Morning Word: New Mexico Legislature Kicks Off

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historic day as the state's political landscape shifts for the first time in nearly half a century. Republicans are set to take over the state House, and it's going to be a Tripp.

It's Tuesday, January 20, 2015

In the minority since the late 1950's, Republicans won't waste time introducing more conservative legislation. The Associated Press provides the final preview. Read it here.   A top priority for House Republicans this year is right to work legislation.  Journalist Dan Boyd takes an in-depth look at the the issue.

Read more at the Albuquerque Journal.

Budget pressures and declining oil revenues are creating anxiety inside the Roundhouse. Read more at the ABQ Journal. Those budget anxieties manifested themselves yesterday when lawmakers rebuked a Department of Health request for $6.4 million in additional funding. Patrick Malone has details at the Santa Fe New Mexican.  Despite the money squeeze, help may be on its way to jail and prison inmates who need assistance enrolling in Medicaid in New Mexico. A bill by Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino is also aimed at curbing recidivism. Read more at the ABQ Journal.  The Legislative Finance Committee recommends investing $260 million in early childhood education programs for the next fiscal year, a boost of $24 million. Journalist Robert Nott has details.  They don’t wear badges identifying themselves as lobbyists, but they’ll be everywhere in Santa Fe for the next two months. A new poll released by Common Cause New Mexico on Monday suggests a majority of voters want new rules requiring the advocates to disclose which bills they are working on. Steve Terrell has more.  State government reporters will use Twitter hashtags #NMLEG and #NMPOL if you want updates on the session. Follow it all on Twitter. Many of the events and committee meetings will be streamed live online at the Legislature's own website. Check schedules and listen in here. If you plan to visit the Roundhouse, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express makes it easy to get there. Check fares and schedules here. A hero for the Chicano movement has died. Reies Lopez Tijerina was 88. Photojournalist Mark Bralley covered Tijerina for years and has the obituary and historic photos. Read it here.  US Sen. Martin Heinrich supports the president’s action to expand paid sick and family leave for employees. Read it at the Los Alamos Daily Post.  The Albuquerque Public School Board president faces two challengers this winter. The Albuquerque Journal profiles all the candidates. Read the profiles here.  Gross Receipts Tax revenues are falling in Santa Fe. SFR’s Joey Peters reports: For a city that relies on gross-receipts taxes for 75 percent of its yearly budget, the numbers are sobering. Santa Fe's new top finance official reports that since 2008, the amount of money these taxes on goods and services bring into the city has dropped by $11 million when adjusted for inflation. Read more at SFR.  New Mexico Political Report's

Margaret Wright has produced a detailed timeline of embattled District Attorney Kari Brandenburg’s career since 2001. Update: Wright will also appear on New Mexico PBS at noon for their online coverage of the Legislature and Gov. Susana Martinez's State of the State speech. See it here.   Lawmakers, lobbyists, and Roundhouse reporters already know this, but a new study shows that people who work long hours tend to drink more alcohol. Read more at the Washington Post.  Finally, luxury SUV manufacturer Land Rover puts a spotlight on the people, places and spirit of New Mexico in their online magazine. (Hat tip AP’s Susan M Bryan).

View the profile online. 

Santa Fe Reporter