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.
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Friday, March 12, 2010
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.
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.
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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.
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GET MERIT-BASED PAY FOR TEACHERS, GET MILLIONS IN GRANT MONEY
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-
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-
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Senate Minority Whip Bill Payne
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.
Darkest Week In State Senate- NM Senator Kent Cravens
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.”
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Senator Sue Wilson Beffort- Stop Richardson's Abusive Hiring Practices
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Quotes from Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle and Senator Kent Cravens
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
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
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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Monday, March 1, 2010
Special Session- Tax Increasing Disaster, Scary
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. ###
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Senate Minority Leader- Special Session Guessing Game
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Senate Minority Leader Said Senate Did Its Job- House Leadership Did Not Act
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
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Senate Minority Leader Says Budget Doable Before Session Ends Thursday
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.”
Monday, February 15, 2010
Senator Bill Payne
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
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.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
NM State Senator Steven Neville
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
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.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sen. Payne Supports Tougher DWI, Not Bill that Misleads Public
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…”
Senate Minority Leader's Bill Passes Senate 32-8
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Senate Votes on Override of Governor's Veto
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
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.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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.
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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
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
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.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Senator Bill Payne
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.
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
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.
“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.
more-
“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.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Senator John Ryan
“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.
-more-
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.
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.
-more-
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
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.
-more-
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
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.
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
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.
###
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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
An update on the Domestic Partnership Bill from State Senator Bill Sharer.
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.”
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.”
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