Democracy for New Mexico

Representative Antonio 'Moe' Maestas Comments on NM Redistricting Supreme Court Order to Lower Court

Back to the drawing board for the complex redistricting for the State of New Mexico House of Representatives new districting map, developed off of 2010 census info. The NM Supreme Court rejected the republican map which Governor Martinez brought forward. The more democratic map; the map passed by the legislators in the special session in September 2011 was vetoed by Martinez. Thereby sending the House of Rep mapping to Judge Halls Court. Where Judge Hall sided with the Republican redistricting map favored by Martinez. For a very good recap of the redistricting fight, up to the point of Hall's decision, see this post here from the conservative NM Watchdog website. If you can bear it read down to the comment posted at the end of the write up. There are good maps to reference within this post.

After Judge Halls decision Rep. Moe Maestas and Rep. Brian Egolf brought a suit to the Supreme Court of NM challenging Hall's ruling. Now if we fast forward to today: today we got the Supreme Court ruling which was 4 to 1 to not approve the Judge Hall's ruling and map. If you want to read the Supreme Court ruling issued today see this link Redistricting-Order.

Representative Moe Maestas had this to say about the Supreme Court ruling today: "It is a great day for all New Mexicans. We are very pleased that the Governor's proposed map received a thorough review by the highest court in the land and the remand to the District Court is totally appropriate.  Redistricting is about the beautiful communities of our state and should never be utilized for a partisan power grab. The new districts will now be drawn to reflect centuries-old communities of interests instead of being drawn by DC partisans."

Thank you Representative Moe Maestas and Rep. Brian Egolf and the others who did not stop fighting for the fair representation People of NM!

The next decision from Judge Hall who has to reconsider the map is scheduled for February 27, 2012.

NM Supreme Court Rejects Gov. Martinez Biased Maps

The following is a statement from Javier M. Gonzales, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, on the Supreme Court's decision to reject Governor Susana Martinez's partisan House district maps and send the case back to Judge Hall's court:

"We are pleased that today the Supreme Court of the State of New Mexico rejected Governor Susana Martinez's maps as too partisan and too biased. The ruling was a victory for the people of New Mexico and the principle of one person, one vote. It was a rejection of Governor Martinez's partisan maps that favored the interests of her political party over those of the people of this state.

From here, the fight to guarantee districts that uphold the principle of one person, one vote and protect communities of interest will continue, and we will see it through until every option has been exhausted."

EMILY's List Endorses Michelle Lujan Grisham for Congress

Today, EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced that it is moving Michelle Lujan Grisham, a candidate for Congress in New Mexico’s first congressional district, from “On the List” to a full recommendation.

“On the List” was created because of the dramatic growth in the EMILY’s List community – now over one million members strong—who are getting their information earlier, quicker, and on the web. “On the List” is a new way to connect candidates with supporters who are ready to take action now. Today, Michelle Lujan Grisham is moving from “On the List” to a full recommendation.

“Michelle is a strong and determined voice for New Mexico’s working women and families,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “A dedicated public servant, Michelle has made it her mission to help both struggling families and seniors get the health care and assistance they need; and she’s fighting to bring jobs to New Mexico during these tough economic times. Michelle’s leadership and tenacity are exactly what we need right now in Congress in order to make sure Washington starts working for women and families. Michelle is the best choice – not just to win in November, but to stand up to the right and get things done for New Mexico.”

Continue reading "EMILY's List Endorses Michelle Lujan Grisham for Congress"

Rep. Kintigh; Introduced Two Separate Legislative Items to Reinstate Death Penalty

Representative Dennis Kintigh (HD57) introduced two peices of legislation to Reinstate the Death Penalty; HB 237 Reinstate Death Penalty and HJR 6 Death Penalty for Certain Crimes, CA.

DFNM became aware of this legislation earlier this week. As we understand the legislation has like a snowballs chance in hell of going forward. However, it is troubling to even have the topic come back up for any discussion.

