THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM BARR COMES TO NEW MEXICO AND DELIVERS SOME TOUGH TALK
The nation’s top law enforcement officer arrived in Albuquerque this past week to promote a nationwide program that netted hundreds of fugitives, including many who were nabbed in New Mexico. Looks like President Trump had to bring in the cavalry here as the state seems to lack real teeth when it comes to fighting crime these days.
Barr pointed out that: “It’s no secret to anyone here that New Mexico and Albuquerque specifically are experiencing a violent crime crisis.” Barr blamed New Mexico’s weak state laws, noting suspects walk out of jail right after their arrest. Sound familiar?
2. FUNDING CUT THAT WOULD HAVE HELPED STUDENT ATHLETES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ISSUES
The death of a University of Mexico student athlete has raised more questions about mental health needs. Albuquerque Police say 21 year-old Nahje Flowers died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was found in his off-campus residence on November 5.
The RPNM is saddened by such a tragedy and strives to address the important issue of mental illness among all young people in our state.
Nahje’s death comes after Gov. Lujan Grisham slashed funding last spring that would have addressed mental illness for such athletes. Republican State Sen. Mark Moores had designated $357,000 for nutrition and behavioral health services for student athletes in a UNM bill. The Governor vetoed that funding. We believe it’s vital to help those who need this kind of help.
3. NEW MEXICO RANKED AS THE WORST-RUN STATE IN AMERICA
It looks like Gov. Lujan Grisham and the Democratically controlled legislature are having trouble getting their act together. What they’re doing isn’t working.
A new poll from 247wallst.com shows that New Mexico is dead last when it comes to how state governments are run across the country. With New Mexico’s high poverty rate, pension fund liability, the numbers of people getting SNAP benefits and our high unemployment rate, it’s not surprising there are problems in Santa Fe.
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OTHER BRIEFS:
REEFER MADNESS IN STATE GOVERNMENT
A group of state lawmakers has been studying how to best market recreational marijuana in New Mexico. Gov. Lujan Grisham has put together a panel that’s now considering a cap on pot taxes at 17%. Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue in January. The panel also suggests licensing producers for as little as $500 a month with additional per-plant fees.
The Republican Party opposes legalizing recreational marijuana.
NEW MEXICO ON PACE TO BREAK OIL PRODUCTION RECORD
President Trump’s booming economy is helping the oil industry. Federal officials say the robust economy is helping one of New Mexico’s biggest industries.
State officials say producers could top 300 million barrels for the year and daily production levels could hit a million barrels before 2020.