Democracy for New Mexico

SJR 9: Early Childhood Education and the Permanent Fund, Passes Rules Committee

On Friday, January 27, the Rules Committee had a hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 9 (SJR 9) introduced by Senator Michael Sanchez.

SJR9 is a proposing and amendment to the NM constitution to temporarily increase the distribution from the Land Grant permanent funds, to require a portion of the increased distribution from the permanent school fund to be used for early childhood education programs. Triggers are built in so if the value of the perm fund drops to less than 8 bill dollars the program would suspend.

This resolution would allow the idea of accessing the states Land Grant permanent funds for Early Childhood Eductaion to go out to the citizens and voters in New Mexico for a yes or no vote in the next general election.

 Some of the Legislatures stated their constituients have asked the where the funds would go? Stressing "We do not want any unneeded travel expenditures to be used with these funds." The following video explains how these funds would be used. 

Ole NM the creators of the video above state: "After watching, you'll see why we all need to fight for this legislation.  Email us at parents@olenm.org to let us know if you can join us Thursday (2/02) for our Early Education Lobby Day in Santa Fe.  Buses and carpools will be leaving from all over the state Thursday morning.  Hop on board.  It's time to win this.

The SJR 9 passed the Rules committee with a 4 to 3 vote along party lines.  On to the next committee, stay tuned!

Commissioner Michelle Lujan Grisham- Paseo Del Norte I-25 Interchange

By Michelle Lujan Grisham, Bernalillo County Commissioner

Last year alone there were over 400 accidents in the Paseo del Norte interchange area.  Since 1995, it has been a priority in this community to rebuild this interchange and bring the needed upgrades to promote public safety and reduce congestion,  accidents,  air pollution and, last, but not least, driver frustration.

Thanks to cooperation from city, county and state governments, this important project may become reality at last.

In these times of tight budgets and political bickering at every level of government, people become justifiably skeptical of their public officials’ ability to get anything done.  However, I believe that our progress on the Paseo project demonstrates that those of us in public service can accomplish great things when we set aside our differences and work together on what matters to the community.

The rebuilding of Paseo has long presented financial challenges as the cost of Phase I of rebuilding the Paseo Interchange is estimated at $93 million.  However, just this week, we have seen the County, the City and State each find a way to help solve this problem and pledge significant funds to this effort.

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Eric Griego to Sponsor Comprehensive Package of Campaign Finance and Ethics Reform Bills in the Current Legislative Session

DFNM is inserting an update here regarding the passage of the SJM 24 (“Oppose Citizens United Ruling”) passed the Senate Rules Committee unanimously on Friday morning. It is being scheduled to be heard on Monday by the Judiciary Committee.  Since it requires both chambers to pass jointly, it’s a heavier lift than unicameral memorials, but it’s the version with the strongest language adopted from Bernie Sanders’ bill.

On January 19th, the Griego for Congress Campaign released the following statement.

Eric Griego for Congress (NM-1) announced that State Senator Eric Griego will sponsor a comprehensive package of campaign finance and ethics reform bills in the current New Mexico legislative session.

The Griego Reform Package includes:

• Public financing for all state public offices
• An independent ethics commission to oversee state elected officials
• A ban on state contractors contributing to campaigns
• A bi-cameral Joint Memorial supporting a U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (VT)’s proposed federal constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United (SJM 24)

“I’m proud of continuing to lead the fight in New Mexico to make the government become more responsive to the people, not just big corporate interests and the wealthiest 1%,” Griego said.  “If we truly want a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, then we need to put a stop to the unlimited corporate money influencing our democracy and hold our elected officials more accountable to the people we are elected to represent.”

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Marty Chavez Releases “Vision for A World Class Economy In New Mexico”

On Friday former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez released his plan to stimulate job growth in New Mexico's clean energy economy.

The plan, titled “A Vision for A World Class Economy in New Mexico,” is a framework for creating jobs and strengthening the foundation of New Mexico's clean energy future based on encouraging innovation in new technologies and investing in public education and job training.

