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

Senator Ingle Tells Governor Raising Taxes Not Good Option

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

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

Senate Minority Leader- Special Session Guessing Game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senate Minority Leader Says Budget Doable Before Session Ends Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Bill Payne

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.

###

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.
-more-
“Finding a job is one of the biggest barriers for people with criminal convictions,” Senator Harden said. “People with felony convictions are twice as likely to be denied employment as those with no felony record. The question on job applications often intimidates and discourages previously incarcerated persons from applying for jobs, even if they are qualified for the position.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letter to the Speaker Ben Lujan Attached.







February 10, 2010



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

Dear Speaker Lujan:

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,



Senator Steven Neville
415 State Capitol
Santa Fe, NM 87501

cc: House membership
Senate membership
Media

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

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.

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.

Senator Steven Neville on veto override attempt Tuesday

Senator Steven Neville on veto override attempt Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boy Scouts of America Celebrates 100 Years

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

###

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.”

State Senator Dianna J. Duran

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

Senator John Ryan

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Cut Political Hires To Reduce Budget

Committees Committee to consider Bill Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Sue Wilson Beffort Sponsors Ethics Commission

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

If a criminal violation is found, the commission must refer it to the attorney general or appropriate district attorney.
-more-

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

Under the bill:

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

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

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

· Transfers Authority from Secretary of State to Standard Commission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senate Unanimously Passes Missing Persons Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bill now goes on to the House.

Cut Political Hires To Reduce Budget

Committees Committee to consider Bill Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Mark Boitano Supports New Family Coalition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senators Adair and Ryan to Appear on TV this Week


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Passes out of Senate Judiciary tonight
Missing Persons Bill


SB 55- Missing Persons Act- Senator Sander Rue

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

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

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

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

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

Support for Spending Cuts

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

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

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

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

Senator Payne said raising taxes is not the answer.

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

Carlsbad Bat Brigade Visits Capitol

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

Ethics Bill on to Senate Floor

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

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

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

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

Domestic Partnership to Lead to Same Sex Marriage

Sponsor of bill to Define Marriage Between One Man and One Woman Does not want it Redefined as Same Sex in Domestic Partnership Bill

Senate Joint Resolution 1- PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 20- OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO DEFINE A RECOGNIZED, VALID MARRIAGE AS BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN- Senator Bill Sharer- 505-486-5272

Vs.

SB 183- Domestic Partnership bill

Santa Fe-State Senator Bill Sharer who is sponsoring a bill to preserve marriage as between a man and a women said the Domestic Partnership bill that will have a hearing Tuesday afternoon in the Senate Chambers will ultimately refine marriage and sets the state up for a court challenge. “Once you have this in law, the court challenges would be filed and I believe the courts would not have a choice and would define domestic partnerships as marriage.”

The Senate Judiciary and Senate Public Affairs Committees will hold a joint session on Tuesday afternoon to debate SB 183- Domestic Partnerships.


Senator Sharer’s Senate Joint Resolution 1 still has not had a hearing.

It was the first Resolution to be pre-filed in the State Senate and it defines a recognized, valid marriage as between one man and one woman. Senator Sharer said it will guarantee a continuation of society; government also has a compelling interest to ensure that children will be raised in stable households and not in poverty. Plus, it is what nature has designed, government recognizes it because society benefits from it.

Sponsor Senator Bill Sharer said society has a compelling interest in marriage between one man and one woman to procreate children to become the next generation in society so it will survive.

New Mexico Senators Win!

Senate Wins! Senate Wins!
Upset for Senators
Link to six minute video (entire highlights could not run on Youtube. Too long.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0z0PKXqOtA



Santa Fe- It is a headline that has not been seen for the past nine years. “Senate Wins! Senate Wins!”

In this year’s annual New Mexico State Legislature basketball match up between the Senate and House, the State Senators won by one point.
43 to 42. With that win Friday night at the St. Michael’s High School gym, the Senate broke a 9-game losing streak that had begun in 2001.

State Senator Rod Adair, who has played in 14 straight Legislative Basketball games said, “We were always quite a bit older than the House, and the gap kept growing. Then we suddenly get 30-and 40-somethings like Senators Howie Morales, John Sapien, Tim Keller and John Ryan- who made about 14 straight free throws- and suddenly we’re competitive again.”

The Senators were coach by UNM Head Football Coach Mike Locksely. He, too was congratulated for the upset. Senator Adair noted that Senator Michael Sanchez deserved a lot of credit for the win. “He was making key decisions on what we were supposed to be doing on defense and offense- and sometimes we even were able to do it,” Senator Adair said.

The game called Hoops 4 Hope was a fund-raiser for the University of New Mexico Cancer Center. ###