New Mexico Republican Senators

New Mexico Senate Basketball Game Highlights

2012-02-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

ploaded by dianekinderwater on Feb 11, 2012

Senate Protests Being Robbed of their
Game-winning Shot

Santa Fe--The New Mexico State Senate threw down a red flag in the Senate Chambers in protest today.

The Senators were challenging the referees' final call at last night's Senate/House charity basketball game. That call ended the game and did not allow the Senators' final shot right before the buzzer to count. Senator Howie Morales' (D-Silver City) two-pointer would have put the Senators ahead 27 to 26. Instead, the referees ruled the game ended 26 to 25 in favor of the House.

A video shot by Senate Communication's Director Diane Kinderwater clearly shows the ball left Senator Morales' fingers before the buzzer sounded and made a swoosh through the hoop for what should have been two points.

This year's annual Senate/House game raised over $26,000 for the UNM Cancer Center. The Senators were Senate Lobos and wore the Lobo jerseys and the House members were House Aggies wearing New Mexico State Aggie jerseys

Anti-corruption news conference Senate Minority Leader Payne & House Ma...

2012-02-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hard-hitting, Bipartisan, Anti-corruption Landmark Piece of Legislation Passes Unanimously Both Senate and House

News Conference can be found at: http://youtu.be/XVDUsdGqUMA
And at NewMexicoRepublicanSenatorsblogspot.com
SB 197 Felonies for Public Officials
Sponsored by Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne (R-Albuquerque)
Passed House 67-0, Passed Senate 39 to 0- on to Governor

Santa Fe— A hard-hitting, bi-partisan, anti-corruption bill passed the House today 67-0 after having passed the Senate 39-0 last Thursday. The sponsor of the bill, Senate Minority Leader Bill Payne (R-Albuquerque) said it is one of the major bills of the session to pass both Houses. He has been working for four years on the bill to fine corrupt public officials who are guilty of a felony related to their public office.

The Democratic Majority Leader of the House, Rep. Kenny Martinez carried SB 197 in the House.

Under this major anti-corruption bill, SB 197- Felonies for Public Officials- corrupt officials could receive a fine and lose their fringe benefits like their pensions if they are found guilty of a felony related to their public office.

Senate Protests Being Robbed of Gaming-Winning Shot

2012-02-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

Senate Protests Being Robbed of their
Game-winning Shot

Video can be found on Youtube at:
http://youtu.be/W2gTmFZo4QU
Santa Fe--The New Mexico State Senate threw down a red flag in the Senate Chambers in protest today.

The Senators were challenging the referees’ final call at last night’s Senate/House charity basketball game. That call ended the game and the refs did not count the Senators’ final shot that got off right before the buzzer sounded. Senator Howie Morales’ (D-Silver City) two-pointer would have put the Senators ahead 27 to 26. Instead, the referees ruled the game ended 26 to 25 in favor of the House.

A video shot by Senate Communication’s Director Diane Kinderwater clearly shows the ball left Senator Morales’ fingers before the buzzer sounded and the ball made a swoosh through the hoop for what should have been two points.

This year’s annual Senate/House game raised over $26,000 for the UNM Cancer Center. The Senators were Senate Lobos and wore the Lobo jerseys and the House members were House Aggies wearing New Mexico State Aggie jerseys.

Senate Protests Being Robbed of Game-winning shot

2012-02-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

http://youtu.be/W2gTmFZo4QU

Senate Protests Being Robbed of their
Game-winning Shot

Proof of Senate’s game-winning shot can be seen at: NewMexicoRepublicanSenators.Blogspot.com.

Santa Fe--The New Mexico State Senate threw down a red flag in the Senate Chambers in protest today.

The Senators were challenging the referees’ final call at last night’s Senate/House charity basketball game. That call ended the game and the refs did not count the Senators’ final shot that got off right before the buzzer sounded. Senator Howie Morales’ (D-Silver City) two-pointer would have put the Senators ahead 27 to 26. Instead, the referees ruled the game ended 26 to 25 in favor of the House.

A video shot by Senate Communication’s Director Diane Kinderwater clearly shows the ball left Senator Morales’ fingers before the buzzer sounded and the ball made a swoosh through the hoop for what should have been two points.

This year’s annual Senate/House game raised over $26,000 for the UNM Cancer Center. The Senators were Senate Lobos and wore the Lobo jerseys and the House members were House Aggies wearing New Mexico State Aggie jerseys.

Remove Cloak of Secrecy That Covers Alleged Misconduct of Judges

2012-01-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Remove Cloak of Secrecy That Covers Alleged Misconduct of Judges

Santa Fe – The cloak of secrecy that covers the alleged misconduct of New Mexico judges would be thrown off if a Senate Joint Resolution sponsored by Senator Sander Rue is able to be presented to the public and passes in the next general election.

Senator Rue said New Mexico judges should be held to the same ethical standards of other elected officials. He said their alleged misconduct should be made public as soon as probable cause is determined after an investigation into misconduct and as soon as a hearing is ordered.

Currently, any charges of judicial misconduct and an investigation resulting in probable cause is kept confidential by the Judicial Standards Commission of the Courts. That information is not made public until after the conclusion of a hearing by Judicial Standards Commission and its opinion is forwarded to the State Supreme Court for review and approval.

“More openness when dealing with misconduct of our judges will be required by my bill. Currently, when someone files a complaint, I feel that complaint needs to be made public as soon as Judicial Standards has done an investigation and has determined there needs to be a hearing before the Judicial Standards Commission. Waiting until the hearing is concluded is too late. The process now is cloaked in secrecy. The public needs a chance to change that,” Senator Sander Rue said.

Senator Clint Harden's Bill to Relieve Victim's Trauma

2012-01-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

-For Immediate Release Monday, January 30, 2012 Contact: 986-4702

In Committee This Afternoon:
Bill to Relieve Victim’s Trauma

Senate Judiciary
SB 176 Corrections Dept. Intensive Supervision Fund
Senator Clint Harden

Click here for video and soundbite:
http://youtu.be/MpQUwbrGZ0E

Victims Notification System to Get Steady Stream of Money with SB 176

Santa Fe-There will be a guaranteed, steady stream of money for the state’s automated victims notification system if SB 176 is passed. Senate Bill 176 allows funds in the “Corrections Department Intensive Supervision fund” to be used for victim notification efforts. That fund comes from fees convicted criminals pay for parole and probation programs for themselves. Now, some of the money could go to alert victims.

“It is only right that the offenders that created the victims would be responsible for funding this program through the fees they are obligated to pay,” bill sponsor Clint Harden (R-Clovis said.) “There should be less trauma for crime victims knowing that they will indeed be notified of the activity of their convicted perpetrator.

The plan would enable victims across our state to be alerted automatically when their offenders are scheduled for court hearings, sentencing, and releases from detention facilities at both the county and state level. The amendment to the existing statute could mean faster and more efficient means of automatically notifying victims when their perpetrators are released from state prison.

“You might be able to imagine the trauma victims might experience if they weren’t property notified and the first time they learn of their offenders release is when they physically seem them in the community. What a shock. I hope we can relieve this feeling of re-victimization by creating this long-term sustainability flow of funding to the plan,” Senator Harden said.

The bill also allows greater funding for probation and parole supervision programs for all offenders, not just those on the Intensive Supervision program. They are the very initiatives seeking to reduce recidivism and crime victimization in our neighborhoods. By doing so, we may not only lessen the costs associated with confinement of inmates and save New Mexico tax dollars, but also increase the safety and security of our families, homes, and neighbors, while providing appropriate respect to those around us who have been victimized.

Convicted criminals pay a fee when they are on probation and parole into the Corrections Department Intensive Supervision fund. That fee is currently used for intensive supervision programs such as rehab and anger management classes. If SB 176 passes, some of that funding from the fees could also go to the automated notification system, and for probation and parole programs that are not part of the intensive supervision group.

Carlsbad High School Troubadours Move Many at Capitol Centennial Celebra...

2012-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad High School Troubadours Move Many at Capitol Centennial Celebration Today

State Senator Vernon Asbill (R-Carlsbad) visits with the 59- member Carlsbad High School Troubadours choir prior to their performance singing the National Anthem and O Fair New Mexico, the state’s song, at a joint Senate and House session commemorating the state’s centennial. The New Mexico Legislative Centennial Celebration was held on Monday, January 30, 2012 in the House Chamber at the State Capitol. The choir, directed by Ken Miller, competes in various statewide competitions and are the recipients of numerous awards. In all state competitions, the choir has placed in either first, second or third in the state.
After the performance before the joint session of the Senate and House, Senator Asbill said, “These beautiful singers made all of us in Southeastern New Mexico proud today with their renditions of the National Anthem and our state song. What a tribute to our state and to its 100th anniversary as a state. These young people moved all of us in the capitol, some of my fellow legislators even mentioned they had goose bumps. These students are quite remarkable. I am so proud of these kids. ”

Senate Republican Whip Bill Payne on removing Statute of Limitations

2012-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

On to Senate Judiciary-
Remove Statute of Limitations for All Homicides
Unfriendly Amendment Removed Limitation on Only One Charge
“Mindboggling all New Mexicans would not be on board with seeing justice served for a confessed killer.”
Santa Fe –The bill to remove the statute of limitations on being able to charge someone with homicide will move on to its second committee, to Senate Judiciary. This afternoon, Senate Public Affairs put unfriendly amendments on the bill to only remove the statute of limitations for one charge- for second degree murder- and not to remove it on all other charges of homicide that currently have statute of limitations.

Currently, only first degree murder has no statute of limitation, or time limit for bringing a charge of first degree murder against an alleged murder.

An amendment also lengthened the statute of limitations on all other homicides such as 3rd and 4th degree murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular homicide to ten years instead of the shorter five and six year limitations.

The two sisters of Michael Snyder, the man whose wife was convicted recently for his death back in 2002 after his remains were unearthed outside his Albuquerque home in 2010, testified at the Senate Public Affairs committee.

“It is surprising to me that there is opposition to this bill. Why wouldn’t all New Mexicans want justice to be served for a confessed killer. It is quite mind bobbling to see why others are not on board with this,” Teri Johnson said.

“We thought the law and criminal justice would be on our side, but it was not. We are trying to keep someone else from going through what we have had to do. It is not just and we do not want other New Mexicans to go through this,” Laura Bowman said. “Step in someone else’s shoes. If your love one was murdered and they did not get the justice they deserved, how would you feel if the killer not only hid the murder for so long and then was not accountable for the confessed murder because the statute of limitations ran out.”

SB 37- No Time Limit to Prosecute Certain Crimes is sponsored by New Mexico Senate Republican Whip Bill Payne.

New Mexico State Senator Sander Rue explains the importance of transpare...

2012-01-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

ALL Branches, ALL State Agency Employee Names and Salaries
on the State’s Website
Not Subject to Administration Whims

For Immediate Release January 25, 2012 Contact: 505-986-4702

Santa Fe – State Senator Sander Rue of Albuquerque said more state government employee names and salaries will be on New Mexico’s Sunshine Portal, and the requirement to put the information on the state’s website would be in state law and would not be at the whim of future governors, if his bill to expand the definition of “state agency” in the Sunshine Portal is passed.

The definition will be expanded to include all branches of government. If SB 30 passes, employee names, titles and salaries of the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of state government would be required to be included on the state’s website. Because they are state employees, school personnel including teachers and administrators would be included, too.

Senator Sue Wilson Beffort supports creating jobs with small business tax incentives and diversifying the state's economy

2012-01-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

New Mexico State Senator Sue Wilson Beffort of Sandia Park supports creating jobs by building New Mexico small businesses. She said the state can help by supplying them with tax incentives to help grow their businesses. She said she is introducing bills to help create jobs in the private sector. Senator Sue Wilson Beffort said it is important for the state to have a diversified economy and to not rely solely on the gas and oil industry to pay for state government. She said now is not the time to expand state government.

Happy 100th New Mexico from FarmingtonBloomfield Chamber

2012-01-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Monday, January 23, 2012 Contact: Diane Kinderwater 505-986-4702

Farmington-Bloomfield Chamber Members Presented Giant Birthday Card to State Senate Monday

On Youtube- http://youtu.be/9QsQmA3Ccfo Video and singing happy birthday

Photo Caption:
Members of the Farmington- Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce made a special presentation to the New Mexico State Senate and Lt. Governor John Sanchez as they presented a 100th Happy Birthday card to the New Mexico State Senate on Monday, January 23, 2012. The chamber members were joined by Senate Republican Caucus Chair Steve Neville R-San Juan-2) and Senator Bill Sharer (R-San Juan 1) who represent San Juan County.

This year, 2012, is the state’s centennial with celebrations planned throughout the year. New Mexico was officially welcomed as the 47th state to join the union on January 6, 1912 when President William H. Taft signed the statehood legislation.

The giant birthday card states: For 100 years the question has been asked: Red or Green?
Happy 100th New Mexico! It was signed by over 300 citizens of San Juan County. The question “Red or Green?” was adopted by the legislature in 1999 as the official question of the state. Chiles and frijoles were adopted as New Mexico’s state vegetables in 1965.

Prior to the Senate presentation, the brigade of Red Coat members from the Farmington-Bloomfield Chamber and Senators Neville and Sharer sang Happy Birthday to New Mexico. A video of their rendition can be seen on YouTube address at: http://youtu.be/9QsQmA3Ccfo

NM Senate Republican Whip on eliminating Statute of Limitations for Homi...

2012-01-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

SB 37 No Time Limit to Prosecute Certain Crimes
Senator Bill Payne
Soundbite and Quote on NewMexicoRepublicanSenators.blogspot.com

Santa Fe –New Mexico Senate Republican Whip Bill Payne is sponsoring a bill to remove the statute of limitations for certain crimes that take someone’s life.

Currently, only first degree murder has no statute of limitation, or time limit for prosecuting a first degree murder case.

Under Senate Payne’s bill, the statute of limitation would be eliminated for any type of homicide. It would remove the six year statute of limitation for second-degree murder. It would also remove the time limit for a case to be tried for: every degree of murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, assisted suicide and vehicular homicide.