The Reinstate Death Penalty is scheduled to be heard in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee at 8:30 tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

 

Luján Votes to Reform Washington by Strengthening Rules Against Insider Trading

Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District voted today in support of legislation to strengthen rules against insider trading by Members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials, and judicial officers.

“This commonsense legislation makes it clear that Members of Congress and their staff must play by the same rules as everyone else,” Congressman Luján said.  “The American people need to know that their elected official will be looking out for the interests of our country and our communities, not their own bottom line.  Unfortunately, House Republican leaders took out bipartisan provisions that were added by the U.S. Senate to help prosecute criminal conduct by public officials.  I am hopeful that when the differences between the House and Senate versions are worked out, this important provision will make it in the final bill.”

Continue reading "Luján Votes to Reform Washington by Strengthening Rules Against Insider Trading"

Former Lt. Governor Diane Denish Endorses Michelle Lujan Grisham for Congress

This morning, former New Mexico Lt. Governor Diane Denish endorsed Michelle Lujan Grisham for the open congressional seat in New Mexico’s first district.

“Today, I am proud to endorse Michelle Lujan Grisham for Congress,” said Denish in a statement. “I know firsthand of her extensive commitment to the people of our state, especially those most vulnerable, our seniors and our children. Having watched Michelle take on powerful interests when they threaten to harm our families and seen her advocate for regular people on a daily basis, I have no doubt she will take that same dedication and tenacity to Congress.”

In her statement, Denish stressed the need for the next representative of the first district to do what is best for the taxpayers of central New Mexico. Saying, “We need a tough, fearless champion for the people in Congress. We need someone who will check her ego at the door and put others first. Michelle is that person. As a County Commissioner, she is taking on politics as usual and winning—bringing jobs, accountability, transparency and ethics reform to County Government while putting the brakes on political perks.”

Continue reading "Former Lt. Governor Diane Denish Endorses Michelle Lujan Grisham for Congress"

Heinrich Votes to Bring Accountability to Washington

U.S Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) today voted for legislation that holds Members of Congress, congressional staff, Executive Branch officials, and judicial officers subject to the same insider trading rules as everyone else. Rep. Heinrich is a cosponsor of the original Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act. A revised version of the STOCK Act passed the House today by a vote of 417-2.

“This is just one of many steps we must take in order to restore trust in government and bring accountability to Washington,” said Rep. Heinrich.

House Republican Leaders finally relented in bringing the STOCK Act to the floor for a vote, but not before meaningful provisions that promoted additional transparency and accountability were removed.

“It’s outrageous that in the dark of night Republican leaders stripped critical provisions from the bill that would police those who collect ‘political intelligence’ and help prosecute criminal wrongdoing by public officials,” said Rep. Heinrich. “I remain hopeful that these bipartisan provisions will be added back to the bill when it goes to the Conference Committee in order to provide additional transparency and accountability in Washington.”

Continue reading "Heinrich Votes to Bring Accountability to Washington"

Guest Blog: Some Politicians Talk About Supporting Equality: Marty gets it Done.

Below is a guest blog from Jim Maddox a Albuquerque realtor. The photo to the right is Marty Chavez meeting with small business people, Jim Maddox is the man on the far right in the picture. 

How many times have we supported a candidate throughout their campaign, only to see little or no results once they are elected? Before we put our money where our mouth is, we must know we are electing a Congressman who will deliver on the issue that matters most: equality for all. That's why I'm supporting Marty Chavez and contributing to his campaign and it's why Marty has been endorsed by leading LGBTQ fundraising organization equalitygiving.org!

Continue reading "Guest Blog: Some Politicians Talk About Supporting Equality: Marty gets it Done."

Sponsor Pulls DOMA Less than 24 Hours from Hearing and A Word from Ellen

In another victory for civil rights and all New Mexico families, Valencia County Representative David Chavez (R) withdrew HJR 22 from consideration today, ending his attempt to rewrite New Mexico's constitution to prevent the recognition of marriages between committed couples of the same sex.

