MLG

Dem NM State Auditor Maestas has bad news for wasteful Lujan Grisham regime

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In the fall of last year, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney and a division director undertook a costly trip to Australia, with taxpayers footing the bill for $30,000 for their two flights. 

This expenditure has drawn scrutiny and criticism from the state auditor, who labeled it a misuse of public funds and a breach of state regulations.

Democrat State Auditor Joseph Maestas addressed a letter to Kenney, highlighting that the trip’s expenses were inflated due to the officials upgrading their seats to business class. 

While economy class tickets would have cost approximately $2,000 each, the business class seats purchased were nearly $15,000 each, leading to a 600% increase in costs. Maestas described this as a “clear case of waste of public resources” and noted it violated state policy.

“In seeking and obtaining airfare rates at greater cost than otherwise normally allowable, NMED management inappropriately applied private business standards for travel and overrode important preventative internal controls. Specifically, NMED Out of State Travel Policy 07-04, which was last updated in 1996, requires travel be taken in a manner that optimizes NMED resources, and Department of Finance and Administration travel guidelines requires the utilization of the lowest fare available,” read Maestas’ letter.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also attended the Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit in Sydney during this trip. She announced a partnership with an Australian company to establish an innovation hub in New Mexico.

Lujan Grisham has been well-known for her taxpayer-funded jet-setting across the globe, from Scotland and the Netherlands to multiple trips to Washington, D.C., funded by New Mexico taxpayers. 

Secretary Kenney did not grant an interview to KRQE but issued a statement explaining that the business class upgrade was to ensure a full and productive workday upon arrival, which was crucial for the summit’s effective participation. 

He acknowledged the need for stronger internal controls and mentioned that the Department of Finance and Administration would introduce a final travel policy for state employees soon.

“The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) upgraded to business class for extended international air travel to allow for a full and productive workday upon arrival. This was essential for effective participation in the Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit where the Governor and NMED secured and announced a $100M investment in Albuquerque by Australian-based Star Scientific. The NMED acknowledges the need for stronger internal controls, and the Department of Finance and Administration will replace its interim travel policy with a final travel policy for state employees next month,” his statement read. 

Read State Auditor Maestas’ letter here.

Dem NM State Auditor Maestas has bad news for wasteful Lujan Grisham regime Read More »

Bombshell report reveals huge red flags in Lujan Grisham’s $600M solar deal

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Major concerns have arisen regarding Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s proposed $600 million solar manufacturing initiative. An in-depth front-page report from the Albuquerque Journal has revealed several troubling issues surrounding the company behind this project.

Central to Lujan Grisham’s solar plans, the company is under investigation for violating federal securities laws. In addition to this legal scrutiny, the company has faced significant delays in releasing its financial reports, which has contributed to a substantial drop in its stock price. Perhaps most concerning is that the largest shareholder in the company is now a Chinese-based firm.

“These are some serious red flags, and New Mexico’s elected officials should be demanding real answers before sending millions down this road,” said Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power The Future. “Of its many flaws, the main problem with the Inflation Reduction Act is that it leaves taxpayers on the hook for footing costs with little to no guarantee of results. And the fact a Chinese company would benefit from any profits only makes it worse. This is just the latest data point to prove the green industry can’t stand up without massive handouts from hardworking New Mexicans.”

The issues with the company have all emerged since Governor Lujan Grisham announced the partnership last August. Additionally, the company has already missed the governor’s promised deadline to break ground on their facility at the beginning of 2024.

Power The Future, a 501c4 non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for American energy workers, has been vocal in its criticism of the deal. Behrens emphasized the need for greater scrutiny and accountability before committing substantial taxpayer funds to the project.

The proposed solar manufacturing deal was initially hailed as a significant step forward in New Mexico’s renewable energy efforts. However, the recent revelations have cast a shadow over the project’s viability and the decision-making process behind it. Critics argue that without thorough vetting and stringent oversight, the state risks investing in a venture that may not deliver the promised economic or environmental benefits.

As the debate continues, New Mexico’s taxpayers and elected officials must carefully weigh the potential risks and rewards associated with the solar manufacturing initiative. The involvement of a Chinese-based company and the company’s current legal and financial troubles only add to the complexity of the decision.