“New Mexico's future lies in leading the nation towards a 21st century clean energy economy. To reach these goals, we must focus on large-scale ingenuity and innovation,” said Chavez. “As your Representative, I will forge a strong bond between our Congressional delegation, state and local leaders, the national labs, educational systems, as well as business and labor interests to craft legislation that utilizes our natural and high-tech resources to promote sustainable, long term job creation in New Mexico’s clean energy economy.”

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FREE Speech for The People

ClearlySK has this to say about Citizens United and FREE Speech for The People:

 

Citizens for Global Solutions PAC Endorses Eric Griego for Congress in NM-1

On January 25, NM-1 Democratic congressional candidate Eric Griego announced his endorsement by Citizens for Global Solutions PAC (www.globalsolutions.org).

Citizens for Global Solutions is a national non-profit organization with membership in New Mexico that educates the public and advocates for effective democratic global institutions to solve the world’s pressing challenges.  Its PAC works to build political will in the U.S. by helping to elect members of Congress who share the organization’s vision.

“Citizens for Global Solutions PAC is proud to endorse Eric Griego for Congress because of his commitment to promoting international peace and protecting human rights and freedoms around the globe,” said Earl James, a New Mexico member and former national chairman of Citizens for Global Solutions.  “We need more leaders like Eric Griego in Washington to support institutions that work to solve critical issues facing our globe.”

“Solving global climate change, curbing nuclear proliferation, reducing military conflicts, and protecting human rights in the increasingly interconnected 21^st century requires strong U.S. leadership more than ever,” said Eric Griego.  “Solving these challenges affecting our security and prosperity will often require effective utilization of ‘soft power’ more than ‘hard power’.  That’s why I am committed to supporting effective institutions working to influence positive outcomes for peace and justice around the globe.”

Albuquerque Police Officers Association Endorses Marty Chavez for Congress

On January 25, the Albuquerque Police Officers Association (APOA) endorsed former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez in his bid to represent New Mexico's First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Marty brings strong, results-based leadership to the race and a common sense approach toward making decisions that will be fair, competent and based on the principles of what is right,” said Felipe Garcia, Vice President of the APOA and APOA PAC Chairman. “His ability to understand the needs of public safety at the local level makes us believe that Marty is the best candidate to expand support for law enforcement at the national level.”

“As Mayor, I made supporting our public employees and public safety officers a particular priority. From the three percent pay raise that was on the table when I left office to putting more officers on the street, and from increased funding and training for officers to programs dedicated to helping at-risk youth, I have always worked side-by-side with Albuquerque's public service employees. It's an honor to have earned this endorsement,” said Chavez.

Garcia added, “Our endorsement is based on Marty's continued support for law enforcement and public safety as a whole. New Mexico and the APOA need leadership and guidance that we can be proud of. For that reason we feel Marty represents what is best for our country, community and the members we proudly serve. We believe he will continue to be a friend to law enforcement in our effort to make our community a safe and enjoyable place in which to live.”

The APOA represents nearly 1,000 Albuquerque Police Officers from the Albuquerque Police Department and Aviation Police in collective bargaining and grievance procedures. The APOA is the largest police association in the State of New Mexico.

Statement From Senator Lovejoy Regarding Republican Hurtful Words Said at Water Rights Hearing

Senator Lynda M. Lovejoy (D) (Navajo) from Crownpoint, New Mexico released the following statement.

I am saddened by the comments attributed to State Representative Candy Ezzell (R-Roswell) and Representative Don Bratton (R-Hobbs) regarding Native Americans in this state. Our people have suffered centuries of displacement, isolation, cultural denial and disenfranchisement remedied only through treaty and contract that some seem to deny now.

It disappoints me that in this day and age in a state like New Mexico where we have such diverse groups that some are still uneducated about each other’s cultures. We marked Anti-Racism Day in New Mexico only yesterday, yet comments like those by Representatives Ezzell and Bratton show we still have a long way to go in understanding and respecting each other.

