Posted inPolitics & Elections

The secret is out: Toulouse Oliver launches bid for lieutenant governor 

It’s been one of the worst-kept secrets in Santa Fe, and on Thursday, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver confirmed the speculation about her ambition by declaring herself a candidate for lieutenant governor.  Toulouse Oliver, who spent nearly a decade as the state’s chief elections official, kicked off her entry into the race […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov

State warns food banks to prep for 400,000 in need; Feds warn SNAP will “not be issued to New Mexico families” next week

More than 400,000 New Mexicans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could see a halt to their food assistance next month due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to a top state health official.    Healthcare Authority Secretary Kari Armijo told lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee at their Oct. 15 meeting that […]

Posted inNM State Gov.

New Mexico boosts school security with $35 million investment

Millions of dollars in one-time spending authorized by state lawmakers earlier this year are set to be dispersed to school districts across New Mexico, including funding meant to strengthen school security.   Earlier this year, New Mexico lawmakers passed House Bill 450, which included $50 million for school security improvements, career technical education facilities, and repairs […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov

Heinrich touts proposal to protect govt workers during shutdown, Vasquez backs one-year extension of health insurance tax credits

The federal shutdown is entering a third week and there is little prospect for a solution anytime soon. But New Mexico legislators in Washington are using their privileges to introduce legislation by pushing for a path to compromise and help for federal workers stuck without a paycheck until a compromise is reached. Sen. Martin Heinrich […]

Posted inPolitics & Elections

Herrell backs Cunningham for GOP nomination in key congressional race

Former Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM-02) has officially endorsed Greg Cunningham to be the Republican nominee in the race for the congressional district she previously represented.  Cunningham, who earlier this month launched his bid for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), went public with Herrell’s support Monday with a statement from his […]

Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy

Holtec abandons plans for New Mexico nuclear waste storage facility opposed by gov, legislators

Holtec Industries has pulled out of an eight-year-old land use agreement with local stakeholders in Southeast New Mexico for the construction and operation of an underground temporary nuclear waste storage facility.  Patrick O’Brien, a spokesperson for Holtec, confirmed in an email to New Mexico Political Report on Thursday that the decision for Holtec and the Eddy […]

Posted inNM Legislature

NM’s vaccine shake-up: Governor acts to set independent immunization standards amid CDC turmoil

A bill that temporarily allows New Mexico to formulate its own immunization policy was signed Wednesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.  Senate Bill 3, which passed on a party-line vote during last week’s special session but had not yet been acted upon by Lujan Grisham, requires that immunization policy for children and the state purchase […]