In light of these developments, calls for transparency and due diligence are growing louder. It remains to be seen how Governor Lujan Grisham and her administration will address these concerns and what steps will be taken to ensure that any future investments in renewable energy are both responsible and beneficial for New Mexico’s citizens.

Bombshell report reveals huge red flags in Lujan Grisham’s $600M solar deal Read More »

MLG claims outrage over anti-gun edicts is ‘sexism,’ wants to snatch more guns

27 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an article from the pro-abortion fringe site “The 19th,” Lujan Grisham and two other abortion up-to-birth governors were featured to talk about their assaults in each of their respective states. The governors invoked shootings as the impetus for their gun-grabbing, including Lujan Grisham.

Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul bragged about her state’s “Red flag” law and a law taking away 18-20-year-olds’ rights to own firearms. She claimed, “This was deeply personal to me.”

Michigan’s Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer touted bills she signed taking away her citizens’ constitutional rights. 

“Whitmer signed into law an extreme risk law, a secure storage requirement for firearms to protect children, a background check requirement for all unlicensed gun sales, a law prohibiting those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from purchasing or possessing firearms, and an extreme risk protection order law allowing police officers, health care professionals and family members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others to seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms,” the outlet reported.

Whitmer said, “Is there more to do? Absolutely. Is there ultimately going to be a need for national action? Yes.”

Lujan Grisham bragged about her 7-day waiting period bill passed in the 2024 Legislative Session and her unconstitutional edict that she signed to use the death of a child for political gain last September, banning all firearm possession and ownership in Albuquerque. The executive order was immediately struck down by a Joe Biden-appointed federal judge. 

The governor then blamed outrage after her unconstitutional actions on “sexism.”

“She knows it is work that doesn’t necessarily come without detractors — and sexism,” wrote the outlet, quoting her as saying, “I think someone opposing me might say, ‘Oh she had an emotional break’ but no — it’s a practical response to recognizing that my job is actually to make sure that I do everything in my power to make Americans and New Mexicans and their families and their children safe…. There are just so many guns out there. That family didn’t see a car with guns. You just can’t see them. You don’t know where they are. You can’t attenuate your risk.”

Lujan Grisham has called a special session for July 18 focused on “crime,” although her specific agenda items have not yet been set. She may bring forward more unconstitutional legislation to rival Whitmer and Hochul.  

MLG claims outrage over anti-gun edicts is ‘sexism,’ wants to snatch more guns Read More »

The embarrassing truth about MLG’s so-called ‘zero-emission’ fire truck

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Recent reports reveal that the celebrated “all-electric” or “zero emissions” fire trucks, being lauded from San Diego to Portland to Albuquerque, are not as environmentally friendly as advertised. Each of these new fire trucks, purchased with the assistance of federal funding, is equipped with a diesel engine to ensure functionality when the electric battery is depleted. 

This revelation highlights a significant discrepancy between the marketed image of these trucks and their actual operational design.

The report indicates that each of these supposedly zero-emission trucks includes a diesel engine to guarantee that it can still pump water or drive if the electric battery runs out. Furthermore, the cost of these hybrid trucks is significantly higher than their all-diesel counterparts, with a price tag that is 40 to 50 percent more.

“This would be laughable if so much money wasn’t being wasted on such a big lie,” stated Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future. Turner expressed his frustration, emphasizing that politicians celebrating these trucks as “all-electric” are either misleading the public or are unaware of the trucks’ true nature. “Over-spending tax dollars on a product and then misleading voters is nothing less than pure fraud,” he added.

One notable example highlighted in the report is the purchase of an “all-electric” fire truck for $1.8 million, of which $400,000 was funded by a federal grant. Despite the truck being touted as a “zero emission” vehicle by Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the inclusion of a diesel engine undermines this claim.

The discrepancy between the public portrayal and the reality of these fire trucks raises concerns about the transparency and efficacy of using taxpayer money for such projects. Critics argue that the funds could be better spent on genuinely green technologies rather than on vehicles that still rely on fossil fuels for critical functions.