Native American elders paid a heavy price for the consideration and benefits provided by the Federal Government. These are treaty and contract agreements that have been re-affirmed repeatedly by Congress and the courts. Claiming that Native Peoples have no claim to water infrastructure on their own mother lands is a denial of the rights and obligations we have earned and fought for.

Arrangements for supplying water are a small consideration, not an addiction, guaranteed by the Federal Government to Native Americans for our historic displacement and treatment. We need to put a stop to words that keep dividing us.

Driver's License Law Needs to Be Strengthened

Rep. Miguel Garcia (D-Bernalillo, District 14), chair of the House Labor and Human Resources Committee, releases the following statement on HB 103 the drivers licenses for foreign nationals law.

"This issue has drawn national attention and it has made one thing very clear: the current law must be strengthened to include provisions that clearly address the flaws. Repealing the law and forcing a fraction of the driving population to go without proper licensing, registration or insurance puts New Mexican families at risk. That is why today we amended the bill to directly address the challenges that we face.”   The amended bill will:

• Strengthen residency requirements
•  Require license renewal every two years
• Require all foreign nationals to reapply within two years under these stricter requirements or face mandatory and immediate cancellation of licenses
• Raise the penalties significantly for anyone involved in fraud

There are more than 90,000 foreign nationals with licenses.  Simply repealing the law would not advance public safety and would not eliminate instances of fraud.  We need to prevent those who are actually committing fraud while making sure that everyone driving is licensed, registered and insured."

CITIZENS UNITED: New Mexico Lashes Back

A Memorial HM4 requesting Congress to make an amendment to the United States Constitution came before the New Mexico House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee this afternoon.  Such requests for amendments to the Constitution have been made in this manner before. Remember giving women the right to vote?

72% of the U.S. population is resolute in their desire to overturn the infamous Citizen’s United Ruling. This has led legislatures throughout the country to request the Federal government to endorse a Constitutional Amendment to halt unlimited corporate funds in elections and declare that corporations are not individuals. So what’s the big problem with passing this Memorial in the New Mexico House?Sadly in our state , listening to the people is not a matter of principle for our legislature. This issue is likely to be resolved along party lines alone, or so Rep. Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo) told us today.

The video below Rep. Stewart explains the massive amount of monies now buying our elections:

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Rep. Ray Begaye Presents HJM 2; Study Third Grade Retention Issues

The House Education Committee conducted a hearing on Representative Ray Begaye’s; House Joint Memorial (HJM) 2which was a proposal requesting a comprehensive study for the contentious Third Grade retention proposal being brought forward by Governor Martinez. To see more what this HJM was about, the Legislative Education Study Committee analysis is attached here.

Unfortunately, HJM 2  did not pass. Regrettably another chance to see what this third grade retention program will have as an impact on New Mexico's diverse learning population is dead.

We will continue following Rep. Rick Miera's bill HB53 which encompasses some of the matters brought forward  in Begaye's House Joint Memorial. There are several pieces of legislation trying to circumvent the stigma of failing a third grade student, or rather helping a student. Rep. Rick Miera has proposed HB53; Limit School Retentions Through Remediation.  And on the senate side Senator Linda Lopez is carrying SB50; Limit School Retentions Through Remediation.

Begaye's Joint Memorial states the following: “New Mexico is a culturally diverse state that includes sizable populations of Hispanics and Native Americans and smaller populations of other minorities for whom English may not be the only language spoken in the household and for whom oral language may be a stronger tradition than written language.”

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Indians Are On Cocaine: A Republican Perspective

The following is from Guest Blogger; Peter Moulson.

Those eager beavers who attended the hearing on Indian water rights in the House Energy and Agriculture committees may have taken aback by two voices pushing hard against the validity of Indian water rights. Apparently the Cocaine habit that Indians have from their dealer, the Feds, means they have too much of “our” water--so let’s get the water back from the Indians.

