Read more about the article Is the Legislature in full meltdown or just experiencing frequent random fires?
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Is the Legislature in full meltdown or just experiencing frequent random fires?

Bills passed with strong bipartisan support are being vetoed by the Governor. Some have veto messages and some have no comment.

Senator Brandt started a successful override measure in the Senate on the veto of HB 241 Use of Attendance in Teacher Evaluations. The Senate agreed to override the veto and obtained the necessary two-thirds vote by its members. The measure appears stopped by the House, however, which would also require two-thirds of its members to vote for an override. Rep Gentry, Minority Leader, said he’s confident that the measure will not pass the House.

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March 16, 2017
Read more about the article NMBC Asked: Some say Bravo; Some say B.S.
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NMBC Asked: Some say Bravo; Some say B.S.

Last week NMBC provided more information on the multiple proposed minimum wage increases being considered in this legislative session. We asked you, our followers, for your thoughts and feedback, because we care what you think. While the responses we got about NMBC not supporting this legislation were overwhelmingly supportive, we also got a comment that said our stand was 'B.S.'

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March 14, 2017
Read more about the article Doing the Right Thing Matters Every Time
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Doing the Right Thing Matters Every Time

Congratulations to Senator Neville and all of his colleagues in the Senate for doing the right thing. The Senate passed a bill sponsored by Neville based on what they thought was full and complete information. When Sen Neville received additional information after the fact regarding contributions to the Governor, he immediately notified the full Senate of the new information. The bill was recalled unanimously from the House to be tabled.

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March 14, 2017
Read more about the article Just can’t breathe until it ends . . .
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Just can’t breathe until it ends . . .

Legislative update:

HJR1 Permanent Funds for Early Childhood (Reps Moe Maestas and Javier Martinez) passed the House last night 37-32. This is a “raid the Land Grant Permanent Fund” bill that would be disastrous for the only healthy ‘permanent’ fund remaining in our state.

We applaud the people who voted against this bill. They stood strong in protecting our children’s future by opposing it. Two people went against their party’s support of the measure and we consider them the true heroes. Representatives Bobby Gonzales and Candie Sweetser, thank you for putting New Mexicans ahead of party politics!

Now the state must rely on the Senate to do the right thing and stop this bill. This is a Constitutional Amendment that goes directly to the voters, if passed in both chambers and will bypass the Governor’s veto pen.

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March 9, 2017
Read more about the article Minimum Wage Debate Continues – Heroes & Zeroes Update
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Minimum Wage Debate Continues – Heroes & Zeroes Update

Are we helping those who are struggling financially? Some say the increased wage will give them more disposable income to provide for their families. But what about those who make $13-$15/hour to stay home and collect government assistance? Will they re-enter the workforce for $9/hour when faced with childcare and other costs, such as transportation, to take a job?

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March 6, 2017
Read more about the article Blank Checks — Low Expectations – No Accountability
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Blank Checks — Low Expectations – No Accountability

Protecting our Children’s Future: Why does the NMBC fight to maintain our permanent funds? Because we care about our children’s education and the opportunities for their future! The NMBC opposes the efforts of some state legislators to pass constitutional amendments (CA’s) that would raid New Mexico’s Land Grant Permanent Fund. Read more in the Op-Ed titled ‘Special-Interest Groups Loving NM Permanent Fund to Death,’ written by NMBC President Carla Sonntag.

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March 1, 2017
Read more about the article NM Legislature Moving Forward on Mandated Wages
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NM Legislature Moving Forward on Mandated Wages

No matter how you package it, a minimum wage increase isn't just bad for business and our state's economy; it's bad for the very people we want to help. What's the solution? The free-market system and better education or training. Learn more on NMBC's position about mandated wages from Carla Sonntag in commentary published by Albuquerque Business First, HERE.

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February 24, 2017
Read more about the article RPNM Defamation Lawsuit Update
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RPNM Defamation Lawsuit Update

I've received several inquiries about my defamation lawsuit against the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) and thought I’d provide an update.

Here are the most frequently asked questions:

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February 21, 2017
Read more about the article NMBC BillTracker Rocks!
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NMBC BillTracker Rocks!

Legislative Heroes and Zeroes Update: Currently, over 1,100 pieces of legislation (901 Bills, 196 Memorials, 35 Resolutions) are making their way through the House and Senate. At the midpoint of the session, there are way too many ‘revenue enhancement/tax increase’ and government growth bills that do ZERO good for New Mexico on the table.

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February 21, 2017