Senator Payne said criminals should not get away with a homicide because the calendar runs out.

“This is bill is not about changing penalties, it is eliminating the time limit in finding evidence to charge someone with a homicide,” Senator Payne said. “Someone should not get away with taking another’s life if enough evidence to charge a person with homicide is found one day after the current statute of limitations runs out.”

He said because of improved technology, and advances in forensics and DNA testing, reliable evidence can be found many years after a homicide is committed.

NM State Senator Rod Adair comments on Governor's State of the State Address

2012-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

State Senate Republican Caucus Chair Steve Neville

2012-01-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

NM Senator Carroll Leavell comments on State of the State Address

2012-01-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

Senator Clint Harden Comments on State of State

2012-01-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

Senator Vernon Asbill

2012-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

State Senator Clint Harden's reaction to State of State Address today

2012-01-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

Senator Bill Burt Bleeds Red, White and Blue

2011-09-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Tuesday, September 13, 2011 Contact: 505-986-4702

Senator Who Bleeds “Red, White and Blue” Voted with Unanimous Senate in Recognizing War Heroes- One in Particular

Senator Bill Burt (R-Alamogordo Dist. 40) greets Lorella Tapia of Bernalillo after Senate unanimously passes a Joint Memorial honoring her son SFC Leroy Petry who has recently earned the national Medal of Honor.

Santa Fe—New Mexico State Senator Bill Burt of Alamogordo who said on the Senate Floor today that he is so patriotic that he “ bleeds red, white and blue” voted with the unanimous Senate in passing a Senate Joint Memorial declaring Sunday, September 11, 2001 as “United States Army Ranger Sergeant First Class Leroy A. Petry Day at the Legislature.”

Sgt. 1st Class Petry who is native New Mexican and who is originally from Santa Fe, received the Medal of Honor from the President at the White House on July 9, 2011 for his heroic actions on May 26, 2008 when his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire during a rare Army Ranger daytime raid in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Petry was already shot and wounded in both legs when he tossed away from harming his unit an enemy grenade that detonated in his hand as he released it, blowing off his right hand.

While Sgt. 1st Class Petry was in Washington, D.C. today, members of his family including his mother Lorella Tapia of Bernalillo, New Mexico were present in the State Senate when the Senate Joint Memorial 2 passed 30 to 0.

Senator Burt acknowledge the sacrifice Petry’s family has made and he addressed the sacrifice the families of all U.S. military men and women. He also said on the Senate floor today that all fighting American men and women are heroes.

“I am proud to thank a true hero today and thank Sgt. Petry for his valor. I know that all the men and women who go off to war are also true heroes. They are the backbone of American and we are all grateful for their service,” Senator Burt said.

Senator Bill Sharer

2011-09-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Friday, September 9, 2011 Contact: 505-986-4702

September 11th Declared US Army Ranger Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry Day in the State Senate

Santa Fe--The New Mexico State Senate today passed a Senate Memorial declaring Sunday, September 11, 2001 as “United States Army Ranger First Class Leroy A. Petry Day at the Senate.”

Sgt. 1st Class Petry, who is originally from Santa Fe, received the medal of honor from the President at the White House on July 9, 2011 for his heroic actions on May 26, 2008 when his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire during a rare Army Ranger daytime raid in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Petry was already shot and wounded in both legs when he tossed away from harming his unit an enemy grenade that detonated in his hand as he released it, blowing off his right hand.

Senator Bill Sharer of Farmington, who is a former U.S. Army Ranger - said on the Senate floor today that Sgt.1st Class Petry is living up to its motto.

‘The Army Ranger motto originated in World War II after a colonel ordered the 5th Ranger Battalion to get all soldiers off Normandy Beach and commanded “Rangers Lead the Way.” That became the motto and Sgt.1st Class Petry has lived up to the Ranger motto, “Rangers Lead the Way,” Senator Sharer said.

Senate Memorial 2 shows all 42 New Mexico State Senators and the Lt. Governor voting in favor of the memorial declaring September 11, 2011 as his day in the New Mexico State Senate.

The Senate is still waiting to hear if Sgt. 1st Class Petry is able to arrange his schedule to return to New Mexico to be honored by the Senate next week. Members of Sgt.1st Class Petry’s family have acknowledged they will be able to attend a Senate session next week.-END-

Senate Republican Caucus Chair Steve Neville

2011-09-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 01, 2011 Contact: Sen. Neville 505-320-0771

San Juan County Legislators Drive In Their Points About Critical Paving Needs with DOT Today
“San Juan County is deserving of additional repaving because of its large role
in driving the state’s economy.”

(Santa Fe) The deteriorating state highways in San Juan County that are angering motorist have driven two state legislators to take action. Those legislators told the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) today that San Juan County is deserving of more road funding because it contributes a lot to the state’s economy.

Senate Minority Caucus Chair Steve Neville (R- San Juan) and House Representative Paul Bandy (R-San Juan) met with the Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and explained the critical need to improve state highway conditions in San Juan County and they discussed a possible plan to repave and repair the roads even though the state is facing tight budgets.

As an active advisory member of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), Senator Neville knows there is not enough money in the state road fund budget to better maintain the roads at this time. But he says that won’t deter him in his quest to have the roads repaved. “I know funding is tight and every entity in the state begs their case in front of the LFC for more money for their projects. Today, we went directly to the New Mexico Department of Transportation Cabinet Secretary to present our dire and deserving case in San Juan County. We discussed a plan to try and reroute money from other budgets into San Juan County roads,” Senator Neville said after the meeting with the New Mexico DOT Secretary Alvin Dominguez.

Representative Bandy said they made the valid point that San Juan deserves additional road funding because the industry that helps drive New Mexico’s economy is also hard on New Mexico roads. “The maintenance of San Juan County roads is critical for the state’s economic health,” Bandy said. “We figure more than a fifth of the state’s revenue is generated by the oil and gas industry in San Juan County. We recognize that the heavy oil field traffic is hard on the roads and that it deserves and needs its roads maintained so it can help to drive the state’s economy.”

Senator Neville said, “If conditions deteriorate to the point where trucks can’t roll down the roads, money won’t roll in to the state coffers and everyone will suffer.”

Representative Bandy said they were not given any guarantees other than the guarantee that the DOT will begin to look for a funding solution for San Juan.

Senator Neville said, “Secretary Dominguez told us he would evaluate the transportation needs in San Juan County and determine what efforts DOT can take to address the needs as they prepare for the Fiscal Year 2012 budget which takes affect July 1st.”

Senator Neville and Representative Bandy were told that due to the continuing instability of the national economy and to reduced state revenues, the NMDOT’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget for highway maintenance and paving projects had been reduced by nearly 50% and that has limited DOT’s ability to keep pace with the road maintenance in San Juan and in all other counties in the state. The NMDOT is responsible for maintaining over 400 miles of highways in San Juan County.

“We were told that the outlook for future State and Federal funding does not look very promising either. But we will continue to make our case and will follow up with Secretary Dominguez regarding San Juan Roads,” Rep. Bandy said.

Both Neville and Bandy reiterated to the NMDOT that the Aztec City Commission, the City of Bloomfield and the San Juan County Commission’s all have resolutions requesting that the NMDOT take immediate action to perform maintenance and repairs on the state highways within the Cities of Aztec and Bloomfield and throughout San Juan County.-END-

Senator Asbill and A-F Grading

2011-09-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Contact: 505-986-4702
New Mexico Senate Minority Office

SB 427a A-F School Rating System
Senator Vernon D. Asbill

Santa Fe- The Senate sponsor of the transparent A-F school grading system bill signed into law by the Governor today said all of the state will benefit from the bipartisan supported legislation that is now law. Senator Vernon Asbill (R- Carlsbad) said the grading system provides clarity. “With the A-F grading system, parents can easily understand whether their child is in a failing school. Once they learn that, they can become more involved in their children’s education and fight for improvements and excellence. Or, they could remove their child from that failing school,” Senator Asbill said.

Senator Minority Leader Stuart Ingle Comments at end of 2011 Session

2011-03-19T12:12:00.001-07:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Caucus Chair Steve Neville

2011-03-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Caucus Chair Steve Neville, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, said the $5.4 billion budget passed by the New Mexico State Senate deals effectively by meeting the needs of the state with limited state dollars. He emphasized the state did not raise taxes to meet the challenges of reduced revenue.

New Mexico State Senator Bill Burt

2011-03-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe--The newest member of the New Mexico State Senate, Senator Bill Burt of Alamogordo comments on the work being completed in the 2011 Legislative Session.
Senator Burt was appointed to the Senate in 2011 by Governor Susana Martinez and is currently serving his first term in the Senate. He serves District 40 which encompasses a large portion of Otero County and also includes one precinct in Dona Ana County. Senator Burt serves on both the Corporations and Transportation Committee and is the Ranking member for the Public Affairs Committee.
Burt was born and raised in Deming, New Mexico. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from New Mexico State University. He also serves as a member on the Alamogordo Committee of Fifty, where had served two terms as Chair. He also served as a member of the New Mexico Base Planning Commission.
Burt is the owner of Burt Broadcasting, Inc., a radio station company.

New Mexico Senator Sue Wilson Beffort

2011-03-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

New Mexico Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, who is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, comments on the budget the Senate passed and other work from the 2011 Legislative Session.

Is it a Leprechaun or Senator Bill Sharer- You Decide.

2011-03-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Is it a Leprechaun or Senator Bill Sharer- here are Wikipedia Definitions- You Decide.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A leprechaun (Irish: leipreachán) is a type of fairy in Irish folklore, usually taking the form of an old man, clad in a red or green coat, who enjoys partaking in mischief.

A state senator is a member of a state's Senate, the upper house in the bicameral legislature of 49 U.S. states, or a legislator in Nebraska's one house State Legislature.

There are typically fewer state senators than there are members of a state's lower house. In the past, this meant that senators represented various geographic regions within a state, regardless of the population, as a way of balancing the power of the lower house, which was apportioned according to population.

Senator Carroll Leavell Says Passports Might Soon Be Needed for Traveling New Mexicans

2011-03-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Office
All 15 Republican Senators Tonight Voted Against Bill That Continues Policy of Giving New Mexico Driver’s Licenses to
Illegal Immigrants

Santa Fe—All 15 Republicans and one Democrat in the Senate voted against a bill that continues the policy of giving New Mexico driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. The so called “status quo” bill passed the Senate 25 to 16. The vote came at approximately 11:50 p.m., after nearly five hours of debate.

Earlier in the evening, Republicans in the New Mexico State Senate supported a floor amendment to the already amended House Bill 78 to stop the practice of issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, but the amendment failed largely along party lines and then all of the Republican Senators went on to vote against the final Senate amended version of the House bill that keeps the current policy in place of granting people who are in the state and in the country without legal documentation a New Mexico driver’s license.

Republican Senators on the Senate floor said New Mexico is left with the status quo.

Another Republican Senator said that if Senators vote for the amended bill that continues to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, the state’s legal residents will have a compromised form of identification.

Senator Carroll Leavell Comments on Senate Passed Budget

2011-03-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

NM Senator Carroll Leavell says the $5.4 billion dollar budget the NM Senate passed does not raise taxes, avoids layoffs and furloughs and meets critical state needs.

2011-03-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Contact: 986-4702

Well on its way! An Anti Corruption Bill that Has a Good Chance of Becoming Law Passed Another Committee Unanimously Last Night

SB 259a Forfeiture of Public Official Benefits

Santa Fe- Well on its way to becoming law. The House Labor and Human Resources Committee last night unanimously passed an anti- corruption bill that unanimously passed the Senate Sunday. SB 259a now heads to House Judiciary. Its sponsor, Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne says of all the anti-corruption bills this session, SB 259a has a good chance of passing both chambers and becoming law.

The Senate passed Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne’s SB 259a- Forfeiture of Public Official Benefits 36 to 0 on March 13, 2011.

“Corrupt officials should lose their salaries and benefits like pensions and this bill allows a judge to consider that punishment,” Senator Payne said. “Public officials who violate the public trust while receiving a salary from taxpayers should receive a greater punishment than just the basic sentence. In addition to prison time, being fined the amount of their salary and benefits is the minimum we should do to officials who use their public office to further their criminal activity.”

Senator Vernon Asbill on School Reform Legislation

2011-03-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Senator Vernon Asbill on School Reform Legislation

2011-03-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Contact: 505-986-4702
New Mexico Senate Minority Office

SB 427a A-B-C-D-F Schools Rating System
Senator Vernon D. Asbill

Santa Fe- The New Mexico State Senate today passed one of the Governor’s priorities that would grade schools on an A, B,C, D, F scale, making it clearer to parents, students and educators whether their school is failing or excelling was heard in the Senate Education Committee today. SB 427a, sponsored by Senator Vernon Asbill (R-Carlsbad), passed the Senate 23 to 11.

Senator Asbill said the grading system provides clarity. “With the ABC grading system, parents can easily understand whether their child is in a failing school. Once they learn that, they can become more involved in their children’s education and fight for improvements and excellence. Or, they could remove their child from that failing school,” Senator Asbill said.

The bill now goes to the House.

Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle on March 14, 2011

2011-03-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Contact: 505-986-4702
FREEZE TUITION NOW SO FUTURE STUDENTS ARE NOT LEFT OUT IN THE COLD

SB 292 Limit Tuition Increase for Lottery Recipients
Senator Stuart Ingle

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate passed a bill to freeze tuition costs for the Legislative Lottery Fund at the rate when a student first qualifies for the free tuition program. The tuition cost for the program would be frozen throughout the remainder of the student’s eligible semesters, with the tuition still free for the student.

Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle is sponsoring SB 292- Limit Tuition Increase for Lottery Recipients- in an effort to preserve the Lottery Scholarship Fund as long as possible because it is projected to run out of money by the year 2014 if tuition costs continue to increase and if changes are not made.