As cities across the nation strive to meet “environmental” goals and reduce carbon footprints, the debate over the true benefits and costs of these hybrid fire trucks is likely to continue. Turner and others at Power The Future call for greater accountability and honesty from public officials regarding the capabilities and limitations of such high-cost investments.

The embarrassing truth about MLG’s so-called ‘zero-emission’ fire truck Read More »

Far-left Dem legislator calls MLG’s July special session a sham

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a candidate survey submitted to the Las Cruces Bulletin, far-left Democrat state Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) blasted far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plans for a July 18th special session supposedly focused on crime, with additions such as panhandling legislation, and possibly anti-gun measures.

“I have and will always stand by restorative justice as we head to a special session in July (to consider) legislation related to incarcerating those deemed incompetent and individual(s) who are panhandling and increasing penalties for felons with guns. I will not support it,” she said.

She then focused on Lujan Grisham, writing, “This special session is purely for political optics and will not do anything to address any of the issues communities around the state (and nation) are facing.”

The shift in perspective on the governor is interesting, as Lujan Grisham is lining up many Democrat primary challenges to more moderate legislators, but now even her farthest-left allies are breaking from her on the July special session, which is being panned as a political stunt. 

Recently, more moderate state Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) ripped into Lujan Grisham and other far-leftists targeting her seat, calling them “Woke” progressive bullies. Matthews has often put forward legislation that is an alternative to the farthest-left bills, but the fringes of the Democrat Party refuse to pass them.

In contrast, Rubio, who never debates any bills and whose sole focus in the Legislature is to secure herself a salary and kill more babies through abortion, has mostly been a backer of Lujan Grisham’s agenda, including her help in killing many crime bills in committee that could have saved lives. Read Rubio’s full questionnaire here.

In scathing op-ed, Dem NM legislator rips ‘Woke’ progressive bullies in party

Far-left Dem legislator calls MLG’s July special session a sham Read More »

Court halts Lujan Grisham’s 180-day PED rule in shock win for rural schools

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A coalition of New Mexico school superintendents has initiated legal action against state officials, challenging the public education department’s imposition of a 180-day school calendar. 

The superintendents argue that the rule represents a case of “executive overreach,” according to Stan Rounds, the executive director for the New Mexico School Superintendents Association.

During a court session in Roswell, a District Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against the New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) mandate, which was set to start in fall 2024. 

The rule would abolish the four-day school weeks prevalent in many of the state’s rural areas. “If you do a four-day week under the new rule, you essentially will have to go to school about 49 of those 52 weeks,” explained Rounds.

The lawsuit, supported by over 50 school districts and including officials from Mosquero, contends that the extended calendar would significantly increase travel times, costs, and burdens for both students and staff. 

Superintendent Johnna Bruhn of Mosquero Municipal Schools highlighted these concerns, stating, “The issue is, it’s going to be an increase in travel time and an increase in costs and an increase in the burden on the students and the staff.”

The discontent extends beyond administrators to the community. Ronald Dixon, whose grandchildren attend school in Grady, expressed his disapproval, emphasizing the impact on recovery and rest. “I just totally object to it because they don’t give the kids an opportunity to rest, as well as the teachers, and give everybody a break,” he said.

In response to the lawsuit, the PED provided a statement defending the policy by pointing to schools that voluntarily adopted longer calendars and reportedly saw improved student outcomes. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also voiced support for the rule, asserting that it would enhance the state’s educational performance.

However, a court just ruled that PED’s mandate violates 2023’s law change requiring 1140 instructional hours and does not comply with legislative history. Additionally, the rule was found to be at odds with legislative history. The judge emphasized that legislative power prevails in determining the structure of educational policies.

Referencing the 2009 law that initially introduced the 180-day requirement and its repeal two years later in 2011, the judge highlighted this legislative action as indicative of the intent not to enforce such a mandate. Furthermore, the judge pointed out that PED’s delay of 12 years to enact the 180-day rule, as noted in a December communication to the Legislative Finance Committee, suggests that the department itself doubted its authority to impose this requirement.

As a result, the judge granted a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the rule, citing its inconsistency with established statutes and its contravention of legislative objectives. The court also mandated that PED must approve school budgets that adhere to current legal standards.

The court requires the submission of findings within ten days to support this order. Additionally, a scheduling discussion is set for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to address the matter further.

