T.H. Lawrence News
Home lender: 'Most extreme' lumber prices have stopped some home purchases
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 8, 2021
After three decades, Lucero says she has never seen a more challenging time for industry
'How blue it's become': Professor notes that New Mexico's 1st District a microcosm of America
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 7, 2021
The special election to fill a vacant New Mexico congressional seat may offer a glimpse into America’s political future.
Time to explore options to address 'huge issue' of lack of skilled workers, says NMHBA CEO
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 4, 2021
There’s a dramatic shortage of those who build and finish new homes. Plumbers, electricians — all kinds of skilled workers are needed, and will be in coming years.
Political science professor notes Stansbury’s big win provides clear sign of Democratic control
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 4, 2021
A special election for a New Mexico congressional seat showed the district, and the state, are turning a brighter shade of blue, according to a political science professor.
Homebuilder Ashcraft: Higher building costs 'across the board' may be here to stay
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 4, 2021
Veteran builder said while lumber gets most of the attention, costs for other materials also spiking
Home builder veteran: Boom-and-bust cycle seems never-ending; it's 'feast or famine'
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 3, 2021
New Mexico Home Builders Association Executive Vice President and CEO Jack Milarch has seen this movie before.
Homebuilder: Lack of skilled labor 'creating a huge problem' for housing market
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 3, 2021
There's a shortage of skilled tradesmen — electricians, plumbers and other workers who play a crucial role in home construction, according to Scott Ashcraft, president of Las Ventanas Homes in Albuquerque.
Professor: Stansbury's win in special election shows blue district getting bluer
By T.H. Lawrence | Jun 2, 2021
State Rep. Melanie Stansbury expands margin of victory from 2020 congressional contest to claim 1st District seat
New Mexico Business Coalition: 'Department of Workforce Solutions is agreeable to reviewing' UI rates
By T.H. Lawrence | May 28, 2021
When it became apparent in spring 2020 that the COVID-19 pandemic would force New Mexico businesses to lay off workers, the state Legislature acted to ensure that companies would not be penalized for doing so by forcing them to pay elevated unemployment insurance rates.
New Mexico legislative probe finds Department of Workforce Services overpaid $250 million
By T.H. Lawrence | May 21, 2021
As unemployment numbers reached unexpected heights in 2020, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions was unable to deal with the demand. Because of that, an estimated $250 million in overpayments were made, according to an investigation by a state legislative group, including $133 million in money paid to fraudulent claims.
McCamley tweets that threats led to resignation of director of workforce solutions position
By T.H. Lawrence | May 21, 2021
Bill McCamley said he felt he and his family were in danger, so he quit job and plans to leave state