Shaping the Future
President Barack Obama delivered his eighth and final State of the Union address to Congress last night and said Americans “should not fear the future, but shape it.” If you missed speech, you can read the transcript
. The state’s federal delegates were
to the president’s speech. US Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, says he thinks Obama articulated the “
Campaign Finance Reform
It’s an election year, and the president says he’s still optimistic he and Congress can get some things done working together. But when it comes to
, the state’s two US Senators want the president to take executive action now on anonymous campaign donations from federal contractors.
Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, the sponsor of a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, wants contractors who receive taxpayer money to “be honest with the public about their political spending.”
Gov. Susana Martinez will deliver her State of the State speech next Tuesday. Ahead of the 2016 Legislature, SFR’s
has posted a long preview piece on the upcoming 2016 Legislature and asks whether campaign finance and ethics reform is even possible during the 30-day session and if what happens inside the Roundhouse will impact incumbents’ re-election campaigns this fall.
“Usually when there is scandal of this magnitude, then there is a great deal of anger, and that can lead to an anti-incumbent fever that really does have an effect at the ballot box,” Dede Feldman, a former Democratic state senator, tells SFR. “Of course, the deck is always stacked in favor of the incumbents, but the countervailing pressure is the mood of the public, and if the public believes that there are certain politicians who aren’t exactly helping matters, then there will be a move to ‘throw the bums out.’”
After the “pizza party,” state Democrats propose
So the great monsoons and early snows helped make 2015 the
recorded history.
A teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Santa Fe is on paid administrative leave while district officials investigate claims the instructor taped students’ mouths shut sometime last month.
Blue on Blue
Graphic new details are emerging in the lawsuit filed by Albuquerque Police Detective Jacob Grant against Lt. Greg Brachle, who shot Grant during an undercover drug operation about a year ago. Grant, who is still recovering from his wounds, claims Brachle should not be given immunity in the case.
Lobos Lose
It wasn’t a good night for the UNM Lobo men’s basketball team. They lost their first Mountain West Conference game this season, and UNLV’s Runnin’ Rebels picked up their first conference win at home, 86-74.
Big Prize
It’s not the huge $1.5 billion Powerball lottery prize everyone is hoping to win tonight, but Jose Sarabia has claimed a $2 million prize from last Saturday’s drawing. The rush to riches is creating at least a short-term windfall for the state’s lottery scholarship fund.
Investing in New Mexico
Of course, if you don’t win the big jackpot but still want to launch a business, you might be able to apply for some capital equity from the State Investment Council. Its board has approved $20 million for startups here.
Revolutions Begin
If you enjoy the state’s vibrant performing arts scene, then you’re going to love Tricklock’s annual Revolutions International Theatre Festival. It kicks off in Albuquerque tonight. Megan Kamerick has a preview and a sampling of what’s headed to the stage.
Santa Fe Reporter