legislators, ‘I don’t believe New Mexicans think you can wait, and I don’t frankly understand why you think you can.’” She called on citizens to contact their lawmakers and hold them accountable for either addressing the issues or allowing the chaos to continue.

The special session, set to begin on Thursday, has sparked significant debate among lawmakers. Democrat leaders held a news conference on Monday, arguing that the session is a waste of time and taxpayer money. They claim there has been insufficient time to reach a consensus on the proposed bills.

“We appreciate the important issues that the governor has raised, calling this special session, particularly around the nexus of behavioral health care and public safety,” said House Speaker Javier Martinez. However, he emphasized the need for thorough legislative consideration, stating, “As state lawmakers, we also have a constitutional duty as a separate and coequal branch of government to fully consider the legislation that comes before us and the potential impact it may have on New Mexicans.”

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth criticized the timing of the special session, stating, “Special sessions only work when the bills are cooked. We thought we had an agreement with the governor that she wouldn’t proceed unless there was consensus. The governor went ahead and called this session before we had even started working on these bills; that’s certainly her prerogative.” He added, “We have worked hard to try and find bipartisan consensus on the bills that were proposed. As the speaker said, we’re just not there.”

Senator Mimi Stewart expressed concern about rushing the process, stating, “We do not believe these concerns can be effectively remedied in a very condensed special legislative session. It’s simply too important to rush into this and risk harming that will take up more of our time down the road to unwind and repair.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are eager to address public safety issues. House Republican Leader Rod Montoya said, “Once again, progressive Democrats have failed to take the New Mexico crime problem seriously. House Republicans are prepared with a tough-on-crime package and are ready to work. New Mexicans are relying on their elected officials to ensure their safety. However, this chaos in the Roundhouse is disheartening and leaves New Mexicans feeling less secure than ever.”

Senate Republican Leader Greg Baca echoed this sentiment, stating, “Despite all of the voices of detractors on the prospect of improving our state, anything we can do to make our families safer is worth our time. We have many bills we are ready to introduce during this special session that we believe would make a measurable impact in the lives of the people of our state and we are ready to work with anyone to meaningfully address public safety.”

Governor Lujan Grisham’s spokesman released a statement criticizing Democrat legislative leaders for not engaging meaningfully with the governor’s proposals. “The governor’s proposals to improve public safety in New Mexico in a special session should have come as no surprise to any lawmaker who was paying attention. Legislators had competency legislation on their plate beginning in January, and they rejected it. Gov. Lujan Grisham then began signaling her intent to call a special session before the end of the regular session in February.”

The statement continued, “Democratic legislative leaders have failed to meaningfully engage with the governor and her team on the substance of her proposals to help keep New Mexicans safe. Over the past several months, they’ve resisted productive discussions of what would be possible to accomplish in a special session and refused to offer any viable legislative alternatives. If lawmakers adjourn without taking up the governor’s proposals to make our state safer this week, the decision will come at the expense of New Mexicans who are demanding public safety reforms. Just today, the governor met with two business owners in Albuquerque who have been assaulted and burglarized at their place of business. Crime is a serious problem in New Mexico. This can’t wait.”

‘Shame on you’: Livid gov trashes ‘never serious,’ ‘failed’ Dems for resisting her Read More »

Lujan Grisham gets terrible news from NM Dem legislative leaders

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Three days before a special legislative session is set to begin, Democratic leaders from both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature voiced “deep concerns” on Monday regarding Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s five proposals, per the Santa Fe New Mexican. This announcement follows a coalition of advocacy organizations, behavioral health providers, and others urging the governor to delay the session to allow for more engagement with community experts on mental health and public safety issues before the regular 60-day session next year.

“The proposed policies are not the kind of meaningful solutions that we need right now,” said House Speaker Javier Martínez during a news conference at the state Capitol. “Let me be clear; let us be clear. We are not saying that this is too hard. What we are saying is that we have deep concerns about the potential impact these proposals will have on New Mexicans, especially the most vulnerable among us. We do not believe these concerns can be effectively remedied in a very condensed special legislative session. Let me reiterate: We are not afraid of hard work. We’re also not afraid of standing up for what is right, right now, and potentially rushing these bills is not right for New Mexico.”

Despite the lawmakers’ concerns, Governor Lujan Grisham remains committed to proceeding with the special session. Michael Coleman, her communications director, stated, “She’s going to go full steam ahead.” Coleman noted that the governor is open to modifications to her proposals but believes these are pressing matter, and lawmakers have had at least eight weeks to work on them.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth echoed the sentiment at the news conference, emphasizing that special sessions are only effective “when the bills are cooked.” He added, “We thought we had an agreement with the governor when she first indicated she wanted to call a special [session], that she wouldn’t proceed unless there was consensus. The governor went ahead and called this session before we had even started working on these bills. That’s certainly her prerogative. We have worked hard to try and find bipartisan consensus on the bills that were proposed. As the speaker said, we’re just not there.”

Senator Mimi Stewart concurred, stating, “Special sessions, they’re only effective when the proposals put forth are vetted in advance, so we can walk into the chamber with confidence in knowing the laws we are about to pass will be good for the people of New Mexico. As Speaker Martinez and Leader Wirth have both pointed out, we are far from that juncture.”