Last week, ProgressNow New Mexico launched a campaign for New Mexicans to send Chavez's their own stories of loving and committed relationships which deserve protection.  Residents from across the state sent Chavez emails and late today, ProgressNow announced that it was preparing to deliver those stories in person to Chavez during tomorrow's House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee where the bill would be heard.

But late this afternoon, Committee Chairperson Gail Chasey announced that Chavez had withdrawn the bill from consideration.

"This has been a big week for equality across the country, and I'm glad to see New Mexico join the fray," said Pat Davis, ProgressNow NM's Executive Director. "We applaud those who stood up for marriage opportunity! Now, let's get back to legislation that put's Representative Chavez's constituents back to work."

New Mexico's defeat over DOMA comes in the same week that the US Court of Appeals in the 9th Circuit ruled California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 unconstitutional and on the same day that Washington State's legislature approved a measure to award full marriage equality to all couples.

Here is a great link of Ellen Degeneres talking about Prop 8, and her latest sponsor JCPenney and her traditional values. For sure worth watching! Best line " My haters are my Motivators"!

Voter ID Bills and NM

The latest from ClearlySK.

Let's not make it harder to vote. We should protect our right to cast a ballot by NOT passing Voter ID bills, y'all.

Become a "Citizen Sponsor" on NM's Memorial to Overturn Citizens United

From SWOP; SouthWest Organizing Project

Good people:

New Mexico's State Senate is considering a memorial opposing the U.S. Supreme Court's controversial Citizens United decision which now allows unlimited spending by corporations in elections.

The legislation passed the New Mexico State House on January 31, and if approved by the Senate, would place our state on record as the 2nd state in the nation to oppose the ruling (a constitutional amendment would eventually return to states for ratification).

Senators have the option of signing on as cosponsors of this legislation, and so should we. You can add your name to this list of Citizen Sponsors of Senate Memorial 3, opposing this attack on our nation's democracy.

That's why we created a petition to The New Mexico State Senate, which says " Sign me up as a CITIZEN SPONSOR of Senate Memorial 3, opposing the Citizens United ruling that granted corporations the same speech rights as people and the ability to spend without limits to influence elections."

Will you sign this petition? Click here.

Anti-Equality Action Alert: Rep. David Chavez's "super-DOMA" Bill to be Considered Thursday

Anti-equality legislation designed to inhibit the free exercise of civil rights will be considered Thursday in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. Rep. David Chavez is sponsoring a bill that seeks to re-write the New Mexico state constitution so as to exclude committed same-sex couples from enjoying marriage equality.

Last week we told you about Chavez's bill and began a letter writing campaign telling Rep. Chavez not to create second-class citizens in New Mexico. Scores of concerned citizens sent letters to Chavez voicing their opposition to his bill. (Add your voice to our letter writing campaign by clicking here.)

Chavez's HJR 22 is know as a "super-DOMA" bill, as it seeks to apply the federal provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies marriage rights to same-sex couples, to the New Mexico state constitution.

Continue reading "Anti-Equality Action Alert: Rep. David Chavez's "super-DOMA" Bill to be Considered Thursday"

NM HB2; Budget Bill for Year 2012 Passes Unanimously

While so many people are out of work this 2012 House Appropriations Bill passed very easily. This must mean much of the details were worked out in committee meetings. Here is a link to the entire appropriations bill. Or since it passed so easily maybe there is nothing in it for the people. No help for the people in these hard times. No additional funding for programs, for projects, for us. Hate to be negative but if there were things for the people within this 2012 budget, the R's would have thrown a fit, and the D's would have had to fight for the items for the people. 
ps. Editors note: I have not read the bill yet. I am speculating due to the lack of debate on the house floor over our NM budget for the year 2012. Rep. Ezzel questioned a couple of items that were 100k and 500k in value, she asked if they were wasteful or not needed. My beef is why are there not more items in the $5 billion dollar bill that would raise the ire of the R's? We need money in the budget for jobs across the state.

