Non-Local News Releases

Think New Mexico, the nonpartisan, results-oriented think tank serving New Mexicans, has added three staff members to magnify its impact as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Think New Mexico's mission it to improve the lives of all New Mexicans, especially those who lack a strong voice in the political process. It is best known for successfully championing the enactment of landmark legislation repealing the state's tax on food, making full-day kindergarten accessible to every child, ending predatory lending, and repealing the tax on Social Security income for lower and middle-income seniors.

SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is conducting checkpoints throughout the state this hunting season to collect biological data and to detect wildlife law violations.

  As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff's offices.

Albuquerque, NM —
The state's Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) is projecting that permanent fund investments in New Mexico will surpass oil and gas as the state's leading source of revenue by 2039.

CREG's economic experts unveiled the long-term revenue outlook during a meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee on Tuesday.

"Thanks to our strategic investments in the state's permanent funds and endowments, New Mexicans will continue to benefit from strong public programs such as early childhood
education and the Opportunity Scholarship," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "We're securing long-term prosperity and moving toward a more resilient and diversified revenue base that will pay dividends for generations to come."

Order Number 03-03-02-24-12

Albuquerque, NM, September 16, 2024 – A Temporary Area Closure Order (03-03-02-24-12) has been issued within the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, McKinley County, New Mexico.

This Order shall be in effect from September 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM, through September 25, 2024, at 4 PM, and if necessary, September 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Through September 28th at 4 PM.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during the U.S. Army's planned missile launch, including pre-launch periods, near the Fort Wingate Army Depot.

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined Senate colleagues Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to introduce the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, legislation to ensure individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, continue to have access to private health care.

The legislation follows the 2022 Supreme Court ruling, Marietta v. DaVita, that allowed private health plans to deny coverage of kidney care services, including dialysis treatments and access to nephrologists, prematurely pushing ESRD patients onto Medicare. This shift causes a disruption in coverage for patients and their families and shifts a significant financial burden onto taxpayers all while endangering Medicare's long-term solvency.

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that Jen Paul Schroer, Secretary of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will step down from her position at the end of the day. Schroer has served in the administration since 2019.

"Jen has been a strong, dedicated leader, stepping up for New Mexicans from her time at the Tourism Department through her work at ALTSD," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "Her leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 crisis, and I deeply appreciate her service. I wish her success in her next chapter."

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification
For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Infrastructure investments pave the way for community and economic development

DEMING – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One recently awarded eight local municipalities with a 95% match in funding. The funding is for local projects, investing a total amount of $8,343,191 in District One Transportation Funded Roadway Projects.

"The investment to local entities is a crucial resource that helps improve roadways, bridges, and airports. Without these funding opportunities, many of our local communities could not make the infrastructure improvements necessary to support development in New Mexico," stated Aaron Chavarria, District One Engineer.