Senator Bill Sharer 2011 End of Session Comments

2011-03-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

US NAVAL Academy Glee Club Performs for NM Senators

2011-03-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Crisis with New Mexico Families

2011-03-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Friday, February 11, 2011 Contact: 505-239-2336

New Mexico Senate Minority Office

Legislators Getting Their Arms Around The New Mexico Family Crisis this St. Valentine’s Day

As couples show love by putting their arms around each other this St. Valentine’s Day, New Mexico State Legislators are getting their arms around finding solutions to the crisis New Mexico families are in this holiday. The crisis and its solutions will be presented at a news conference on the Westside Capitol Steps on Monday, February 14, 2011.

“Long after the chocolate hearts are eaten and the roses are wilted, our New Mexico families will still be in crisis unless steps are taken today to improve the health of New Mexico families,” Senator Boitano said. “At a news conference on St. Valentine’s Day we are presenting a series of speakers on the crisis, specifically the impact of marriage and divorce on our families and on our community. We will also offer solutions.”

The crisis in New Mexico includes:

• The percentage of children living in poverty is 25.5% higher than the national average
• Children born to single mothers are more than 3.5 times as likely to be poor as children raised by two biological parents
• The highest rates in the nation of teen pregnancy
• Low education outcomes
• Juvenile crime

On this day that typifies love, we want to have our state show its love for its families by showing that it cares enough to do something about the broken hearts and broken families in our communities, Senator Boitano said.

The legislators at the news conference will present a number of marriage strengthening and divorce reduction bills.

Senator Mark Boitano is sponsoring a bill to create the New Mexico Marriage Commission to explore ways the state and local governments can partner with private organizations to:
• Reduce teen pregnancy
• Encourage engaged fatherhood, family formation, healthy marriages and best practices relationships
• Create better social, health and economic outcomes for children
• Reduce the rate of unnecessary divorces in New Mexico

Illegal for Youth to be Drunk

2011-03-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Thursday, January 27, 2011
Contact: 096-4702
Bill Being Introduced Today to Make it Illegal for Youth to be Drunk

Photo Op- Today, Thursday, January 27, 2011 Noon, Capitol Rotunda

Senator Kent Cravens Introducing various DWI Bills in Senate Today
Santa Fe-- On DWI Awareness Day at the capitol, State Senator Kent Cravens is once again introducing several measures to fight DWI, including one bill that makes it illegal for youth to be intoxicated. Currently, it is illegal for youth to be in possession of alcohol or to buy it, , but it is not illegal for them to be drunk.
Senator Craven’s bill adds this language….”to be visibly in an intoxicated condition” to the current state law that makes it illegal to buy, attempt to buy or be in possession of alcohol for anyone under 21 years of age.
“If it is not in their hands, minors are not in possession and cannot be considered adjudicated or guilty of a crime,” Senator Cravens said. Senator Cravens said the bill sends a strong message to youth that the state serious about youth and drinking. “Drinking alcohol is not an appropriate behavior. It will be a crime,” Senator Cravens said.
While a youth under 18 would be adjudicated for the crime and someone under 21 would be found guilty, both classes would have their drivers’ license suspended for 60 days. If they did not have a license yet, 60 days would be added to the time required to obtain a license.
Senator Cravens will be introducing his DWI legislation this morning in the Senate. At noon he will join his brother Paul Cravens at the DWI Awareness Day Events at the rotunda.
Paul Cravens was injured and he lost his wife and three daughters in a DWI accident on Christmas Eve in 1992 when a drunk driving the wrong way on I-40 plowed into their car. Senator Cravens believes his brother is remarkable after all he has gone through and after all he has done since the tragedy 19 years ago.
“Paul is remarkable. He suffered the loss of his family, severe physical injuries including a brain injury yet has been able to accomplish so much. He is not only a champion in the fight against DWI, but he also earned a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, and recently completed his MBA from UNM. Paul has just returned from ten months in Afghanistan where he was reviewing plans in the rebuilding effort with Corps of Engineers,” Senator Cravens said.
The Attorney General’s Office requested the legislation.

Senator Vernon Asbill and Bold Educational Changes

2011-03-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

SB 365aa- Katie’s Law Expansion, Co-sponsor Senator Vernon Asbill

2011-03-14T11:36:00.001-07:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Office
For Immediate Release Saturday, March 12, 2011 Contact: 505-986-4702
Katie’s Law Expansion Passes Senate with Two Amendments that Severely Change the Bill
Hope that House will Remove Amendments

SB 365aa- Katie’s Law Expansion, Co-sponsor Senator Vernon Asbill (R- Carlsbad)
Santa Fe- The Senate voted 38 to 3 for SB 365aa- Katie’s Law Expansion. It was amended twice on the Senate floor in drastic ways that were not supported by Senate Republicans.
Two floor amendments changed the original bill dramatically. Instead of expanding Katie’s Law so all people arrested in New Mexico for all felony crimes would have to give DNA samples, the first Democrat amendment in the Senate tonight changed the bill by only allowing the collection of DNA samples after a court has found probable cause that the person has committed the felony. This changed the original bill by not allowing the collection of DNA upon booking for the felony arrest. A second Democrat amendment allowed the expungement of many records from an arrested person’s file and from public records for various reasons including for felony charges that have been resolved by dismissal.
Senator Rod Adair (R-Roswell) tried to remove the two Democrat floor amendments to restore the bill to its original form. The original bill would have required DNA samples from all people arrested for all felony crimes, not for only violent crimes as required from the bill that became law in 2006. While all 15 Republicans voted to restore the bill to its original form, Adair’s amendment failed 19 to 22.
All 15 Republicans in the Senate voted against the first amendment sponsored by Democrat Senator Richard C. Martinez that changed the original bill by not allowing the collection of DNA upon booking for the felony arrest. The first amendment passed 20 to 19.
Senator Rod Adair (R-Roswell) said the first two floor amendments are not the will of the people and he voted against the bill because of the amendments, “The Senate pretty much killed Katie’s Law tonight. We are stopping everything and we are not hearing the will of the people.”
Senator John Ryan (R- Albuquerque) was another Senator who voted against the bill because of the amendments that including the expungement of records. “We passed Katie’s law in 2006 without discussing probably cause at that time. Now we are talking about expungement of not only DNA but of all sorts of things in a person’s arrest records. We have gotten off the simple topic of collection of DNA and are talking about expunging a person’s record all the way back to the arrest. We should be embracing this technology to go after the bad guys.”
The sponsor of the bill, Senator Vernon Asbill (R-Carlsbad) was extremely disappointed about the floor amendments being tacked on to his bill in the Senate. He hopes the House will be able to remove the Senate floor amendments when the bill goes to the House.
Katie’s Law was named after Katie Sepich, the New Mexico State University Student from Carlsbad who was attacked, raped and murdered in 2003.
There has been a statute in our state for a number of years that has allowed law enforcement officers to collect DNA samples of convicted felons to help law enforcement prove their cases, the Katie’s Law in 2006 extended the ability to collect DNA samples from people who are arrested for various felonies deemed to be more violent in nature. The bill being considered this session would include violent and nonviolent felonies.

2010-03-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY SENATOR SANDER RUE, REPUBLICAN, ALBUQUERQUE, PUBLISHED FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010

“Particulars on government expenditures and taxation should be plain and available to all if the oversight by the people is to be effective.”
-- Thomas Jefferson
With that quote in mind, I introduced SB 195 at the 2010 Legislative session. This bill will create what we’re calling a Sunshine Portal. Lt. Governor Diane Denish signed the bill into law on March 5. The Sunshine Portal is a web site that will provide every New Mexico citizen with important information on the state’s finances and overall fiscal health. More importantly, with the veil of concealment pulled away, it will provide citizens with information to effectively oversee the operation of state government.

Transparency in government is critical right now. Creating a transparent government helps to overcome the growing mistrust people have with government at all levels. One way to reverse the skepticism many feel toward state government is to open the financial data and the decision making process to citizens. Armed with real and accurate data, and given the time to consider it, citizens will be more confident and better able to work with elected officials – and if appropriate – challenge some of decisions being made with regard to government investment and spending.

Much significant – and previously largely unavailable -- information will be in a user-friendly format on the Sunshine Portal. Here is just a brief list of the information the public will be able to find:
• A directory of all political appointees working in state government by state agency, showing each position’s title, salary and political appointee’s name.
• State agency contracts with a total value of more than $20,000, naming both the recipients and purposes of the contracts.
• State cash balances by account or fund.
• Monthly summaries of the state’s investment accounts managed by the State Investment Council.
• Annual operating budgets for each state agency with monthly expenditures by category.
• Appropriations for capital projects, identified by location, type, and funding source.
• Links to an open meetings website where each agency will post all scheduled open meetings.
• An annual summary of the state’s fiscal health, including the state budget, revenue projections, and expenditures for the previous fiscal year.

The Sunshine Portal will also provide additional information that will assist the public in understanding state government operations and management of taxpayer dollars. For the first time, the public will have the opportunity to find out how every state agency is managing its budget and contributing to – or being detrimental to -- the state’s fiscal health.

With the economy staggering, every dollar state government spends matters. The Sunshine Portal will also provide an opportunity to evaluate whether tax dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively.

The Sunshine Portal is a powerful tool. But like any tool and not a magic bullet, it must be utilized by the citizens to be truly effective. As citizens, we must re-commitment ourselves to the true nature of democracy and make real Jefferson’s notion. We must equip ourselves with the information that allows us to effectively oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of government. When fully operational beginning in July of 2011, the Sunshine Portal will provide the first step in this process.

###

2010-03-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Friday, March 05, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Exempt Employee Names to be Public,
On-line – State’s Financial Info to be Accessible-Bill Signed into Law Friday

Acting Governor, Lt. Governor Diane Denish signs legislation as sponsor Senator Rue looks on.

SB 195/a – Sunshine Portal Transparency Act- Senator Sander Rue, Signed into law

SB 55- Missing Persons Act- Senator Sander Rue- signed into law

Santa Fe- The names of all exempt employees, their title, and salary will be made public, easily viewed on-line because SB 195/a has been signed into law today. State Senator Sander Rue of Albuquerque sponsored SB 195/a- The Sunshine Portal Transparency Act. He said the information had not been very transparent or easily accessible by the public, prompting the public to ask, “What are they hiding?”

In addition to positions and salaries being easily accessed, the new statute requires creating a new website with the state’s financial and budget information, all free and open to the public.

At the bill signing news conference today, Senator Rue said, “I am most excited because we will get more public input into how state government should be run. They will be able to go on-line and easily see budget line-items and see how their tax dollars are being spent.” Senator Rue said it will be more than a website for centralized, convenient and freely accessible information about government finances. He said it will allow citizen’s the access they need to do their civic duty of overseeing government.

At the news conference today, Senator Rue thanked Lt. Governor Diane Denish for her support of the legislation and he thanked Representative Nathan Cote for carrying the bill in the House. Lt. Governor Diane Denish signed the legislation as acting governor because the governor was out of state.

The statute allows for time to get the information up and running. The bill calls for the information to be available on-line, in an easily understood webpage by July 1, 2011.

Lt. Governor Diane Dennish signed into law another bill that Senator Sander Rue sponsored. The need for SB 55- Missing Persons Act was brought to light after 11 women’s bodies were discovered buried on the West Side of Albuquerque last year. Their killer or killers still have not been caught or charged in the alleged murders.

The new statute is designed to help locate missing children and adults faster and more effectively in New Mexico. The information provides for a developing a more comprehensive approach to finding missing people. Senator Rue said, “We will have a comprehensive and centralized missing persons statute that combines various statutes pertaining to missing children and adults.” Senator Rue said he was pleased the bill requires law enforcement to undergo training on the procedures of reporting and investigating missing people.

2010-03-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Monday, March 08, 2010 Contact: Senator Ryan- 505-238-3733

Get Going on Merit- Based Pay to be Competitive for National Grant

“Get innovative, get merit based pay for teachers, get the millions in grant money.” Those are the words of advice from the State Senator who sponsored the Senate Memorial asking the New Mexico Department of Education (PED) to study ways, such as merit based pay, to reward educators who have outstanding results in the classroom. Now Senator John Ryan is saying, “Get going or continue to lose millions in grant money.”

According to news reports, New Mexico has recently been notified that it failed to be named a finalist for the Race to the Top grants from the U.S. Secretary of Education. There is expected to be a second round of applications and grants.

Senator Ryan said his Senate Memorial 38 requests that the PED work with educators and teachers’ unions in designing a merit pay program for teachers and principals who are successful and to present their system to the legislature next session.

Now, because the PED’s application for approximately $200 million in grant money from the federal government was not competitive enough to be a finalist for the funding, Senator Ryan said the PED needs to become innovative and seriously look at a merit based pay system in its educational reform efforts. Ryan says he believes the state lost out of the first round because it state does not have the innovative rewarding system necessary to be competitive for the grant.

“Having a system that rewards good teachers and is able to fire bad teachers is certainly important for our kids in the classroom and we are finding such an innovative system is critical to win millions in federal educational reform grant dollars to help improve our students’ education even more. It is a win, win situation. But it needs to be explored and included now in our educational reform plan,” Senator John Ryan said. Ryan said “The “Race to the Top” educational grant program through the Obama administration is weighing more favorably applicants who are adopting this innovative approach of rewarding teachers. If the state fails to include merit based pay again in its second round of applications the state might not be competitive again and could fail in securing this grant, and thereby shortchanging our students.”

Senator Ryan said the state has applied for the $200 million dollar grant to pay for educational reform and innovation in the classroom from the federal government through the “Race to the Top” grant program. Congress has dedicated $100 billion to better schools, with strings attached. The program, implemented by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan rewards innovation and accomplishment.

Senator Ryan said the PED needs to think of what opportunities New Mexico students can gain with this type of educational reform and what it could do with the millions it could earn for the state of New Mexico’s educational reform efforts and not be so concerned about the reaction from teachers’ unions if teacher pay is based on their job performance in the classroom.

