The $30 million that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pledged to offset losses in federal SNAP funding will go out as promised, even though two court rulings issued Friday direct the Trump administration to tap a contingency fund to pay out some of those benefits. “Because I have zero confidence in the Trump administration to release […]
New Mexico Statewide News
Posted inNM State Gov.
State GOP legislators disapprove of Gov’s SNAP fix and unusual use of emergency powers to fund it
A day after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state would use $30 million of its own funds to cover SNAP benefits for 459,500 New Mexicans, State legislative Republicans are questioning the decision and the unusual way the governor made the funds available. New Mexico Legislative Republicans contacted today by New Mexico Political Report […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov.
Heinrich, Lujan have beef with Trump over beef
New Mexico Democratic Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan are among the senators who have signed a letter urging the Trump administration to back away from its plan to increase beef imports from Argentina. Heinrich stated in a press release on Tuesday that he, Lujan and 14 other Democratic senators sent a letter to […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
NM open government group sues Department of Public Safety for public records delays, denials
By Patrick Lohmann, Source NM — The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government announced Tuesday it is suing the state Department of Public Safety for what it calls a “pattern and practice” of delaying or denying news organizations’ access to public records. This story is republished from Source NM, a part of States Newsroom, the […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, New Mexico, New Mexico, New Mexico Statewide News
State moving to expedite food bank aid amid SNAP benefit suspension, governor says
New Mexico is preparing to quickly distribute millions of dollars to food banks, as federal monthly food assistance benefits are expected to cease in November if the government shutdown continues. Gov. Michelle Lujan Griusham said in a press release on Saturday that her administration is considering every legal and administrative option to address the situation […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov
Heinrich, Luján push back against claims that USDA can’t access funds for SNAP due next month
By Alex Ross — New Mexico Democratic Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday disputed claims made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they lack the funds to cover the cost of next month’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Heinrich and Lujan were among 45 Democratic Senators who signed […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Zamora edges out Leger Fernandez in latest fundraising period; Other Congressional candidates, incumbents report big numbers
By Alex Ross — Three months after filing the paperwork to run for Congress, new campaign finance reports show that State Rep. Martin Zamora (R-Clovis) edged out Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03) in campaign contributions in the recent fundraising quarter. Reports filed this week with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) show that between July 1 and […]
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 inNM Legislature
Freshman state senator steps down citing health concerns
State Sen. Nicholas Paul (R-Alamogordo) has resigned from the Legislature, less than a year after the businessman was elected to the New Mexico Senate. “After much prayer and reflection, my family and I have decided that due to current and ongoing health concerns, it is necessary for me to prioritize my health,” Paul said in […]
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 […]