A New Mexico state representative didn’t mince words when a state legislative committee overseeing courts and justice policy opened the floor for remarks on Wednesday. During the two-day meeting of the legislature’s Court, Corrections and Justice Committee State Representative Eleanor Chávez, a Democrat from Bernalillo County’s South Valley, recalled stories the committee had been told […]
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Posted inHealthcare
Report: New Mexico Medicaid more expensive, with diminished quality
Access to healthcare services in New Mexico has, in many cases, not improved, and the burdens on the state’s Medicaid have increased in recent years, according to a new report. Staff from the Legislative Finance Committee discussed the findings from the 2025 Medicaid Accountability Report with state lawmakers on Tuesday during an interim committee meeting […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
After governor’s veto, Albuquerque gets $21.8 million in homeless funding with strings attached
Albuquerque will add 183 homeless shelter beds and 204 senior apartments after the City Council approved $21.8 million in state funding last week, with some unusual oversight requirements. The funding, deferred from the Sept. 3 meeting for a required second public hearing, comes with weekly progress reports and detailed operational plans that Councilor Dan Lewis […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County backs state action to counter federal tax bill impact
Bernalillo County commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday urging state lawmakers and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to protect residents from anticipated federal spending cuts during a special legislative session beginning Oct. 1. The resolution addresses concerns about the federal H.R. 1 bill, which county officials say will reduce funding for healthcare, nutrition programs and emergency services […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
Albuquerque mayoral candidate charged for inappropriate touching of former campaign staffer
An Albuquerque police officer investigating an incident between mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez and his former staffer found probable cause to charge him with battery, according to court documents filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court and obtained by City Desk ABQ. The criminal complaint, filed in July, alleges that Daniel Chavez inappropriately touched a person without […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County to offer free overdose response training Wednesday
Bernalillo County will host a free overdose recognition and response training this week as part of ongoing efforts to address the community’s drug overdose crisis. The Behavioral Health Education and Awareness Council will conduct the training Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the CARE Campus, 5901 Zuni Rd. SE. The session […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Sobriety required: Albuquerque tests housing program for residents leaving rehab
Albuquerque is trying something new in its fight against homelessness. On Sept. 15, the Albuquerque City Council voted unanimously to launch the city’s first housing voucher program that requires people to stay sober. Resolution R-25-179 establishes a one-year pilot program, called the Continuing Sobriety Housing Voucher Program. It will cover rent for 25 people leaving […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
Española police chief addresses unease over National Guard deployment
New Mexico National Guard troops could soon be deployed to Española and Rio Arriba County to address a surge in crime and public safety concerns. Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia told members of the Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee of the New Mexico Legislature that his department and the New Mexico National Guard have been […]
Posted inBernalillo County
Bernalillo County Commissioners to address legislative priorities, National Recovery Month
Bernalillo County commissioners will convene Tuesday night to establish policy priorities for the upcoming New Mexico Legislature special session and recognize National Recovery Month during their administrative meeting. The Board of County Commissioners, led by Chair Eric Olivas, will meet at 5 p.m. in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers to consider an administrative resolution outlining […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Dispute heats up over publication of Inspector General fraud reports
The head of Albuquerque’s oversight committee is pushing back against accusations that it violated city law by delaying Inspector General reports. Victor Griego, who chairs the Accountability in Government Oversight Committee (AGOC), said the group acted within its authority to make sure the reports were solid. In a Sept. 17 response to District 5 Councilor […]