Rep. Ezzell (R-Roswell) said that the federal government’s fiduciary duty to honor its treaty obligations to Native Americans is “like a cocaine habit that we Americans just keep paying for no matter what.”  What? Break Federal law to steal water rights for unspecified others?  We asked Rep. Ezzell if she would repeat her comments for us:

Of course anti-Indian language has been used for many, many years. It’s all about the fact that we want whatever land and money that is not yet “ours”. The intriguing linguistic connection here is that the Feds are at fault for feeding cocaine to the Navajo Nation (in this case), and if we white folks don’t take their water (just to make things equitable) the world will be out of balance. The new balance will be provided by our Republican lawmakers if we give them the chance. Here is Rep. Bratton (R-Hobbs):

Of course they were both trying to make a bigger point, which was that the Navajo should not get any special benefit from federal water infrastructure investment in NW New Mexico because they didn’t pay for it, “we did.”

Republican Rep. David Chavez Introduces DOMA Bill and to Amend Constitution

Here we go again. More hatefilled bills being introduced at this 2012 Leg. Session. I do not see how it is germane for this session, since all bills introduced should be tied towards financial matters. Let's see if the Governor allows it. The bills name is HJR 22 you can read it here.

Equality New Mexico has launched a petition for Rep. Chavez to withdraw his DOMA Amendment. Please sign petition here.

Several states have passed marriage equality, we are going the wrong way here people. Please help us defeat this bill.

Youth Spend Day in Court Fighting for Climate Change Protection

From Wild Earth Guardians:  Government’s failure to act is endangering the well-being of future generations

Today, New Mexico youth and WildEarth Guardians will go to New Mexico First Judicial District Court to defend their right to a healthy earth and sustainable future. They hope that Judge Sarah Singleton will rule in their favor in what experts have called one of the most remarkable legal actions that has the potential to halt human-induced climate change.

On May 4, 2011, seven young plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Governor Martinez and the State of New Mexico, No. D-101-CV-2011-1514, to compel the State to prevent further increases in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and to compel government action in reducing CO₂ emissions. Though 16-year-old plaintiff Akilah is young, she has been fighting to protect the environment for many years through environmental service projects along the Rio Grande and educating the youth of the State about the imminence of the climate change crisis through her leadership role in Kids vs. Global Warming.  WildEarth Guardians works to replace fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy in order to safeguard public health, the environment, and the Earth’s climate for future generations.

Akilah’s and WildEarth Guardians’ drive in entering the lawsuit also comes from the alarming research of our nation’s top scientists. According to leading climate scientist Dr. James Hansen, “the science is crystal clear—we must rapidly reduce fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions if we are to have a chance of protecting Earth’s natural systems for these young people.”

The New Mexico lawsuit is part of a larger, innovative climate litigation strategy—the international iMatter Trust Campaign. As part of this campaign, youth plaintiffs launched legal actions in 49 states and the District of Columbia, in addition to a federal lawsuit.

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01/28: DemocracyforNewMexico Randomly Picked to Present at ABQ Sprout Dinner

DemocracyforNewMexico submitted for the ABQ Sprout micro-grant and was randomly chosen to be one of ten local community projects which will present to the first ABQ Sprout Dinner, competing for a micro-grant.

You can watch the random picking of the ten contestants here.

ABQ sprout is a recurring public dinner funding micro-grants for local creative projects that contribute to the Albuquerque community.

How it works:

• We randomly choose 10 grant proposals from the project submissions.
• These 10 ideas are presented at a community dinner.
• Volunteers prepare dinner.
• Proposals are presented in 5 minute sprouts.
• Everyone receives a ballot and votes on what they believe best fits Albuquerque’s needs.
• Sliding scale fees ($15-30) for dinner provide an immediate micro-grant to the winner.

The Inaugural ABQ Sprout Dinner will be held this Saturday, the 28th, at the South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center on 2008 Larrazolo Rd SW in Albuquerque from 6 to 9pm.

Tickets appear to be going fast. Sign up now. DemocracyforNewMexico could sure use your support, and supporting this Sprout project with our grassroots base seems to be the perfect natural organic fit.