Morning Word: Wait Times Create Health Care Barriers

Long Waits

Morgan Lee over at the Associated Press reports, “A spot survey by state analysts found low-income Medicaid patients in New Mexico are waiting on average from three weeks to nearly two months to get an appointment with a doctor, prompting

access for the poor and disabled.”

Coal Mine Owner Files for Bankruptcy

New Mexico’s largest coal mine owner, Peabody Energy, has

. The firm’s mines near Crownpoint employ 340 workers. Apparently, a deal to sell the mines fell through.

Hospital Water Woes

The state Environment Department says Christus St. Vincent, Santa Fe’s only regional medical center,

, “which may have contributed to high levels of lead in some of the facility’s drinking water samples,” according to Staci Matlock.

Holtec International, an energy equipment company, is proposing a new

. No word on how many jobs would be created building the facility on 100 acres near Hobbs.

The Arts and Creativity Center's proposed affordable housing development and retail space for creatives in Santa Fe saw City Council unanimously approve the

on Siler Road, worth an estimated $1.5 million. The council also waived $400,000 in development fees.

Joey Peters reports, “Gov. Susana Martinez isn’t properly managing the account she used to pay for her infamous holiday pizza party last year, according to

released this month. The finding stems from the governor’s contingency fund, which the state Legislature grants roughly $70,000 each year for “purposes connected with obligations of the office,” according to state law. That’s been interpreted by past governors and Martinez as entertainment expenses for hosting officials and staff. Specifically, Martinez’s office is supposed to revert any unspent money remaining in her contingency account by the end of a fiscal year to the state’s general fund, according to the audit.”  

Speaking of the governor, she’ll be the “guest of honor” and keynote speaker

tonight featuring all three GOP presidential candidates. Tomorrow, she’s in Florida for a Republican Governors Association meeting.

Secretary of State Brad Winter has made it official: Some 17-year-olds who will be 18 before the general election in November will be

this June.

The Department of Public Safety has issued a report that shows

, at the same time APD’s response time is slowing down.

A golden eagle

with a broken wing is being treated in state. The injuries will mean the bird will live its life out in captivity.

Santa Fe Reporter