###

GET MERIT-BASED PAY FOR TEACHERS, GET MILLIONS IN GRANT MONEY

2010-03-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR PUBLISHED MARCH 10, 2010Get innovative, Get Merit-based pay for Teachers, Get the Millions in Grant Money
In response to your Saturday article: “Gov., Denish Square Off” over New Mexico’s failure to qualify as a finalist for millions in federal education grant money, I take issue not only with our state leaders’ finger pointing over the failure to secure the grant in the first round but also with the Albuquerque Teachers Federation President who apparently worked against our application in a letter criticizing it. According to your article, Union President Ellen Bernstein…. “was concerned that the grant, as written, would add additional needless testing and paperwork to the work of classroom teachers.”

Despite Bernstein’s concern about “needless testing,” testing is an excellent measure of a student’s achievement and, therefore, a teacher’s performance in the classroom. I believe in testing students and basing teachers’ salaries on their performance in the classroom. I suggest that the Public Education Department (PED) heed the New Mexico State Senate’s wishes in Senate Memorial 38 that I sponsored and work with educators and teachers’ unions to design an innovative merit-based pay program that rewards successful teachers and more easily allows those who fail our students to be fired.

The second round of applications for the federal Race to the Top money are due June 1. It is critical that PED Secretary Veronica Garcia re-examine what was included in the state’s first application, especially how student and teacher performance related to merit awards in New Mexico. Such an examination could reveal whether the state is on track for an innovative merit-based teacher pay system that would benefit our students and also make us competitive in a second round of applications for the Race to the Top educational grant program where millions are available for schools that demonstrate innovative reforms.

-end-

Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne

2010-03-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Thursday, March 04, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Different Day- Same Story
Today, Most Republican Senators Vote NO! To Raise Taxes- This time on Cigarettes

Santa Fe- Today, all but one New Mexico Republican Senators voted “no” to raise taxes on cigarettes, Wednesday, all Republican Senators voted “no” on a state budget that has no real spending cuts to address revenue shortfalls, on Tuesday, all Senate Republicans voted against the bill to increase taxes by $200 million in fiscal year 2011.

Today, as well as during the past two days of the special session, all Republican efforts to amend the tax increase in order to protect taxpayers were shot down.

Despite the Republican Senator efforts, the tax increases passed. Even the
Republican efforts to make the taxes temporary were killed on the Senate floor despite the taxes being paraded out to be “temporary” taxes.

The cigarette tax that is estimated to raise taxes by $33 million in fiscal year 2011 passed the Senate 25 to 15.

The original cigarette tax bill was proposed to shore up the state’s dwindling reserves, but changes were made to the bill and now part of it will be going to education. Some Senators say that is bad tax policy to use a questionable and possibly unreliable source of revenue to pay for a recurring expense.

State Senator Kent Cravens- Darkest Week in Senate

2010-03-04T16:15:00.001-08:00

Darkest Week In State Senate- NM Senator Kent Cravens

2010-03-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Thursday, March 04, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702 Darkest Week in State Senate Video and Senate Floor quote of State Senator Kent Cravens go to this address on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc20vC68S3w Santa Fe—“Darkest week in the State Senate.” That is how Albuquerque State Senator Kent Cravens described work in the State Senate as he voted once again against raising taxes. “The legislature is spending money the state does not have, on projects the our constituents do not want, “ Senator Cravens said on the Senate floor today. “We are asked to vote on the best bad deal we can get and I say we need to stay here until the state of New Mexico has a good budget that does not raise taxes and a long term plan to run state government with sustainable revenues and expenses based on realistic projections.” Senator Cravens voted against all tax increases and against the state budget because he said it did not sufficiently address spending cuts. “The average New Mexican is hurting, “Senator Cravens said. “New Mexicans expect leadership and all this legislature could come up with is shell- games, smoke and mirrors and band aids. I don’t call that leadership.”

Senator Sue Wilson Beffort- Stop Richardson's Abusive Hiring Practices

2010-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Office

For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702

End Richardson’s Abusive Hiring Practices

Santa Fe—An effective way to stop Governor Bill Richardson’s abusive hiring practices will be presented to the New Mexico State Senate tonight.

State Senator Sue Wilson Beffort is introducing an amendment to the budget that would require political appointees hand-placed in classified positions be the first to be laid off in case an agency’s budget is overspent.

Senator Wilson Beffort calls Governor Richardson’s hiring practices abusive and states the public is sick and tired of him going against his own hiring freeze to hand place his political appointees in classified positions where they will be protected under the classified state employee system.

“The public has had enough. My amendment will root out these political appointees and say they are the first to go in cases where agencies need to balance their budgets,” Senator Wilson Beffort said. “In various cases these exempt employees were hand placed in the classified positions without having to go through the classified personnel system to qualify for the jobs. That is an abuse of the system and everyone knows it.”

Wilson Beffort’s amendment states that if an agency’s budget needs to be balanced by a reduction-in-force plan, those newly classified employees who used to be political employments at any time in the past four years would be the first to be terminated.

“Fair is fair. These pseudo classified appointees who did not play by the rules and who did not qualify for their positions like true classified employees did, should be the first to go. Those hired during the freeze should never have been placed in classified positions in the first place. They have cost taypayers more money than they should have,” Senator Wilson Beffort said.

2010-03-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

2010-03-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

2010-03-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Office
For Immediate Release Wednesday, March 03, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702

Bernalillo County to be Hit Hardest by
Tax Increases

Santa Fe- Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne who represents part of the far Northeast Heights of Albuquerque said Bernalillo County will be hit hardest by the multitude of tax increases the State Senate passed because compared to other counties it already has double the property taxes, levies upon levies and high gross receipts taxes. All of that on top of the bill that increases gross receipts taxes, increases personal income taxes and adds a new food tax will be astronomical for Bernalillo County.

All Senate Republicans voted against the bill to increase taxes by $200 million in fiscal year 2011 and all Republican efforts to amend the bill in order to protect taxpayers were shot down tonight.

Please see quotes on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEixF1sI1dI
And on www.newmexicorepublicansenators.com

Quotes from Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle and Senator Kent Cravens

2010-03-02T23:31:00.000-08:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Office
For Immediate Release Tuesday, March 02, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702

All Senate Republicans Voted Against Bill to Increase Taxes $200 Million and All Republican Efforts to Protect Taxpayers were Shot Down TonightAudio and Video Available on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAlJvNHhOVQ

For NM Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle

And at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqYj_u8n1_I

For NM Senator Kent Cravens

And at www.newmexicorepublicansenators.com

Santa Fe- All Senate Republicans voted against the bill to increase taxes by $200 million in fiscal year 2011 and all Republican efforts to amend the bill in order to protect taxpayers were shot down tonight.

The warnings and predictions that the temporary tax increases that were paraded out by the governor would never be “temporary” were absolutely correct.

But what was a surprise to Republican Senators who were not included in negotiations that crafted the tax increase bill was that the tax increases didn’t even start out as being temporary as the public was told it would be.

The bill that increases taxes by increasing the gross receipts tax; by increased personal income taxes; and by allowing local government to tax food does not make any of the increases temporary and a Republican effort to end the increases in two years was shot down.

One Republican amendment after Republican amendment to protect taxpayers against the omnibus tax increase bill on the Senate Floor tonight were killed largely on a partisan vote- with Republicans voting to protect taxpayers.

Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle who tried to amend the tax bill by putting a sunset clause on it reminded the Senate that the governor said in his budget address in early January that he would only support a “temporary revenue increase.” Senator Ingle quoted Governor Bill Richardson’s speech when Ingle read, “As we look to raise revenue to help us through this crisis, I will only support a temporary revenue increase that- automatically expires in three years or less.”
-more-
Republican State Senator Sander Rue of Albuquerque had a prediction two months that the governor’s temporary tax increase is an oxymoron, a combination of contradictory words.

Senator Rue warned the public to beware and questioned whether the public could really trust its elected officials enough to believe any tax increase in this state could be temporary.

His question was answered tonight. It will be answered again by the governor when he either lives up to budget speech where he said he “will only support a temporary revenue increase that automatically expires in three years or less.”

Note:
Governor Bill Richardson’s quote is available in his Jan. 5, 2010 budget news release on his website and is being faxed with the faxed copy of this news release.

NM Senate Republican Caucus Chair Dianna J. Duran- Special Session Scary Picture

2010-03-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

New Mexico Senate Minority Office

NM Senate Caucus Chair Reacts to Democrat Leadership Proposals to Raise Taxes more than to Cut Spending to Balance State Budget Facing $600 Million Shortfall

Santa Fe--New Mexico Senate Minority Chair Dianna J. Duran will appear on KCHF TV tonight, Tuesday, March 2 at 11:30 p.m. as she discusses the special session of the legislature and the democrat leadership’s proposals to increase taxes more than cut state government to balance the state’s budget which is facing an estimated $600 million dollar shortfall.

A preview of the program can also be seen on You Tube at this address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U7GorK1Kdg

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Senators Leavell and Kernan Support Lower Utility Rates

2010-03-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Monday, March 01, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Photo Caption: Lea County Manager Mike Beverly and his wife Karen visited Senators Carroll Leavell (Carlsbad) and Gay Kernan (Hobbs) at the capitol after the County Manager testified at the EIB public hearing today. Senators Leavell and Kernan are in Santa Fe for the Special Session of the State Legislature.

SE NM Senators Still Fearful of Skyrocketing Utility Rates after Receiving Update On Environmental Improvement Board Hearing

Santa Fe- State Senator Carroll Leavell (Hobbs) and State Senator Gay Kernan (Hobbs) are concerned as ever about potential skyrocketing utility rates in Lea County and throughout New Mexico. Today they received an update on testimony presented at an Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) public hearing. The testimony opposes the proposed EIB regulations and limits to emissions from industry including power plants that could send electric rates flying.

Senator Leavell said he hopes today’s testimony by a number of people representing Lea County will have an eye awakening impact on the state’s Environmental Improvement Board’s plan to impose impossible limits to the amount of carbon dioxide, known as green house gas, that can be emitted into the atmosphere.

“No other state has the restrictive limits the Environmental Improvement Board wants to impose here in New Mexico. I have always believed the EIB has overstepped its authority and its proposal regarding green house gas emissions will be very harmful to Lea County industry. All of the testimony presented to me today further confirms my belief,” Senator Leavell said. “I appreciate the Lea County Manager and all others who represented Lea County and its interests for testifying at today’s hearing.”

Both Senators Leavell and Kernan, as well as Representatives Bill Gray and Don Bratten are plaintiffs in a lawsuit to stop the EIB from usurping its authority to create and legislate laws that would cap green house gas emissions to amounts less than what they were 20 years ago.

Senator Kernan said she is hopeful the efforts of so many in protesting the proposed regulations at today’s hearing will have a positive impact on all of the state.

“I want to express my appreciation to the citizens of Lea County and Southeast New Mexico for taking the time to be present at the EIB hearing,” Senator Kernan said. “The testimony and support by private individuals should have a huge impact on all the citizens of New Mexico in recognizing the detrimental impact of the action of this EIB board in regarding green housing emission cap.”

Lea County Manager Mike Beverly and his wife Karen visited Senators Leavell and Kernan at the capitol after the public hearing.

Lea County Manager Beverly told the Senators about his testimony to the board that the cap on green house gas to 25% of 1990 levels would severely affect utility customers because a number of plants would have to close because they would not be able to meet the onerous restrictions.

“There is no current technology to execute the target in a reliable manner. The result will be the most regressive tax possible on the citizens of New Mexico,” Mike Beverly said.

He said this was the first public hearing and that most testimony was opposed to the petition for an executive order to put in place the restrictions. More technical hearings will be held in coming months.

‘If it is not stopped electric rates in Lea County will go through the roof,” Karen Beverly said.

Mike Beverly said those who testified in opposition of the restrictions today included the Lovington School Superintendent, the Lea County Electric Co-op and representatives from Xcel Energy.

Mike Beverly said Congressional representatives are being asked to develop reasonable federal rules and regulations because carbon monoxide emissions respect no state boundaries and limiting them is not a state issue.

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NM Senate Republican Caucus Chair Dianna J. Duran- Special Session Scary Picture

2010-03-01T15:13:00.001-08:00

NM Senator John Ryan- Special Session Disaster

2010-03-01T15:12:00.001-08:00

Special Session- Tax Increasing Disaster, Scary

2010-03-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Monday, March 01, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702 Special Session: “Tax Increasing Disaster” “Scary Picture” for NM “Complicated Shell Game” Santa Fe- One Republican State Senator is calling the special session of the State Legislature that began today a “tax increasing disaster” while the Republican Senate Caucus Chair said it is setting up “a scary picture” for all New Mexicans and that Republicans were not included in the process leading up to the special session that is creating a “complicated shell game” to confuse tax payers. “It is a pretty scary picture, a pretty scary situation and a dire situation,” Senate Minority Caucus Chair Dianna J. Duran said. “We need to talk about cutting spending and not only increasing taxes. We have a lot to discuss and I am very concerned that these tax increase proposals are going to be pushed through the legislature without input from the public who will be affected by these tax increases. The Republicans have been left out of the process that developed these tax cutting bills and I fear these tax increases will pass before the public is even aware of what is happening up here.” According to the Senate Majority Leader, the special session that began this afternoon to produce a balance budget for fiscal year 2011could be over tomorrow night. State Senator John Ryan of Albuquerque said. “Oh boy, it is a disaster in my opinion. The deals that are being talked about are going in the wrong direction. I would much prefer that we talk about taking a major chunk out of state government’s budget that has increased over 51% in the past six or seven years that increases taxes.” The proclamation issued by Governor Bill Richardson includes, among other items: increasing the gross receipts tax; increasing compensating taxes; increasing the cigarette tax; and language to allow the repeal of the food tax deduction. ###

2010-02-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702

Senator Ingle Tells Governor Raising Taxes Not Good Option

Santa Fe—Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle met with Governor Bill Richardson regarding the upcoming special session. Senator Ingle told the governor that he believes the session should be limited to budget issues and he told the governor that during these difficult economic times reducing the size of state government was a better option than increasing taxes on New Mexicans who are already struggling. “Republicans will do their best, they will say more “no” than “yes” to increasing New Mexicans’ taxes,” Senator Ingle said. Senator Ingle said the economic outlook is still dim and more cuts to state government should be considered.