Before the news conference, Senator Crystal Brantley expressed her frustration in a telephone interview, noting that Republicans feel disorganized and left in the dark. “As recent as this morning, we were being told to prepare for three weeks, pack for three weeks, but also be prepared for us to immediately adjourn,” she said. “How do you prepare for that? For legislators, for lobbyists, for constituents? It’s in such disarray right now that I think it’s really making a mockery of the legislative process and the Legislature in general.”

Brantley highlighted the Republicans’ frustration, adding, “The reality is that we are in a minority and because of that, Republicans are dependent on the direction and guidance of Democrat leadership and so when Democrat leadership doesn’t have a plan, really we are in a waiting game right now with little information to go by, so little that we’re unable to really adequately prepare to do much.”

She emphasized the support among Republicans, particularly those representing districts near the Mexico border, for the governor’s special session focused on public safety. “It gives us an opportunity to help all of New Mexico,” she said. “What’s frustrating is while [the governor’s] intentions may have been well and I support the call, there just has not been enough work on the front end to prepare for anything meaningful.”

Lujan Grisham gets terrible news from NM Dem legislative leaders Read More »

ACLU, leftists pressure MLG to call off her imminent special session

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A coalition of far-left advocacy organizations and behavioral health providers is urging Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to cancel a special legislative session set to commence in less than two weeks. This coalition, comprising progressive-leaning groups that generally support the governor’s policies, expressed their concerns in a letter sent on Tuesday.

The letter implores the governor to “halt” the special session and instead “engage further with community experts” on her plans to address mental health and public safety issues in New Mexico, suggesting that these topics be tackled during the regular 60-day session next year.

“With less than two weeks to go before session is slated to begin and an obvious lack of consensus between lawmakers on the (continually shifting) legislative proposals, there is simply no way to achieve the solutions New Mexicans deserve,” the letter asserts. “Moreover, a special session that will conclude in a matter of days with little to no opportunities for community feedback is not conducive to passing true and lasting safety solutions.”

The coalition includes the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, the Center for Civic Policy, Common Cause New Mexico, Equality New Mexico, and the New Mexico Conference of Churches. The governor’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment, while the ACLU writes that “the governor’s rushed legislative proposals will not improve public safety.”

The coalition’s letter outlines three primary concerns. Firstly, they oppose legislation that would broaden the definitions of “harm to self” and “harm to others,” making it easier to “force someone into a locked mental health facility.” The letter argues that this approach fails to address the “underlying issue of critical shortages in voluntary care” and could violate constitutional rights, cause trauma, and increase distrust in New Mexico’s care systems.

Secondly, the coalition raises issues with a competency bill that would expand involuntary civil commitment. The proposal would mandate the detention of individuals who are not competent but also not dangerous and require legal proceedings to initiate their civil commitment. “Legislation that mandates detention and the initiation of involuntary commitment proceedings for certain individuals with mental illness in the criminal courts strips prosecutors and judges of their ability to make discretionary, case-by-case assessments regarding an individual’s freedom,” the letter states, suggesting this could lead to unjust outcomes.

Lastly, the coalition opposes a roadway safety bill that would prohibit loitering on highway medians with certain conditions. They argue that this legislation would unfairly penalize vagrants without addressing broader issues like pedestrian safety or the need for affordable housing and supportive services. “Legislation that will saddle [vagrants] with unpayable fines and jail time does nothing to meaningfully address pedestrian safety or solve our dearth of affordable housing and wrap-around services,” the letter contends.

“The state must urgently re-invest in communities, expanding access to voluntary treatment and affordable housing to tackle the root causes of these issues. The governor’s proposals – which are based on punishment and coercion – will only worsen the very issues she aims to fix,” wrote the ACLU in a fundraising email announcing its opposition to the governor’s imminent special session. 

The coalition emphasizes their respect for the governor and acknowledges the importance of the ongoing conversation about mental health and public safety. “We are grateful to you for accelerating this critical dialogue, but real solutions deserve more time than we have. They also deserve more robust dialogue and partnership with community organizations like ours,” the letter concludes, urging more thoughtful and inclusive policymaking.

ACLU, leftists pressure MLG to call off her imminent special session Read More »

Die-hard Biden supporter MLG casts doubt on Biden’s electability: Report

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

During a Wednesday call with 20 Democrat governors, Joe Biden claimed that “he underwent a medical checkup after last week’s debate and is fine, according to three people with knowledge of the discussion,” per a Politico report.

However, the appointment was “a short checkup by a White House physician in the days following the debate due to lingering symptoms from his cold. The exam, that person added, was brief and did not include any major tests.”

The disastrous debate left Biden increasingly vulnerable, as Republican 45th President Donald Trump is now leading in many swing states, including New Mexico and Virginia, per leaked Democrat internal polling. 

Politico noted that even Biden’s staunchest allies, such as New Mexico Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, are beginning to cast doubt on Biden’s electability, even in New Mexico.

“Two Democratic governors — Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and Janet Mills of Maine — expressed concern to Biden over whether he could still win their blue-leaning states, describing them as competitive, two of the people with knowledge of the discussion said. In 2020, Biden won New Mexico by 11 percentage points and Maine by 9 points,” the report noted.

Lujan Grisham is a campaign surrogate for Biden, vowing she will “do everything I can” to stop Trump in 2024. 

The concern from the far-left Democrat governor appears to show that the dam is breaking, even with Joe Biden’s staunchest supporters. 

Die-hard Biden supporter MLG casts doubt on Biden’s electability: Report Read More »

1 … 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 … 80
Scroll to Top