Although an adviser to Lujan Grisham told lawmakers a few weeks back that Lujan Grisham might put such a proposal on her call for a special session, Michael Coleman, communications director for the governor, confirmed to New Mexico Political Report that she has ruled out doing so. Instead, she plans to focus more on the […]
■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg
Posted in■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg
Appeals court blocks New Mexico’s new 7-day waiting period for gun purchases
A 2024 state law requiring a 7-day waiting period for the purchase of firearms will not go into effect, at least for now. A federal appeals court on Tuesday agreed with challengers to the law, backed by the National Rifle Association, who sued to block one of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s cornerstone gun laws. “Cooling-off […]
Posted in■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg, Sandoval Signpost
Veterans workshop to offer benefit assistance, legislative Q&A in Rio Rancho
New Mexico veterans are invited to a special workshop on July 16, hosted by the Legislative District Offices of Sen.Craig Brandt, Rep. Catherine Cullen and Rep. Alan Martinez. The event, taking place from 3-5 p.m., is designed to provide valuable resources and information regarding veteran benefits. Representatives from the Department of Veterans Services will be […]
Posted in■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg
State legislators Block and Hernandez open new office in Rio Rancho, tout greater accessibility
Rio Rancho residents now have a new option for bringing their concerns to a pair of state legislators. Sen. Jay Block and Rep. Joshua Hernandez are the latest lawmakers to open in-district legislative offices. In 2023, the Legislature approved funding for in-district offices, which New Mexico hasn’t had since gaining statehood in 1912. At a […]
Posted in■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg, ■ Statewide News
Rep. Cullen champions crime reform and education bills
By Jesse Jones Fresh off her first 60-day session, Rio Rancho Republican Rep. Catherine Cullen is highlighting legislative wins focused on empowering communities, cracking down on crime and improving New Mexico schools. Cullen, a former Rio Rancho Public Schools board member and associate real estate broker, sponsored or co-sponsored 25 bills during the session, with […]
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Sen. Block reflects on key legislative victories, plans for future bills
By Jesse Jones Republican Sen. Jay Block of Rio Rancho, who represents Senate District 12, returned to familiar ground in April, giving Sandoval County commissioners a rundown of legislative wins and losses from the 60-day session. The freshman senator sponsored 37 bills during his first session, which included major wins like a $1 billion behavioral […]
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New Mexico Senator wins inaugural Kamala Harris Trailblazer Award
By Kevin Hendricks It was a night of firsts at Emerge America’s 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco on April 30, as former Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the national spotlight and New Mexico Senator Cindy Nava was honored as a “trailblazing alum” of the political organization. In her first public speech since leaving […]
Posted in■ Housing & Homelessness, ■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg
Lawmakers deliver legislative update as Corrales grapples with tax hikes, water fears
By Jesse Jones Soaring property tax valuations and shrinking water access have Corraleños on edge, turning the village into a vivid example of how state policies hit home. At an April 19 town hall, Rep. Kathleen Cates of Rio Rancho and Sen. Cindy Nava of Bernalillo met with Corrales residents to explain how recent legislation […]
Posted in■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg, ■ Statewide News
Rio Rancho mayor will join race for GOP nomination for governor
Kevin Hendricks The mayor of Rio Rancho will run for the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico next year. Gregg Hull, who is in the middle of his third term as mayor of New Mexico’s second most populous city, has been toying with the idea of running for months. Hull announced he will speak […]
Posted in■ New Mexico Legislature #nmleg, Opinion
Education in New Mexico: A crisis of low expectations
Submitted by Trey Smith, Executive Director of East Mountain High School When the most recent legislative session adjourned in Santa Fe, those of us in education who were following the action looked around in bewilderment. Sixty days of hearings and hundreds of bills debated and what were we left with? For schools looking for leadership […]