The Senor Ingle said a budget could have been accomplished during the regular session but the governor sent down many messages on controversial issues that took up a lot of time in the limited 30-day session.

Senate Minority Leader- Special Session Guessing Game

2010-02-23T14:28:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Minority Leader: Special Session Revenue Info Still A “Guessing Game”
If Majority Reaches a Decision on Tax Increases Doesn’t Mean Senate Republicans Will Support it
Santa Fe—The Senate Minority Leader said it would be wiser to have a special session after the state’s first quarter revenue is known in April than to have one starting Monday, March 1 when everything will still be a “guessing game.” The Governor first announced he was calling a special session of the legislature to pass a budget to begin at noon on Wednesday, and then he changed it to begin on Monday.

“It is pure guess work at this point unless we have more accurate information. The revenue information we are dealing with is very optimistic, too optimistic. If we base a budget on the projected 6% growth in revenue we will be in trouble again if the revenue does not come in. By April, we will have a better idea of what we are dealing with,” Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle said. “Frankly, we should not be here for another six weeks, after the first quarter’s estimated revenue is known. But waiting until Monday for a special session is better than tomorrow because it allows for more time to work out an agreement.”

Senator Ingle said a true, accurate revenue picture is especially critical this year because the state could be in trouble financially if Federal stimulus dollars it has used in areas that require recurring money don’t return.

“We need to make sure to get the job done right, we shouldn’t fool ourselves,” Senator Ingle said. “I like to be optimistic, and I hope I am wrong, but a projected 6% growth in revenue for next year is too optimistic.”

Senator Ingle said the budget the Senate passed in the regular session that ended last Thursday is a decent budget considering the economic difficulties the state is facing. The Senate passed its version of the budget, but the House never heard the Senate’s version before the regular session ended. Senator Ingle said he is not aware of any agreements on areas of the budget the Senate and House versions differ, and acknowledged that as a member of the Minority party, he is not invited to Majority party meetings where agreements could be taking place. “Things can change pretty quickly up here, if the Majority party reaches a decision on tax increases doesn’t mean Senate Republicans will support it,” Senator Ingle said.

Senator Ingle said he does not believe the Senate will vote for an increase in the gross receipts tax that the House leadership is supporting. He said the Senate might adjust what the Senate has recommended on the food tax.

Senate Minority Leader Said Senate Did Its Job- House Leadership Did Not Act

2010-02-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Thursday, February 18, 2010 Contact: 505-986-4702 Senate Made Effort- House Leadership Did Not Act on Senate’s Budget Version -Special Session Coming-Minority Leader’s Video/Audio available at: www.newmexicorepublicansenators.blogspot.com And on Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvCPiCuJ2O8 Santa Fe- There was nothing more the New Mexico Senate could do to avoid a special session which it expects to call for itself after first quarter revenue estimates are known. The Senate did its work on the budget. The House Leadership did not even consider the Senate’s version, failing to even have a chance at compromising. “The efforts were here. The Senate operated extremely well. Hopefully if we come back soon in a special session, we can agree to things,” Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle said at the close of the session. “Our revenues are fluctuating, we all know this is a real tough time for New Mexico.” The Senate passed its version of the budget early Sunday morning, giving the House five days to take action. But the House never took any action on the Senate’s version. It ignore it. The House Leadership never referred the Senate’s budget to House committees, it never brought it up before the full body for concurrence. The question is “why not?” The budget bill languished on the concurrence calendar for five days. Furthermore, the House failed to meet the Senate/House Joint Rule 9-1 which states the House needs to pass its own version of the budget on the 16th calendar day, it passed two days after that. “The Senate is not making excuses, it is just stating facts. We do not have a new budget because House Leadership sat on our budget version and never took action, it is as simple as that,” Senator Steven Neville (R-Farmington) said. Senator Neville is a member of the Senate Finance Committee that worked hard to craft the Senate’s version of the budget. The Senate expects to call itself into a special session after the revenue estimates for the first quarter of 2010 are known so it can base its next proposed budget on the latest, most accurate revenue information possible. While the governor has threatened calling a special session as early as next week, some Senators say that would not be wise because nothing is expected to change before then. “My constituents would prefer a special session with hopes of containing the cost of government than have a budget today with hundreds of millions in tax increases,” Senate Caucus Chair Dianna J. Duran (R-Tularosa) said. “The governor is blaming the legislature for not doing its job. If the governor were so concerned about a balanced budget during this financial crisis, why did he send down messages on over 200 issues in addition to the budget that he wanted passed this limited session. The governor sent down 131 Messages to the House and 78 Messages to the Senate on issues that were not budget-related. The governor did not give us a detailed budget, but clogged up the system by wanting us to pass 209 other issues like domestic partnership. Could this have been intentional to bog us down? I am not making excuses, just stating the facts,” Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) said. “The governor is blaming that a compromised budget is not reached. Instead of blaming the legislature, why didn’t the governor supply a detailed budget that include areas that he wanted cut in the first place? He didn’t want to do the heavy lifting, he wanted the legislature to detail the cuts to state government so he would not be blamed for them. This is the first time I ever recall a governor not submitting a detailed budget,” Senator Neville said. There was concurrence on Senate Bill 182/a which will build reserves of up to $150 million dollars if the governor signs it. End

Senate Minority Leader Says Budget Doable Before Session Ends Thursday

2010-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

Senate Minority Leader Says Budget Still Doable Before Session Ends Thursday
Reacts to Governor Saying He Would Call Special Session Next Week

Santa Fe- Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle said the budget is doable and he said a budget compromised can be reached by Thursday noon when the session ends.

“There is a good possibility we will be out of here Thursday with a balanced budget,” Senator Ingle said in response to a question that the governor said he would call a special session next week if an acceptable budget to him is not agreed up on between the Senate and House. “We are here for the people. We need to take care of business and go home.”

“The House has the budget the Senate passed. The House knows how to send it up to the governor. Senate has completed its work on the budget. A conference committee will need to be called to work out differences,” Senator Ingle said.

Senator Ingle said the Senate did make cuts, did raise revenue and it is not the time to have any more taxes. “The Senate has passed all it can on taxes,” Senator Ingle said.
“While folks don’t like cuts in state government, our businesses don’t like cuts in their businesses either but they have had to do them. We can’t say the state can have cuts.”

When asked if the governor’s call for a short budget session was too long and perhaps why a budget agreement has not been reached yet, Senator Ingle said some issues like domestic partnership have taken a lot of debate time during this limited, budget session.

“In addition to all of the other committee assignments, the domestic partnership bill did take up three to four hours just last night in the Senate Finance Committee with the same results as it has last year, voted down 7 to 5,”Senator Ingle said. “It did not need to take up a lot of time this session as we face a budget crisis.”

Senator Bill Payne

2010-02-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Sunday, February 14, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Another Pioneering, Effective, Cost-Efficient Way to Fight DWI SoughtSanta Fe—The fight against DWI continues in the New Mexico State Senate.

The Senate voted unanimously to study how a drug that treats alcohol abuse and dependence could be effective in preventing DWI in the state in a cost effective way.

Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne of Albuquerque sponsored the Senate Memorial that requests a study of whether the FDA-approved drug Antabuse could be a voluntary alternative to obtaining an ignition interlock device for those convicted of DWI.

The drug helps people stop drinking by causing a severe adverse reaction if a person drinks while taking the medication.

Because the fund that provides ignition interlocks to those convicted of DWI but cannot afford to buy them is broke, Senator Payne said it is timely to study an effective and more cost effective way to keep DWI offenders who still drink off the road.

“I believe the state fund that provides ignition interlocks is out of money, it is down $600,000 while convictions requiring the interlocks are increasing everyday. The study will indicate whether this drug treatment that is sometimes used in the military and elsewhere is a cost-effective alternative,” Senator Payne said.

Senator Kent Cravens who has been a champion fighting against drinking and driving and who sponsored legislation to require ignition interlocks for those convicted of DWI said New Mexico could continue to be a pioneer in its fight against DWI if the drug treatment proves to be effective.

“I encourage any innovative alternative to relieve the pain and suffering of DWI,” Senator Cravens said. “New Mexico is considered a pioneer, we lead the country and the world in innovation in tackling DWI. It all started with ignition interlock. This alternative might prove to be another innovation to help in the fight,” Senator Cravens said.

The Senate voted 33 to 0 for Senate Memorial 48. A task force including the Department of Public Safety and MVD should study the feasibily and estimate the costs or saving of allowing the drug as a voluntary alternative to the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Senator John Ryan

2010-02-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Sunday, February 14, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Outstanding Students are Goal
Of Rewarding Outstanding Educators
Merit System to be Studied and Designed

Santa Fe—In its desire to increase student achievement in New Mexico, the State Senate voted to study ways to reward educators who have outstanding results in the classroom.

“We are looking for incentives to encourage good teachers to be outstanding so they can produce outstanding students. Those teachers who go the extra mile, who have remarkable results in the classroom should be rewarded, those who fail our students should be fired. Now, there is not a mechanism to do that,” Senator John Ryan said.

The Senate voted to request that the Public Education Department (PED) study mechanisms to reward teachers who demonstrate outstanding teacher practices that result in outstanding student academic performance and improvement; and then design a merit pay program for teachers and principals who are successful.

Senate Memorial 38 requests that PED work with educators and teachers union in designing the system which is to be given to the legislature by next session.

In addition to improving student achievement, Senator Ryan said designing a merit system is also necessary because PED has applied for an approximately $200 million dollar grant to pay for education reform and innovation in the classroom from the federal government through the “Race to the Top” grant program that requires the merit based study.

###

NM State Senator Steven Neville

2010-02-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Saturday, February 13, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Hit Taken out of Tax Lightening

Senate Passes 22-16 SB 160- Property Tax Methods

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate tonight took the hit out of tax lightening that has largely struck Bernalillo County by passing SB 160- Property Tax Methods by a vote of 22 to 16.

The bill is expected to make property taxes fairer in Bernalillo County and across the state where tax disparities have been striking since a law changed several years ago to remove a cap on property taxes when ownership of the property changed.

That resulted in an alarming tax disparity among property owners because when there was a change of ownership a 3% annual cap on property valuations was not extended to the new owner. That often resulted in property taxes skyrocketing for the new owner whose property was assessed at current and correct values compared to neighbors whose taxes were still being limited by the 3% cap on valuations.

The sponsor of the bill, Steven Neville said the goal of the bill is to equalize valuations and thereby property taxes that have gotten out of whack over the past several so everyone pays their fair share to run government.

“The cap for some and not for all went against the principle of fair and equal taxation, “Senator Neville said. “Some neighbors were paying more than their fair share of services compared to their neighbors. The new owners were subsiding their neighbors and that is not fair.”

Senator Neville says his bill will help equalize taxes by allowing the 3% property valuation cap to remain in place even when there is a change of ownership. He said it also calls for the county assessors to determine the current and correct values for all property in their counties over the next five years so taxation can be based on those current values. While that might mean some taxpayers whose property that has been greatly undervalued will see their property taxes increase when the current and correct value is determined, overall taxes in the county should not rise because of a law called yield control.

Senator Neville said because of yield control, taxes are not arbitrarily raised when property values increase in a county. If property values go up in a county, tax rates applied to the property go down because of yield control, resulting in tax collections in general remaining the same.

“Correcting the problem will be spread out over five years so there will not be a shock for those who have been subsidized in recent years. Facts are, there will be a slow rise in taxes for those who have been subsidized. Those who have bought property over the past several years and experienced unfair taxes should see their taxes slow down over the next five years when valuations become more accurate,” Senator Neville said.

Senator Clint Harden

2010-02-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

or Immediate Release Saturday, February 13, 2010-Senator C. Harden 505-986-4369

Removing Employment Barriers for
People with Convictions
A Fair Shake After They Paid their Dues

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate passed a bill to help qualified job applicants in the public sector who have a criminal conviction on their record to not be discounted immediately by the conviction by not having to reveal it immediately.

SB-254 removes from the New Mexico State Personnel Office application a question that asks “Have you ever been convicted of a felony.”

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Clint Harden said the bill does not prevent employers from asking about conviction status, nor does this bill prevent criminal background checks. “By delaying the inquiry on conviction history until the interview process, previously incarcerated persons will be on a level playing field with other candidates with similar qualifications,” Senator Harden said.

SB-253 amends the New Mexico Criminal Offender Employment Act and proposes that public employers delay asking about a criminal conviction until the applicant gets the chance for a face-to-face interview. “They are just hoping for a fair shake after they have paid their dues to society,” Senator Harden said.

According to the NM Criminal Offender Employment Act, employers can deny anyone a position based on "moral turpitude" - which could include everything from drug dealing, to sex offenses, to other violent crimes.

The New Mexico Criminal Offender Employment Act is very clear about preventing people with child abuse or child-related sex offenses from working in any public childcare facility. The Act also has a special exemption for law enforcement agencies.
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“Finding a job is one of the biggest barriers for people with criminal convictions,” Senator Harden said. “People with felony convictions are twice as likely to be denied employment as those with no felony record. The question on job applications often intimidates and discourages previously incarcerated persons from applying for jobs, even if they are qualified for the position.”

Senator Harden said many employers use the criminal conviction question on job applications to immediately disqualify a person with a conviction, even if the applicant is qualified.

The bill passed the Senate passed SB 254 35 to 4. It now goes to the House for consideration.

Senator Steven Neville asks whether House will allow outrage to continue.

2010-02-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

2010-02-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Thursday, February 11, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

In Your Hands
“Will the House Allow this Outrage to Continue…?” Request to House to Override Bill to Restructure Scandal Plagued
State Investment Council
Santa Fe- A letter hand delivered to Speaker Ben Lujan’s office this morning requests that the House act quickly to schedule debate and action on the veto override of a bill the Senate recently voted to override that would restructure the scandal plagued State Investment Council.