Court halts Lujan Grisham’s 180-day PED rule in shock win for rural schools Read More »

MLG taking large NM delegation to Europe for enviro excursion

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico is once again leaving the state, this time for an international trip to Rotterdam, Netherlands, under the guise of promoting business and trade at the 2024 World Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition. Critics argue that her travel highlights a concerning trend of prioritizing global climate agendas over immediate local issues, as she aims to discuss potential investments in New Mexico’s hydrogen sector.

It is not immediately clear what this expensive “climate change” excursion will cost. However, with the governor flying out her husband, Manny Cordova, Office of the Governor Deputy Chief of Operations Caroline Buerkle, Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney, Department of Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna, Office of the Governor Communications Director Michael Coleman, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Rob Black and HyVisory Inc. Managing Director Stewart Stewart, it is sure to be quite the expense.

Taxpayers see this as an extravagant use of taxpayer money, especially when many New Mexicans continue to face everyday challenges that are sidelined by high-concept, low-impact environmental strategies.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

The governor’s hydrogen-based model for the economy is more about aligning with trendy global environmental movements than delivering practical economic benefits to New Mexico residents, especially since oil and gas funds the state’s large $10+ billion budget. 

The governor’s office boasts about creating a favorable hydrogen policy landscape in New Sed, which supposedly attracts global energy leaders. However, detractors argue that this focus diverts attention and resources from more pressing statewide needs such as public safety, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, all of which the state is ranked last or near last. 

As the governor prepares to promote New Mexico as a thriving hub for hydrogen investment, despite her hydrogen bills failing miserably at the Legislature year after year, her critics urge a reevaluation of priorities, suggesting that state leadership should concentrate more on tangible solutions that directly benefit its citizens rather than chasing international acclaim for environmental initiatives.

The governor recently left the state for Washington, D.C., to attend Joe Biden’s White House correspondents’ dinner and other lavish D.C. media parties.

Lujan Grisham flying to Dubai for ‘climate change’ conference

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Lujan Grisham regime hands nearly half a million dollars to UPS

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an era where politicians are quick to allocate public funds towards their own agendas, often without regard to efficacy, an interesting development has emerged in the realm of electric vehicle (EV) adoption by major delivery companies like FedEx and UPS. According to a recent Reuters report, as noted by Errors of Enchantment, these companies face significant hurdles in transitioning to green vehicles, primarily due to battery shortages and high EV prices, compounded by the financial struggles of startup electric van manufacturers.

Luke Wake, the vice president of fleet maintenance and engineering at UPS, expressed skepticism about the future landscape of these businesses, asking, “The question is how many of those (companies) will be here in five years, 10 years?”

Amid these uncertainties, an April 30 report from KRQE 13 highlights an initiative by far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Environment Department, which has allocated over $473,000 in grant money to UPS. This funding is intended for the replacement of 16 aging delivery vehicles with newer, presumably more “environmentally friendly” models.

“At UPS, we believe in contributing positively to the communities in which we live and work. With over 18,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles in our fleet, we are proud to collaborate with the New Mexico Environment Department to increase our number of renewable natural gas vehicles and make a difference on the road,” Ryan Bankerd, UPS Corporate Affairs director of sustainability, wrote in a press release. 

While delivery vehicles are arguably more suitable for EV technology compared to personal cars due to their routine city routes and regular return to a home charging station, the current challenges of battery shortages and an unstable supply chain raise concerns. These issues highlight the risks associated with relying on EVs for consistent delivery services.

Moreover, the decision to grant a substantial sum to UPS, a highly profitable corporation, sparks further debate. Per UPS, in 2023, it had an “[o]perating profit of $9.1 billion; adjusted operating profit of $9.9 billion.”

This situation begs the question of whether such financial support from taxpayer money should be cause for concern, particularly among those on the political left who typically advocate for responsible and equitable government spending.

Furthermore, this raises an additional query about whether FedEx will also receive similar support from New Mexico for its “green” vehicle initiatives, or if this assistance will remain exclusive to UPS. Such decisions are pivotal, especially in light of the potential implications they carry for the sustainability and efficiency of large-scale corporate transitions to environmentally friendly technologies.
Read more about it at Errors of Enchantment.

