The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved legislation that would deliver more than $12.5 million in federal funding to New Mexico, including $7.73 million in direct project funding secured by Sen. Martin Heinrich. The Democratic senator announced the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill following bipartisan committee […]
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Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Rio Rancho
Hundreds of Rio Rancho students hit by federal funding delay
Rio Rancho Public Schools leaders are seeking ways to absorb the loss of about $780,000 in federal aid due to a pause in payments. RRPS Spokesperson Wyndham Kemsley said the amount is less than what’s being withheld from other districts around the state, but the loss of any federal funding is cause for concern. Kemsley […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
N.M. State Land Office sets new records with first oil and gas lease auction at 25% royalty rate
The New Mexico State Land Office has announced a historic achievement, auctioning oil and gas leases at a new 25% royalty rate for the first time, a change championed by Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard. The new state law, which took effect on June 20, allows the State Land Office to offer its […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Luján secures $6.9 Million in federal funding for New Mexico communities
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has passed legislation that would deliver over $6.9 million in federal investments to New Mexico communities, marking a significant win for the state’s rural development and public safety initiatives. The funding, secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Sen. Luján calls for quick RECA implementation as healthcare cuts threaten New Mexico victims
As the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test approaches this week, New Mexico radiation exposure victims are closer than ever to receiving federal compensation, but face new threats to their healthcare access from proposed Medicaid cuts. Senator Ben Ray Luján called for federal agencies to quickly establish guidelines for the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
Sen. Pope enters 2026 race for lieutenant governor
By Connor Currier New Mexico Senator Harold Pope has officially entered the race to become the state’s next lieutenant governor. His candidacy comes after current lieutenant governor Howie Morales’ announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Morales, who has served in the role since 2019, spent the past seven years working alongside Governor […]
Posted inNM State Gov.
Peeing gets partisan: Republicans challenge new Roundhouse restroom policy
The legislature’s Facilities Review Subcommittee voted last week to convert a shower into a gender-neutral restroom and build a dedicated lactation room on the fourth floor of the New Mexico State Capitol. The project will also include an adult changing table for people with disabilities. But Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) said in a […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Sen. Luján warns against public broadcasting cuts amidst deadly flooding
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, delivered a Senate floor speech Wednesday, criticizing the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate $1.1 billion in federal funding for public radio and television stations across the nation. The senator’s address comes as New Mexico and Texas grapple with deadly […]
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Haaland to visit Moriarty as part of rural affordability tour
New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland will visit Moriarty on August 9 as part of her “Lift Up New Mexico Tour,” bringing her campaign to a community where nearly 40% of residents live below the federal poverty line. The Moriarty stop is one of 16 rural communities Haaland plans to visit through August as she […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico
Federal emergency declaration approved for Ruidoso flood recovery, but full aid still pending
New Mexico has received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration following devastating flash floods in Ruidoso that killed three people and damaged dozens of homes, but the state is still awaiting approval for the bulk of disaster assistance residents desperately need. The emergency declaration approved provides immediate federal personnel for life-saving activities like urban […]