“It is in your hands,” writes the sponsor or SB 460 from last year’s regular session. “Will the House allow this outrage to continue, or together, will we take decisive action…It is now the responsibility of House Leadership to determine whether further action will be taken expeditiously on this bill.”

Senator Neville also points out that a veto override would mean a guaranteed, immediate action of restructuring the State Investment Council while other bills under consideration this session do not have any guarantee of passing, or being signed into law by the governor. “Other legislation may or may not progress through the session, but this action would assure immediate attention of the problems,” writes Neville.

Neville says the Senate passed the override in less than ten minutes and that demands on the House’s schedule should be minimal.

“Please act quickly to bring New Mexico out of the limelight of this embarrassing and costly scandal. The citizens of New Mexico deserve better, and we as elected officials are expected to deliver,” writes Senator Neville.

Letter to the Speaker Ben Lujan Attached.

February 10, 2010

The Honorable Ben Lujan
Speaker of the House of Representatives
104 State Capitol
Santa Fe, NM 87501

Dear Speaker Lujan:

Yesterday, the Senate passed overwhelmingly a veto override of Senate Bill 460 from the First Session of the Forty-Ninth Legislature. This bill would restructure the scandal plagued State Investment Council and would help restore some measure of confidence in the management of our permanent funds.

It is now the responsibility of House Leadership to determine whether further action will be taken expeditiously on this bill. Will the House allow this outrage to continue, or together, will we take decisive action?

It is in your hands. Please act quickly to bring New Mexico out of the limelight of this embarrassing and costly scandal. The citizens of New Mexico deserve better, and we as elected officials are expected to deliver. Please schedule debate and action on the veto override of Senate Bill 460 as soon as possible. This bill passed unanimously last year, and the demands on your schedule should be minimal. The Senate passed this override in less than ten minutes.

Other legislation may or may not progress through the session, but this action would assure immediate attention to the problems. There should be no conflict with any new legislation enacted after your override of Senate Bill 460. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Senator Steven Neville
415 State Capitol
Santa Fe, NM 87501

cc: House membership
Senate membership
Media

Sen. Payne Supports Tougher DWI, Not Bill that Misleads Public

2010-02-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Senator Who Supports Tough DWI Laws Does Not Support Public Being Misled
Mandatory Jail Time Not “Mandatory” at All
View Video Clip on: YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN3JWq336Vs
And at www.newmexicorepublicansenators.blogspot.com

Santa Fe--“The public was sold a bill of goods,” that is the reaction of
State Minority Whip Bill Payne of Albuquerque about a bill he said misled the public about being tough on DWI, when in fact it was the opposite.
“I never voted against tough DWI laws in 14 years, I support tougher DWI laws,” Senator Payne said. “But the bill presented to Senate Judiciary had a huge loophole that would have allowed first time DWI offenders to skip out on any jail time and instead would have only required the offender to wear an ankle bracelet around town. How tough is that? The public was led to believe there was mandatory jail time when in fact the bill allowed and even encouraged the DWI offender to be sentenced to community custody in lieu of jail time. The only thing mandatory in the bill is the word “mandatory.”

The bill, SB 3 & 5- Increasing Penalties for DWI Offenders reads:
“…in lieu of the mandatory jail term, the offender may be sentenced to a minimum of thirty days in a DWI community custody program…”

2010-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Senate Minority Leader's Bill Passes Senate 32-8

2010-02-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

For immediate release Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Contact: 986-4702

Passes Senate-

Eliminate Unnecessary Firearms Course

Santa Fe—The Senate today passed SB 212 that would no longer require a two-year firearm refresher course in handgun licensing. The bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle passed 32 to 8. The bill would not impact the course that is required at the four-year re-licensing period. A similar bill passed the Senate last year 31 to 9.

SB 212 is titled No 2-year Concealed Weapon Refresher Course.

“The Department of Public Safety does not think this 2 year refresher course is needed after people have passed the four-year re-licensing course. It is more of a burden and is costly and does not affect safety,” Senator Ingle said. “The course that only requires 25 shots at a target appears to require a lot of paperwork, bureaucracy and cost with no benefit.”

Senator Ingle said the two-hour firearms refresher course would not significantly enhance a person’s ability to safely handle a handgun. New Mexico is the only state currently requiring a refresher course. The course required at the four-year re-licensing period would still be required.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

2010-02-09T15:54:00.000-08:00

Senate Votes on Override of Governor's Veto

2010-02-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Tuesday, February 9 Senator Neville 505-320-0771 Senate Voted 33-4 to Override of Governor’s Veto of Bill to Shift Control of the State Investment Council away from Governor Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate this afternoon voted 33 to 4 to override the governor’s veto of a bill to shift control of the State Investment Council away from the governor after years of pay-to-play scandals hit the news media. Last year, both the Senate and House overwhelming passed the measure which was then vetoed by the governor. The bill now goes to the House for a vote on a veto override. 2/3 of those voting in the House would be necessary for the bill to become law immediately. It would not have to go to the governor again. The sponsor of last year’s SB-460-Additional Investment Appointees- Senator Steven Neville said the state never received the slightest explanation from the governor why he vetoed the bill that could re-instill more public confidence in the State Investment Council. The council has been caught up in one pay-to-play scandal after another with reports of governor insiders receiving millions in fees paid by recipients of state investments. Neville said he the bill would have made the state investment council more autonomous and less politically controlled. The governor not only chairs the State Investment Council, but he appoints most of the council’s members and hires the State Investment Officer. “In essence, one person- the governor- has control over $12 billion dollars worth of investments. Investments what were as high as $15 billion in recent years. As it stands now, the State Investment Council has nine members and is essentially able to push through a governor’s request because the governor is chairman of the council, plus the governor has control over six of the eight remaining members,” Neville said. “That needed to change. The legislature wanted the change, but the governor did not.” Senator Neville’s bill would have increased the council’s membership from nine to 13 and would have removed the governor’s power to appoint members. The five standing members would have remained, those being the governor; State Investment Officer; State Treasurer; the Commissioner of Public Lands and the Department of Finance and Administration cabinet secretary. Four members would have been appointed by the Republican and Democrat leadership in the Senate and the House. Then, together, the nine members would have appointed four public members who would have been confirmed by the Senate. Governor Richard pocket vetoed Senate Bill 460 without a written veto message.

Senate Minority Leader Ingle on Budget Cuts to Avoid Tax Increases

2010-02-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

Senator Proposes Reducing State Spending to Avoid Tax Increases

Click here for Sen. Ingle interview: www.newmexicorepublicansenators.blogspot.com

Click here for Sen. Ingle on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V5ih40O-9Q

Santa Fe--Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle is proposing various ways New Mexico could live within its means so taxes would not have to be raised to balance the state’s budget. The bill and amendment would help the state address its budget shortfall.

“We can’t spend money we do not have, we are not like the Federal Government,” Senator Ingle said. “Nobody likes having to do this, but we have to remember there had been very large increases to education and teacher salaries in recent years.

Senator Ingle is proposing an amendment to the House’s budget will that would save the state $300 million in costs by reducing state spending across the board by 5.7%.

The budget the House passed last week increases taxes by over $300 million.

Senator Ingle also has proposed SB 246 Public Employee Pension Contribution Increase. It would save the state over $72 million by requiring state employees to increase their contributions to their retirement funds while the state’s contribution for the employees would decrease by the same amount, 2.64%. This shift would be temporary for fiscal year 2011 and would affect the Educational Retirement Board and various plans in the Public Employees Retirement Association. As example, employees earning $55,000 a year would pay an additional $1,000 into their PERA retirement plan for fiscal year 2011.

Senator Steven Neville on veto override attempt Tuesday

2010-02-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Senator Steven Neville on veto override attempt Tuesday

2010-02-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

2010-02-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

Senate expected Tuesday to vote on Override of Governor’s Veto of Bill to Shift Control of the State Investment Council away from Governor

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate is expected Tuesday to try and override the governor’s veto of a bill to shift control of the State Investment Council away from the governor after years of pay-to-play scandals hit the news media. Last year, both the Senate and House overwhelming passed the measure which was then vetoed by the governor. A successful override would need 2/3 of the Senators present and voting. If all 42 are voting, 26 votes would be needed for an override.

The sponsor of last year’s SB-460-Additional Investment Appointees- Senator Steven Neville said the state never received the slightest explanation from the governor why he vetoed the bill that could re-instill more public confidence in the State Investment Council. The council has been caught up in one pay-to-play scandal after another with reports of governor insiders receiving millions in fees paid by recipients of state investments.

“In this time of great suspicion, it is important both the Senate and House vote to override the governor’s veto. There is no more time to lose, this should have become law last year,” Senator Neville said. “We need to instill more confidence in the State Investment Council that manages $12.1 billion of New Mexico dollars.”

If both the Senate and House override the governor’s veto the measure becomes law immediately.
-more-

Neville said he the bill would have made the state investment council more autonomous and less politically controlled.

The governor not only chairs the State Investment Council, but he appoints most of the council’s members and hires the State Investment Officer.

“In essence, one person- the governor- has control over $12 billion dollars worth of investments. Investments what were as high as $15 billion in recent years. As it stands now, the State Investment Council has nine members and is essentially able to push through a governor’s request because the governor is chairman of the council, plus the governor has control over six of the eight remaining members,” Neville said. “That needed to change. The legislature wanted the change, but the governor did not.”

Senator Neville’s bill would have increased the council’s membership from nine to 13 and would have removed the governor’s power to appoint members. The five standing members would have remained, those being the governor; State Investment Officer; State Treasurer; the Commissioner of Public Lands and the Department of Finance and Administration cabinet secretary. Four members would have been appointed by the Republican and Democrat leadership in the Senate and the House. Then, together, the nine members would have appointed four public members who would have been confirmed by the Senate.

Governor Richard pocket vetoed Senate Bill 460 without a written veto message.

Today the Senate overrode the governor’s veto of SB 531- LFC Review of State Funding Recipients. The Senate voted 34-8 to override the veto on the bill sponsored by Senator Tim Keller. That bill now goes to the House. If the House overrides the veto, the bill becomes law immediately.

Boy Scouts of America Celebrates 100 Years

2010-02-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary Recognized at State Capitol
February 8, 2010 Named 100 Year Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America Day

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senators honored the 100th Year Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America by proclaiming February 8 as their day at the Senate and they welcomed the scouts from New Mexico who visited the capitol today. State Senator Vernon Asbill, who is an Executive Board Member of the Conquistador Council of the Boy Scouts of America, introduced Senate Memorial 17 “100-Year Anniversary of the Boy Scouts Day”to honor the scouts and their long, proud history.

Senate Memorial 17 states the Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations with over 2.5 million member scouts. It further states that for 100 years, the boy scouts of America has provided and continues to provide a program for young men that builds charter, teaches the responsibilities of participatory citizenship and develops personal fitness. Senator Asbill said, “For 100 years, Boy Scouts has helped build the future leaders of this country with its educational activities and its lifelong values.”

Photo features:
They are back row: David Holder Samuel Holder Roy Crammer Lewis Harry
Second row: Cameron Granmer Santana Sanchez Ginger Franco Tim Kraus
First row: Senator Vernon Asbill (District 34) Val Isleib, Senator Mary Jane Garcia (District 36).

Carlsbad Students Visit Capitol Monday

2010-02-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad Students Visit Capitol Monday

Santa Fe—Students from the Carlsbad High School Career Technical Student Origination visited the New Mexico State Senate in Santa Fe on Monday, February 8, 2010 They included students with the Business Professionals of New Mexico, Family Community and Career Leaders of America, and Skills USA. Both students and instructor Tamara Faulk from Culinary Arts and students from Automotive Technology and its instructor Lupe Vasquez visited the capitol. Welcoming the students are Senator Vernon Asbill and Senator Carroll Leavell.

Senator Bill Payne

2010-02-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Veteran Lottery Scholarship Timeframe to be Extended

Senate Bill 134-Military Veteran lottery scholarship

Santa Fe--Under a bill that unanimously passed the Senate today, Armed forces veterans would have one full year after they are honorably discharged from service to apply for a New Mexico legislative lottery scholarship and attend a New Mexico college or university under the lottery scholarship program. Currently, a veteran has only 120 days after their service to be eligible for the program.

Senator Bill Payne who sponsored the change said many veterans are not able to find educational programs with openings for them that coincide with more restrictive time frame. Senator Payne said one year will give the veterans the time they need to find an educational program with a starting date they can meet.

The bill, SB 134 now goes to the House for consideration.

Senator Sue Wilson Beffort

2010-02-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

Santa Fe- It is up to the Senate to try and save the day, or at least save taxpayers from having to spend even more of their hard earned money on rescuing the state from the budget mess it is in. The State Senate now has control over the budget process and the proposed tax increases the House passed Friday. At least one State Senator says the Senate needs to make major changes to the House’s proposals that would increase taxes over $300 million and reduce spending with negligible cuts to balance the state’s budget for fiscal year 2011 which begins July 1st.

“As it stands now, the House’s solution is to tax ourselves out of the budget crisis rather than reduce state spending to balance the books,” State Senator Sue Wilson Beffort said. “We need to find a long term solution, not a short term fix. Our most recent economic forecasts predict that New Mexico will not be coming out of this recession anytime soon. We must be disciplined and live within our means.”

Senator Wilson Beffort who serves on the Senate Finance committee said Senate Finance will take up the House budget and House tax increase bills Monday. She anticipates numerous amendments will be proposed to reduce state spending and to eliminate or reduce the need for tax increases proposed by the House. “I hope the State Senate stands firm in its resolve to reexamine the role of state government and how much our taxpayers truly should be funding,” Senator Wilson Beffort said. “This is the opportunity to do it. I have faith that our Senate will once again stand up against the Houses proposed tax increases. We have done it in the past, we can do it again this session.”

