News from February 2025

Lt. Governor Howie Morales joins national aerospace board as secretary
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales has been appointed to the executive committee of the Aerospace States Association (ASA).

State Bar of New Mexico reaffirms commitment to inclusivity after presidential action
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
The State Bar of New Mexico has issued a statement regarding the recent presidential action on January 21, 2025, which referenced state and local bar associations.

House Judiciary Committee approves changes to 'Red Flag' law
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed approval following the House Judiciary Committee's decision to pass House Bill 12, which proposes changes to the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order (ERPO) Act.

New Mexico advances anti-trafficking bill amid bipartisan support
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee has unanimously advanced House Bill 86, aimed at combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.

Free virtual legal workshop for New Mexico's elderly to cover vital topics
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
The New Mexico State Bar Foundation’s Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP) is set to host a free virtual legal webinar on February 11.

Chamber leaders discuss impact of proposed Paid Family Leave Act
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
On February 2, Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and Del Esparza, Chair of GACC and CEO of Esparza Digital + Advertising, were featured in an article by the Albuquerque Journal discussing the third week...

One Billion Rising event to end violence against women set for Las Cruces
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
Colonias Development Council announced that, in collaboration with over 30 partner agencies, it will host a One Billion Rising event in Las Cruces as part of a movement to end violence against women and all.

NMANS announces legislative breakfast for non-public school leaders
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
The New Mexico Association of Non-Public Schools (NMANS) has announced a Legislative Breakfast designed to assist non-public school leaders in understanding the legislative process and connecting with state lawmakers.

New Mexico Senate Republicans announce tip line for public concerns
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 5, 2025
New Mexico Senate Republicans have launched an email tip line for residents to report concerns related to public safety and government accountability.

OPINION: Historic Opportunity: Investing in New Mexico’s Future Through Capital Improvements
By Pete Dinelli | Feb 4, 2025
The 2025 New Mexico legislative session began on January 21 and ends on March 22, 2025. It is projected that legislators will have $892.3 million in “new money” available in 2025.

OPINION: Continuing Progress: Legislative Support for Las Cruces’ Strategic Goals
By Ken Miyagishima | Feb 4, 2025
As we welcome the new year, I would like to extend a heartfelt greeting to the 70 state representatives and 42 state senators joining the 57th Legislature of the State of New Mexico.

Española Councilor LeDoux on Mayor Vigil: 'his temper has become infamous'
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 4, 2025
Sam LeDoux, an Española City Councilor, announced that he has filed a censure resolution against Mayor John Ramon Vigil.

OPINION: This Legislative Session, don't forget about the Opioid Crisis
By Sam LeDoux | Feb 4, 2025
The latest overdose numbers this year in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties are a harsh reminder that the opioid crisis in the Española Valley is far from over.

Rep. Block: With a committee seat we can ‘kill legislation on the floor’
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 4, 2025
New Mexico State Rep. John Block said gaining a committee seat could help block bills, particularly the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, which would make small businesses cover paid time off for extended absences, "even for a second cousin’s illness." Block was a guest on a recent episode of the Tipping Point New Mexico podcast.

Free virtual legal webinar for elderly by New Mexico State Bar Foundation
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 4, 2025
The New Mexico State Bar Foundation's Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP) is set to conduct a complimentary virtual legal webinar on February 11, beginning at 11 a.m. Mountain Time.

Lauri Costello calls for action on climate change in New Mexico
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 4, 2025
Lauri Costello, a member of the New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light community, recently addressed climate issues in a letter to the editor published by the Las Cruces Bulletin on January 29.

New Mexico delegates vote against key bills on immigration and abortion
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 4, 2025
In recent congressional activity, the House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act (S. 5).

Rep. Block ‘We need real journalism for conservatives in the state’
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 3, 2025
New Mexico State Rep. John Block said he started a conservative news site to provide an alternative to mainstream media in the state, expanding it in 2020 to include both opinion and news coverage, especially during COVID. Block was a guest on a recent episode of the Tipping Point New Mexico podcast.

New Mexico advances trio of bills targeting statewide behavioral health improvements
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 3, 2025
Senate Bill 1 aims to establish a billion-dollar trust fund for behavioral health initiatives across New Mexico.

UNM law alumnus joins prestigious Obama Foundation Leaders program
By New Mexico Sun | Feb 3, 2025
Sheldon Spotted Elk, a 2010 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law and a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, has been selected to join the Obama Foundation Leaders program.