Legislative Spotlight
Before the 2016 Legislature convenes at noon in Santa Fe today, top
for the next 30 days, but don’t expect anything except gridlock on some contentious issues.
will be the top priority at the Roundhouse this month, but there is a lot of anxiety about a decline in new revenues.
Lawmakers are largely in agreement with a $6.5 billion budget plan from Republican Gov. Susana Martinez that increases spending on Medicaid and early childhood education. Teacher pay increases may be put on hold as low oil prices drive down state revenues.
Child Poverty
Even with a steep reduction in revenue, child advocates want New Mexico’s lawmakers to address the state’s 50th ranking when it comes to child well-being and the number of kids who live in poverty. Today, New Mexico Voices for Children will release the annual Kids Count Data Book. According to the report, the number of children living in poverty decreased slightly to 30 percent from 2013 to 2014. However, New Mexico still has the highest child poverty rate in the nation, and it hits Hispanic and Native Americans families the hardest.
Even with a steep reduction in revenue, child advocates want New Mexico’s lawmakers to address the state’s 50th ranking when it comes to child well-being and the number of kids who live in poverty. Today, New Mexico Voices for Children will release the annual Kids Count Data Book. According to the report, the number of children living in poverty decreased slightly to 30 percent from 2013 to 2014. However, New Mexico still has the highest child poverty rate in the nation, and it hits Hispanic and Native Americans families the hardest.
Driver’s License Poll
A new poll from national research group Latino Decisions, which is headed by UNM political science professor Gabe Sanchez, shows a majority of New Mexicans favor allowing undocumented immigrants to have New Mexico driver’s licenses. Voters definitely wants lawmakers to find some sort of compromise on the issue and to ensure the state is in compliance with federal Real ID rules.
A new poll from national research group Latino Decisions, which is headed by UNM political science professor Gabe Sanchez, shows a majority of New Mexicans favor allowing undocumented immigrants to have New Mexico driver’s licenses. Voters definitely wants lawmakers to find some sort of compromise on the issue and to ensure the state is in compliance with federal Real ID rules.
Charter School Funding
Charter schools appear to be getting the biggest share of education budget increases (about 46 percent), even though they only serve 7 percent of the state’s students.
Charter schools appear to be getting the biggest share of education budget increases (about 46 percent), even though they only serve 7 percent of the state’s students.
The Public Education Department countered that the statistics are explainable because charter school enrollment increased by more than 100 percent during that period, and that the state’s funding formula for schools follows the students. But the issue could lead legislators to again seek changes in the way the state divvies up education funding to school districts based on the number, grade level and types of students they serve. Students who need extra services, such as special education students and English-language learners, are given more under the formula.
Lobbyists’ Spending
Lobbyists will be everywhere in Santa Fe, and Sandra Fish, a data journalist at New Mexico In Depth, reports they are spending lots of money wooing lawmakers.
Lobbyists will be everywhere in Santa Fe, and Sandra Fish, a data journalist at New Mexico In Depth, reports they are spending lots of money wooing lawmakers.
Good Government
New Mexico In Depth has released its 2016 Legislative Special Edition. Editor Trip Jennings says his team wanted to take a peek “behind the curtain at the campaign finance, ethics and regulatory systems in which candidates and elected officials operate; one part roadmap for improving these systems.” There are also essays calling “for more openness in the basic functions of government -- budgeting, the state tax code and funding of capital outlay projects across New Mexico.”
New Mexico In Depth has released its 2016 Legislative Special Edition. Editor Trip Jennings says his team wanted to take a peek “behind the curtain at the campaign finance, ethics and regulatory systems in which candidates and elected officials operate; one part roadmap for improving these systems.” There are also essays calling “for more openness in the basic functions of government -- budgeting, the state tax code and funding of capital outlay projects across New Mexico.”
‘Big J’
Former KOB TV journalist Gadi Schwartz, who spent a few years covering the Legislature in Santa Fe, is going primetime in March. NBC News has hired him as a network correspondent. He’ll be based out of Los Angeles, where he has been working for KNBC for the past two years.
Former KOB TV journalist Gadi Schwartz, who spent a few years covering the Legislature in Santa Fe, is going primetime in March. NBC News has hired him as a network correspondent. He’ll be based out of Los Angeles, where he has been working for KNBC for the past two years.
Still Searching
Volunteers are still searching for a Colorado treasure hunter who went missing in New Mexico more than a week ago.
Volunteers are still searching for a Colorado treasure hunter who went missing in New Mexico more than a week ago.
Data Grab
An Albuquerque police officer is in serious trouble after using information from a national crime database for personal reasons.
An Albuquerque police officer is in serious trouble after using information from a national crime database for personal reasons.
Taser International Sued
Taser International, which supplies police departments body cameras, is being sued by a competitor for patent infringement.
Taser International, which supplies police departments body cameras, is being sued by a competitor for patent infringement.
Santa Fe Reporter