Today, the full Senate received the most up to date information that revenue projections for the new year that begins July 1, 2010 are not expected to improve and received information on how the Houses’ budget will impact the state.
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“This is not the time to raise taxes, not when our business are hurting and our residents are losing their jobs,” Senator Wilson Beffort said. “How can the state further squeeze money out of those who don’t have it. We have to take a serious look at reducing the size of state government so our residents can afford it.”

The House budget totals $5.6 billion worth of spending while the state revenues add up to only $5.1 billion. To make the difference, the House proposes two main tax increases.

The proposed HB119 would temporarily increase the state’s gross receipts tax base to 5.5% from 5% starting July. That hefty increase would generate an estimated $240 million to the state’s coffers when people make purchases in the state.

“One way to get out of these economic tough times is to encourage people to begin spending money again so our businesses can once again thrive, and begin to hire back the people who have lost their jobs. We should not be discouraging spending by taxing folks on their purchases,” Senator Wilson Beffort said.

HB9 would expect to raise $66 million by placing an additional 1.5% personal income surtax on income over $133,000 for single New Mexican taxpayers and the tax would be applied to income over $100,000 for two years on married couples filing separately and to income over $200,000 for those filing jointly.

“This income surtax will greatly affect our small businesses that pay a substantial percentage of our taxes. That is what is not being discussed,” Wilson Beffort said. “Small businesses make up the banner share of New Mexico businesses. If their taxes are raised, they will not be able to hire back the people that had to be laid off.”

After an amended House budget passes the Senate, it must return to the House for concurrence. If there is no agreement, it goes to a conference committee where differences between the two versions of the budget bill are attempted to be worked out. Then the conference committee report needs to be agreed to by both Houses.

While the legislature has cut spending by about $700 million in the past two years, spending on state government had increased more than $2 billion in the previous six years.

Senator John Ryan

2010-02-05T17:29:00.001-08:00

“What are they hiding?” could be a thing of the past- Revealing State Employee Names
to be included in Budget Transparency Bill

SB 195/a – Sunshine Portal Transparency Act- Senator Sander Rue, Passes Senate 38 to 0.

Santa Fe- “What are they hiding?” could be a thing of the past in state government. The names of state employee are to be easily accessible to the public on a state budget transparency website in a bill that unanimously passed the State Senate today. That public information is not being released by the current administration, prompting the public to ask, “What are they hiding?”

The sponsor of the amendment to include state employee names on a new internet website said it is critical to know who are the people who run state government. The names are to be included in a new website to provide clear, public friendly information for the public and taxpayers about the state’s budget.

“This will remove the veil of suspicion. For good government and transparency, it is important to know if public employees are big- time donors or are related to the person who hires them,” Senator John Ryan said. Ryan, who sponsored the amendment said now it is impossible to get this public information from the current administration and the public is suspicious about why this public information is not being given out. What are they hiding? It is vital this information be included in a government transparency bill.”

The full senate agreed when it passed Senator Ryan’s amendment unanimously.

SB 195 creates a “sunshine portal”, a single internet website freely accessible to the public within the Office of Information Technology.
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The sponsor of the bill, Senator Sander Rue, said a minimum of 15 items of information would be available on the website.

Senator Sander Rue’s bill directs the development and maintenance of a searchable, publicly accessible database on the internet that displays New Mexico’s budget, expenditures and other financial information like contracts on the state’s webpage for each year beginning no later than July 1, 2011. The website would provide interested parties access to such things as: how state government agencies spend their revenues, costs of state employees, what loans the state board of finance makes and what capital projects the legislature funds.

The budget information is to be posted each year within 45 days following the adoption of the general appropriations bill and includes all state and federal money.

“My constituents are demanding that they want to know how our state got in such a financial mess. Last year we faced a billion dollar shortfall and this year we are facing nearly the same thing. They want transparency in state government, they want to be able to see the state’s budget in a clear and easily understood format on the web. My bill gives it to them,” Senator Rue said.

Senator Rue said with today’s technology it can happen if the governor and the legislators have the determination to do it this year.

Senator Gay Kernan

2010-02-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

New School Leadership Institute to Help Produce Better School Principals for Better Schools-Institute Housed at UNM

SB 85- School Leadership Institute, Senator Gay Kernan, passed Senate 35 to 0.

Ensuring every public school in New Mexico has a quality principal is the goal of a bill that passed the New Mexico State Senate unanimously today. Senate Bill 85- School Leadership Institute- creates the institute within the Department of Higher Education to provide a comprehensive framework for preparing and mentoring principals and other public school leaders to become more effective and improve education in the state.

State Senator Gay Kernan (R-Hobbs) sponsored SB 85 because she knows how critical good principals are for the state.

“As an educator, I value how the tremendous leadership a school principal can positively affect the success of a school and its students. If that leadership is not there, a school won’t be as successful. I am confident this leadership institute will help mentor and develop strong, effective school principals who will make their schools shine,” Senator Kernan said.

Senator Kernan said the goal of the institute is to develop a core educational leadership curriculum that focuses on what principals need to know to be able to improve student learning.

Senator Kernan said the institute is critical to help principals with all of the additional responsibilities they have been given over recent years. “School principals today have to be experts in so many areas that weren’t required a few short years ago, this institute will help them receive the additional training they need. I know this training will be welcomed and it is so critical for good schools,” Senator Kernan said.

The institute will be housed at the University of New Mexico. Last year, $200,000 worth of funding to establish the institute was included in the General Appropriations Act of 2009. An additional $210,000 was provided by the Wallace Foundation which was procured by the Office of Educational Accountability.
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Through the institute, a minimum of five programs will be provided.

· Licensure preparation for aspiring principals.
· Mentoring for new principals.
· Intensive support for principals in schools in need of improvement.
· Professional development for aspiring superintendents.
· Mentoring for new superintendents.

The Legislative Education Study Committee endorsed SB 85.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Senator Vernon Asbill

2010-02-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Senate Passes Bill to give Schools More Flexibility on how to spend limited dollars without affecting student instruction

SB 97- School District Budget Flexibility- Senator Verson Asbill, Passes Senate 31 to 8.

Santa Fe--The New Mexico State Senate passed a bill today to make budget cuts to school districts more palatable by giving districts more flexibility on how they spend their limited dollars. The sponsor of SB 97 says if his bill becomes law school districts, over the next three years of anticipated budget constraints, would be able to make adjustments to class loads, length of school days, class materials and other operating expenses and operate in exemption to the public school code.

“The school districts will not have a free for all, they would not be able to affect adversely classroom instruction,” Senator Vernon Asbill said. “They would be given the flexibility that our charter schools now have.”

Schools would apply to the Secretary of Education to temporarily waive rules pertaining some items covered in the public school code.

Senator Asbill said his SB 97 would help address the state’s budget crisis and how it could impact New Mexico school districts. The bill will give school superintendents and school principals more flexibility in operating their schools as they face possibly having to adjust their budgets to live within the reality and means of fewer tax dollars going into the state coffers.

The bill requires the Public Education Department to monitor the waivers and report to the Legislative Education Study Committee and Legislative Finance Committee any adverse affects the waives could have on student learning.

Senator Vernon Asbill

2010-02-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

NM Senate Takes up bill to Give Schools Flexibility to address possible Budget Adjustments

SB 97- School District Budget Flexibility- Senator Verson Asbill

The New Mexico State Senate is taking up a bill today to make budget cuts to school districts more palatable. The sponsor of SB 97 says if his bill becomes law school districts over the next three years of budget constraints would be able to take the cuts to their budgets and make adjustments to class loads, school day lengths and other operating expenses in exception to the school code.

“The school districts will not have a free for all, they would not be able to affect adversely classroom instruction,” Senator Vernon Asbill said. “They would be given the flexibility that our charter schools now have.”

Schools would apply to the Secretary of Education to temporarily waive rules pertaining some items covered in the school code.

Senator Asbill said his SB 97 would help address the state’s budget crisis and how it could impact New Mexico school districts. The bill will give school superintendents and school principals more flexibility in operating their schools as they face possibly having to adjust their budgets to live within the reality and means of fewer tax dollars going into the state coffers.

###

2010-02-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Can be Introduced! Bill to Cut Political Hires and Bill to Fight Fraud

Santa Fe- Two of Senator John Ryan’s bills made it through their first Senate Hurdle today. The Committees Committee approved that the two bills are germane and can be debated this session. Both are designed to save the state millions.

State Senator John Ryan (R-Bernalillo-10) wants to stop the state from having to pay to defend state employees who are being sued for fraud or other government wrongdoing on the job when it is the state that is also involved in pressing the charges. The bill would involve employees of the State Investment Council.

Senator Ryan has introduced Senate Bill 220 in reaction to the high-profile whistleblower case of Foy v. Vanderbilt lawsuit. In that case, the state’s risk management division is paying to defend state employees the state itself has an interest in suing for alleged fraud. According to news reports, that lawsuit alleges the former state investment officer and other state employees were instructed to make investments in exchange for political contributions.

Senator Ryan’s SB 127- Limit Employees in the Executive Branch can also be debated this session. Senator Ryan is still fighting to limit the number of political hires a governor can have in an administration.

Senator Ryan says the limit on political hires will reduce the size of state government and the budget. “The number of political hires is out of control. The legislature has oversight authority and needs to get a handle on how many political hires a governor can have in an administration,” Senator John Ryan said today. “There needs to be a limit on the number, otherwise our state budgets will continue to grow and grow without the legislature’s consent. It is a budget issue. It is a clear balance of power issue.”

State Senator Bill Sharer

2010-02-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

An update on the Domestic Partnership Bill from State Senator Bill Sharer.

2010-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

Dr. Margie Huerta, President, DACC presents Sen. Carroll Leavell Key Senate Supporter of Community Colleges.

Santa Fe- State Senator Carroll Leavell was recognized at the State Capitol today for his legislative work and support of New Mexico community colleges. In turn, he recognized the vital role the colleges have in the future of the state.

“New Mexico community colleges and two year colleges are critical in our mission of growing New Mexico business and industry,” Senator Leavell said at the capitol rotunda today. “The students they educate and train are out future. I support our colleges, educators and students and I am honored to be recognized as a key Senate supporter today. Without them, our economic development does not work.”

The New Mexico Association of Community Colleges (NMACC) and Independent Community Colleges recognized Senator Leavell at the New Mexico All-State Academic Team Ceremony on February 4, 2010. Students from across the state were named to the New Mexico All-State Academic Team 2010. The team includes two New Mexico State University students from Carlsbad- Betty McDaniel and Elizabeth Chavez. Some students were not able to attend the capitol ceremony because of hazardous winter travel conditions.

Dr Margie Huerta, President of Dona Ana Community and post-President of NMACC said the selection of Senator Leavell as a Key Senate Supporter was clear.

“Senator Leavell’s selection for this high, prestigious award was easy for us. Senator Leavell’s continue support of community colleges’ mission and his understanding of the importance of workforce development, and economic development working in partnership with the local community is unsurpassed,” Dr. Huerta said. “He is an avid supporter of the mission. He is one of a kind.”

State Senator Dianna J. Duran

2010-02-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

State Senator Dianna J. Duran is trying to relieve the concerns and anxiety some of her constituents are having regarding honest elections in New Mexico and two bills that are moving through the legislature that would allow people to vote on the very same day they register to vote.

Senator John Ryan

2010-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Can be Introduced! Bill to Cut Political Hires and Bill to Fight Fraud

Senator Ryan’s videotaped comments on: www.newmexicorepublicansenators.blogspot.com
SB 127, SB 220

Santa Fe- Two of Senator John Ryan’s bills made it through their first Senate Hurdle today. The Committees Committee approved that the two bills are germane and can be debated this session. Both are designed to save the state millions.

State Senator John Ryan (R-Bernalillo-10) wants to stop the state from having to pay to defend state employees who are being sued for fraud or other government wrongdoing on the job when it is the state that is also involved in pressing the charges. The bill would involve employees of the State Investment Council.

Senator Ryan has introduced Senate Bill 220 in reaction to the high-profile whistleblower case of Foy v. Vanderbilt lawsuit. In that case, the state’s risk management division is paying to defend state employees the state itself has an interest in suing for alleged fraud. According to news reports, that lawsuit alleges the former state investment officer and other state employees were instructed to make investments in exchange for political contributions.

Senator Ryan’s SB 127- Limit Employees in the Executive Branch can also be debated this session. Senator Ryan is still fighting to limit the number of political hires a governor can have in an administration.

Senator Ryan says the limit on political hires will reduce the size of state government and the budget. He believes his bill should be considered pertinent or “germane” to this budget-related session. It will be presented to the Committees Committee Thursday for its permission to be debated this session.

“The number of political hires is out of control. The legislature has oversight authority and needs to get a handle on how many political hires a governor can have in an administration,” Senator John Ryan said today. “There needs to be a limit on the number, otherwise our state budgets will continue to grow and grow without the legislature’s consent. It is a budget issue. It is a clear balance of power issue.”

2010-02-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Cut Political Hires To Reduce Budget

Committees Committee to consider Bill Thursday

Santa Fe— State Senator John Ryan is still fighting to limit the number of political hires a governor can have in an administration.

Senator Ryan says the limit on political hires will reduce the size of state government and the budget. He believes his bill should be considered pertinent or “germane” to this budget-related session. It will be presented to the Committees Committee Thursday for its permission to be debated this session.

“The number of political hires is out of control. The legislature has oversight authority and needs to get a handle on how many political hires a governor can have in an administration,” Senator John Ryan said today. “There needs to be a limit on the number, otherwise our state budgets will continue to grow and grow without the legislature’s consent. It is a budget issue. It is a clear balance of power issue.”

Senator Ryan said his bill should be allowed to be considered this budget session. The Senate Committees Committee will take up the bill Thursday morning.

During last year’s special session on the budget, Senator Ryan passed a bill to cut 102 of the governor’s political hires, but Governor Bill Richardson vetoed the provision out of the budget. The but were supposed to be done by executive order, but the reduced positions have not been released to the public.