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MLG leaves state for lavish DC media parties

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham boasted on X about her excursion to Washington, D.C., to attend swanky parties.

She wrote, “So much fun meeting @RealLyndaCarter and showing her my #WonderWoman ring [at] @haddadmedia’s fabulous garden party today!” The party, hosted by Tammy Haddad, a former NBC News producer, owner of Haddad Media, and founder of Washington AI Network, apparently featured other prominent leftists. 

The party was reportedly a “garden brunch” featuring other leftist media personalities from CNN and MSNBC, among others. 

Lujan Grisham added to the post, “Next — off to the White House Correspondent’s Dinner with @POTUS tonight!”

Later, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, she wrote on X, “Watch the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on C-SPAN. Proud to be here supporting freedom of the press with [Joe] Biden.”


The news of Lujan Grisham’s D.C. adventures comes days after her office admitted the authenticity of a leaked recording of the governor’s call with DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas’ chief of staff, Jonathan Davidso, that she “held off the press” on a story about the Biden administration refusing to “look the other way” on marijuana shipped out of the state.

Lujan Grisham’s D.C. wanderings also come as New Mexicans continue to struggle to afford basic needs, such as food. According to analyses of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state is the sixth most expensive nation for groceries. New Mexico also remains the poorest state in the union. 

It is likely, but immediately unclear if the taxpayers are forced to foot the bill for the governor’s extravagant trip.

MLG leaves state for lavish DC media parties Read More »

MLG chides DHS in leaked audio as ‘feckless’ accusations fly amid inaction

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A new audio recording posted on X by the account “Chaos Coordinator” shows New Mexico Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham talking with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas’ chief of staff, Jonathan Davidson, regarding the border.

“I’m going to put extra border patrol and uh for the love of God, put them at the border in Sunland Park, where I don’t have a single border patrol agent, not one, and people pour over. And so, I’m cranky with the Secretary,” the recording begins. 

“He knew that was coming, [and] did not say a word to me. Politico wants to write an article. Every single major press group in the state is asking repeatedly, basically accusing me of being feckless. Huffington Post, I mean, they’re all going to run with it.”

“They’re saying that they’re worried about fentanyl, so they’re taking all of our cannabis. And they tried to, and they’re detaining people. Never have done that. We just use discretion. Looked the other way,” referring to DHS enforcing federal laws that ban the transport of contraband (marijuana), which federally is a Schedule 1 substance.

“But the press also knows that Border Patrol is taking a hard stance, and the only way … is either we have to adjust it, or I have to send you a letter saying you’re persecuting the state, you are not using your discretion, you’re not working with me on immigration. And I don’t want to send out a letter, but I’m, I’m boxed in.”

“And here’s what also the Secretary (Mayorkas) said to me, just so you know: ‘Well, who cares? They make a lot of money.’ Well, first of all, it’s patience,” the governor said in an annoyed tone.

“So, I was really offended by it. Shame on them. And then, secondly, we’re the only state that lets baby producers in. If they lose a load, their business goes belly-up.” It is unclear what the governor is referring to as “baby producers,” but losing a load of diapers or formula surely wouldn’t bankrupt the company.

“Yeah, I thought that was really inappropriate. I mean, whatever you want to do with that, but it was really inappropriate. Yeah, if you can, I mean, I’ve held off the press, and so that’s, uh, uh, I’ll send it to you. You know, I got a nasty ‘The governor’s feckless and is gonna let Biden walk all over.’ I can’t have that,” she concluded in the leaked call with Davidson. 

So far, Lujan Grisham is the only border-state governor to have done literally nothing to aid Border Patrol with the border crisis. Even far-left Democrat Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Katie Hobbs of Arizona are doing something to address the crisis. Hobbs sent the National Guard to aid border communities, while Newsom’s California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, used to help alleviate the crossing of deadly drugs, helped seize over 1.1 million fentanyl pills last week. Lujan Grisham pulled all National Guard personnel from the border as one of her first acts as governor and has refused any help to the federal government to deal with mass illegal immigration.

MLG chides DHS in leaked audio as ‘feckless’ accusations fly amid inaction Read More »

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