Below is the press release from the House of Reps.

The House of Representatives has passed a budget for the next spending year that begins July 2012. HB2 would provide $5.642 billion in state spending, an increase of $215 million (nearly 4 percent) over this year’s budget. The spending plan leaves $41.8 million to allow for flexibility in hammering out a final budget (such as tax reductions, pension solvency, infrastructure funding, or as a hedge against weak natural gas prices).

HB2 also puts a safe guard in place should revenue projections fall short. This provision allows the governor to make across-the-board spending cuts to adjust the budget. The automatic spending reductions would apply to most state agencies except Medicaid programs; the developmental disabilities support program; the law enforcement program of the department of public safety; the inmate management and control program of the Corrections Department and any agency that receives less than $5 million total in general fund appropriations under Section 4.

Continue reading "NM HB2; Budget Bill for Year 2012 Passes Unanimously"

ACTION ALERT: Call Today! New Homebuyers Tax Credit in Committee

ACTION ALERT: NEW HOMEBUYERS ENERGY SAVINGS TAX CREDIT IN HOUSE TAXATION AND REVENUE COMMITTEE TODAY

Today, House Bill 177 will be heard by House Taxation and Revenue. This top priority NMGCC bill provides a one-time refundable tax credit to new homebuyers.

The bill is designed to kick-start the construction sector by providing an incentive to consumers to buy newly constructed, energy efficient homes or renovate foreclosed homes.

This bill is revenue positive for the state of New Mexico.

If the public was to take full-advantage of this tax-credit it would create 4,500 jobs, induce $282 million in construction spending, and generate $43 million in new state and local government revenue.

This bill has bi-partisan support and has been endorsed by the Santa Fe, Central New Mexico, and New Mexico Homebuilders Associations, the New Mexico Green Building Council, and the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce.

This bill is critical to restarting our construction sector and our economy.  New Mexico finished last in the U.S. among all stages of construction employment last year, losing 6,000 construction jobs. Foreclosures last year totaled 8,797 with 950 in December alone.

HB 177 is scheduled in House Taxation and Revenue today. Please take a moment and call your legislator. Members of the House Tax and Revenue Committee include:

Edward Sandoval (Chair-Albuquerque)
Jim Trujillo (Vice-Chair-Santa Fe)
Don Bratton (Roswell)
Ernie Chavez (Albuquerque)
Anna Crook (Clovis)
George Dodge (Santa Rosa)
Thomas Garcia (Ocate)
Sandra Jeff (Crownpoint)
Tim Lewis (Rio Rancho)
Ben Lujan (Santa Fe)
Rudy Martinez (Silver City)
Dennis Roch (Texico)
James Strickler (Farmington) 
Thomas Taylor (Farmington)
Bob Wooley (Roswell)

You can be connected to your State Senator by calling the legislative switchboard at: (505) 986-4300.

Senator Tim Keller; "We Need A New Vision For New Mexico"

The following commentary was provided by Senator Tim Keller.(SD17)

In New Mexico, times have been tough. The Land of Enchantment has been gripped by economic uncertainty for over three years now. But, after almost half a decade living year-to-year (and sometimes month-to-month), New Mexico may be turning a corner and it’s time we got serious about a new, long-term vision for the Land of Enchantment.  We must stop rehashing the same old issues and put forth some bold new initiatives.

That’s why the Senate unveiled a comprehensive economic development and job creation program. The bills included in the Senate’s Helping Incentivize Real Employment (HIRE) Initiative offer solid strategies to getting New Mexico on the right track.  The time is right to rebuild our economic foundations, starting with a level playing field for every New Mexico business. The Senate Democrat’s proposal encourages every business, not just those in special industries, to hire New Mexican graduates, thereby making our education system stronger and our communities more viable. Additionally, new investments in a state entrepreneurial fund will give all startups with a good idea a chance to develop into solid New Mexico businesses and employers.

Continue reading "Senator Tim Keller; "We Need A New Vision For New Mexico""