Senator Ryan said there has been criticism of how much the over 500 political appointees of Governor Bill Richardson are costing the state in light of the budget crisis. Senator Ryan’s bill would reduce the number of political positions to around 400, including those required by law, and would save tens of millions of dollars.

Senator Ryan said the average salary and benefits for the political appointees is $105,000 per position, so there could be a potential savings of $10 million dollars to future budgets if his new bill is allowed to be debated this session.

He said former Governor Gary Johnson had only 167 exempt positions his final year in office while Richardson has over 500.

Senator Sue Wilson Beffort Sponsors Ethics Commission

2010-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

WATCHED AND THEN CAUGHT—
BILL TO CREATE ETHICS COMMISSION TO DISCOURAGE UNETHICAL, ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IN STATE GOVERNMENT

SB 268- Governmental Standards Commission Act- Senator Sue Wilson Beffort

Santa Fe- Unethical and illegal activity in state government could be stopped in its tracks with the help of an ethics commission if a bill sponsored by Senator Sue Wilson Beffort becomes law.

“Unethical and illegal activity in state government could be better discouraged if those engaged in it believe there could be a better chance they are being watched, reported and caught,” Senator Wilson Beffort said. “This bill provides for confidential investigations and prohibits retaliation against those who report the unethical behavior.”

Today, Senator Wilson Beffort introduced a bill to create an independent six member ethics commission to investigate allegations of ethics violations in the executive and legislative branches of government

Senator Wilson Beffort said her bill provides for confidential investigations by the commission; if the commission dismisses a complaint it would not publicly disclose the results except upon request of the respondent.

“In the that the commission finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent's conduct constitutes an ethics violation, it will report to the appropriate legislative body, state agency or employer, depending on who the respondent is employed by,” Senator Wilson Beffort said.

If a criminal violation is found, the commission must refer it to the attorney general or appropriate district attorney.
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“It is important to note that the act prohibits retaliatory action against a person who in good faith files a complaint or provides testimony and makes it clear that a person who files a false claim is subject to civil and criminal sanctions,” Senator Wilson Beffort said.

Under the bill:

· Two members are appointed by the governor and one member each by the president pro-tempore, the minority floor leader in the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and the minority floor leader of the house of representatives.

· No more than three commissioners may be members of the same political party

· The supreme court, with the assistance of the appellate judges nominating committee, submits a list of at least twenty-one qualified candidates to the governor and legislature for nomination

· Transfers Authority from Secretary of State to Standard Commission

· Transfers administration of the Governmental Conduct Act, Lobbyist Regulation Act, Financial Disclosure Act, Gift Act, Campaign Reporting Act and Voter Action Act from the Secretary of State to the Governmental Standard Commission

2010-02-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

2010-02-03T13:27:00.001-08:00

Once Again, Senate Passes Previously Vetoed Whistle Blower Ethics Bill
On to House

SB 96---Whistleblower Protection Act Passes 38 to 2
Sponsored by Senator Sue Wilson-Beffort

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate today passes 38 to 2 an ethics bill similar to one that had been previously vetoed by Governor Bill Richardson. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

SB 96- Whistleblower Protection Act now heads to the Senate Floor. According to its sponsor, Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, the governor vetoed a similar bill that would have protected public employees who uncover and reveal illegal activity. Since that time, the state continued to be rocked by scandals of alleged illegal activity. Senator Wilson Beffort said she hopes the public has had enough of the scandals and tells the governor not to veto her whistle blower ethics bill if it passes the legislature.

Senator Wilson Beffort said SB 96 is to protect public employees who report illegal and unethical conduct is critical for ethics reform. She said those who retaliate would face money damages, in addition to any criminal charges they would face based on the illegal conduct that was reported.

2010-02-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Senate Unanimously Passes Missing Persons Bill

SB 55- Missing Persons Act- Senator Sander Rue- passes Senate

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate today unanimously passed a bill today designed to help locate missing children and adults faster and more effectively in New Mexico.

The sponsor of SB 55, Senator Sander Rue said his bill includes a timeline when missing person data must be entered into law enforcement data bases so missing people can be located as soon as possible. “We are currently losing valuable time,” Senator Rue said. “This bill that passed Senate Judiciary should keep law enforcement on its toes and requires that data be input in a more timely bases…immediately, if not sooner.”

Senator Rue said his bill also would combine all missing person statues which would lead to a more comprehensive system for finding missing children and adults.

The bill also requires law enforcement to undergo training on the procedures of reporting and investigating missing people. According to Rue, there appears to be a lack of knowledge, training and understanding of the existing law pertaining to missing persons in the law enforcement community and by the general public.

Senator Rue said this three pronged approach should assist greatly in locating missing people.

The bill now goes on to the House.

2010-02-03T12:56:00.001-08:00

Cut Political Hires To Reduce Budget

Committees Committee to consider Bill Thursday

Santa Fe— State Senator John Ryan is still fighting to limit the number of political hires a governor can have in an administration.

Senator Ryan says the limit on political hires will reduce the size of state government and the budget. He believes his bill should be considered pertinent or “germane” to this budget-related session. It will be presented to the Committees Committee Thursday for its permission to be debated this session.

“The number of political hires is out of control. The legislature has oversight authority and needs to get a handle on how many political hires a governor can have in an administration,” Senator John Ryan said today. “There needs to be a limit on the number, otherwise our state budgets will continue to grow and grow without the legislature’s consent. It is a budget issue. It is a clear balance of power issue.”

Senator Ryan said his bill should be allowed to be considered this budget session. The Senate Committees Committee will take up the bill Thursday morning.

During last year’s special session on the budget, Senator Ryan passed a bill to cut 102 of the governor’s political hires, but Governor Bill Richardson vetoed the provision out of the budget. The but were supposed to be done by executive order, but the reduced positions have not been released to the public.

Senator Ryan said there has been criticism of how much the over 500 political appointees of Governor Bill Richardson are costing the state in light of the budget crisis. Senator Ryan’s bill would reduce the number of political positions to around 400, including those required by law, and would save tens of millions of dollars.

Senator Ryan said the average salary and benefits for the political appointees is $105,000 per position, so there could be a potential savings of $10 million dollars to future budgets if his new bill is allowed to be debated this session.

He said former Governor Gary Johnson had only 167 exempt positions his final year in office while Richardson has over 500.

Senator Mark Boitano Supports New Family Coalition

2010-02-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Agencies Unite to Support Healthy, Loving New Mexico Families
State Senator Mark Boitano Supports New Coalition

State Capitol Event- Sunday, February 7, 2010- Informational booth in Rotunda

Albuquerque, NM February 3, 2010— Non-profit organizations and individuals throughout the state have joined together to form the New Mexico Coalition for Healthy Families. The Coalition is the result of grassroots efforts to unite the state’s family-centered agencies in order to better serve children and families.

State Senator Mark Boitano, who continually champions strong families through legislation he sponsors, congratulates the various groups who work together to improve the lives of children and parents for forming the new coalition. "By coming together, the New Mexico Coalition for Healthy Families will now be able to lend an even louder, stronger and more unified voice to the importance to our society of having strong, supportive families," Senator Boitano said. "Stronger, healthier families are not only important to the family members themselves, but to all of us who benefit from loving families who raise their children to become productive members of society. There are so many cost benefits to society."

New Mexico ranks second highest in the nation for both teenage pregnancies and births to unmarried women, third highest in percent of children in single parent families and fourth highest in percent of children in poverty. New Mexico has approximately a 50% drop out rate of high school students, 6,000 children are abused or neglected every year, over 2,100 live in foster care and over 46,000 live in grandparent-headed households.

The Coalition’s goal is to work toward a state in which every child is safe, healthy, loved and educated and every family member is respected and cared for. The agencies that comprise the Coalition provide education, resources, advocacy and other forms of support to families throughout New Mexico.

Dr. Esther Devall, co-chair of the Coalition, says, “In today’s tough economic times, families face many challenges. Parent-child and couple relationships often deteriorate under stress. The New Mexico Coalition for Healthy Families is dedicated to strengthening all families.”

Members of the Coalition will host a booth during the legislative session at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe on February 7th to provide information and answer questions about the Coalition and its member agencies. Legislators, community leaders and all New Mexicans are invited to learn how the Coalition can assist them.

For a complete list of Coalition members, please contact Esther Devall at 575-646-1185, Hillary Bravo at 505-247-1511, email nmcoalitionforhealthyfamilies@gmail.com, or stop by the Roundhouse booth on February 7th.

2010-02-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Senators Adair and Ryan to Appear on TV this Week

Senators on Issues and Answers on KCHF-TV
Tonight, Wed. Feb 3 at 11:30 p.m.
Sat, Feb 6 at 10:30 p.m.
Sun, Feb 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Next Friday, Feb 12 at 10:30 p.m.

Santa Fe--State Senators Rod Adair and John Ryan will appear on KCHF TV Channel 11’s Issues and Answers this week, beginning tonight at 11:30 p.m.

Senator Adair discusses his Senate Bill 173- Help DD, Prohibit Attorney Payments. Senator Adair says money that could have been going to the state’s most vulnerable population has instead been going to trial lawyers and expert witnesses in a 22 year old lawsuit. “Enough is enough,” said State Senator Rod Adair, “We have paid nearly $75 million just to plaintiffs’ attorneys—and that money should be going to the developmentally disabled instead. Every year we do this we are effectively cheating our most vulnerable citizens out of $20 million.”

Unknown to taxpayers, the State of New Mexico has been shoveling almost $5 million a year to a small clique of lawyers and their hand-picked associates who have been serving as “expert witnesses” and “consultants” in a lawsuit that has been kept alive for 22 years.

Senator Ryan discusses his desire to stop the state from having to pay to defend state employees who are being sued for fraud or other government wrongdoing on the job when it is the state that is also involved in pressing the charges.

Senator Ryan has legislation in reaction to the high-profile whistleblower case of Foy v. Vanderbilt lawsuit. In that case, the state’s risk management division is paying to defend state employees the state itself has an interest in suing for alleged fraud.

Both Senator discuss the state budget and that taxes should not be raised to balance it.

2010-02-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Passes out of Senate Judiciary tonight
Missing Persons Bill

SB 55- Missing Persons Act- Senator Sander Rue

Santa Fe—The Senate Judiciary tonight passed a bill designed to help locate missing children and adults faster and more effectively in New Mexico.

The sponsor of SB 55, Senator Sander Rue said his bill includes a timeline when missing person data must be entered into law enforcement data bases so missing people can be located as soon as possible. “We are currently losing valuable time,” Senator Rue said. “This bill that passed Senate Judiciary should keep law enforcement on its toes and requires that data be input in a more timely bases…immediately, if not sooner.”

Senator Rue said his bill also would combine all missing person statues which would lead to a more comprehensive system for finding missing children and adults.

The bill also requires law enforcement to undergo training on the procedures of reporting and investigating missing people. According to Rue, there appears to be a lack of knowledge, training and understanding of the existing law pertaining to missing persons in the law enforcement community and by the general public.

Senator Rue said this three pronged approach should assist greatly in locating missing people.

2010-02-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Support for Spending Cuts

Santa Fe---State Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne said it is critical that New Mexico re-examine its huge size of state government, especially compared to other states.
“If New Mexico state government were the average size, we could save at least $200 million dollars a year,” Senator Payne said. “But we are not, we are huge. New Mexico ranks 3rd highest in the nation of public employees per capita and has 40% more public employees per capita than the national average when state and local employees, including those in education, are considered.”

At the capitol today, Senator Payne said it is time to change the role of state government in people’s lives, it is not time to raise government just to support an oversize bureaucracy. “New Mexicans can’t and shouldn’t support such a huge state government any longer,” Senator Payne said. “New Mexicans and business just can’t afford it.”

In the past year, New Mexico has experienced a 21% decline in personal income tax collections, a 54% decline in corporate income tax collections, and a 20% decline in energy related revenues. Compounding those dismal statistics, the state has regulated the oil and gas industry to death, even as huge resources are being developed outside the state. Production in New Mexico is way down while surrounding states have increased production. The natural gas industry, which has historically funded a significant portion of state government, will likely never return to a level of production that will support state government spending at levels of the recent past.

“A good argument can be made that the public employee voting block is the largest in the state and consistently supports taxes on businesses and private employers so government jobs with generous salaries and benefits can mushroom,” Senator Payne said. “These factors have created a death spiral in the ability of the tax paying private sector to pay for ever increasing government growth.”

Senator Payne said raising taxes is not the answer.

“It is vital we resist the predictable call to raise taxes on our private sector in these difficult times,” Senator Payne said. “The legislature must capitalize on the opportunity to reexamine the scope of services we should support, not further damage private sector recovery and job creation through punitive tax measures.”

Carlsbad Bat Brigade Visits Capitol

2010-02-02T13:40:00.001-08:00

State Senator Vernon Asbill, State Senator Carroll Leavell and State Representative William (Bill) Gray welcomed the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Bat Brigade to the State Capitol today. Members of the Bat Brigade made their annual pilgrimage to the capitol where they also visited the governor, and Cabinet Secretaries.

Ethics Bill on to Senate Floor

2010-02-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

On to Senate Floor- Previously Vetoed Whistle Blower Ethics Bill
Passed Senate Judiciary Unanimously Tonight

SB 96---Whistleblower Protection Act
Sponsored by Senator Sue Wilson-Beffort

Santa Fe—The New Mexico State Senate Judiciary Committee passed an ethics bill that had been previously vetoed by Governor Bill Richardson. SB 96- Whistleblower Protection Act now heads to the Senate Floor. According to its sponsor, Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, the governor vetoed a similar bill that would have protected public employees who uncover and reveal illegal activity. Since that time, the state continued to be rocked by scandals of alleged illegal activity. Senator Wilson Beffort said she hopes the public has had enough of the scandals and tells the governor not to veto her whistle blower ethics bill if it passes the legislature.

Senator Wilson Beffort said SB 96 is to protect public employees who report illegal and unethical conduct is critical for ethics reform. She said those who retaliate would face money damages, in addition to any criminal charges they would face based on the illegal conduct that was reported.