1. GOVERNOR SEEKS POWER SURGE IN ADVANCING ENERGY BILL
A Bill that’s a blatant attempt to give Gov. Lujan Grisham more power has moved forward at the Roundhouse. The House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee cleared HB11, legislation that would reorganize the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC). It would change the Commission from an elected body to an appointed one. The PRC is a public Commission created to oversee the regulation of public utilities, including rates and services. This bill is simply wrong and a power grab. What’s worse, it will likely increase utility rates.
“This Governor cannot control her desire to increase executive power. The Governor’s move to strip the PRC of its responsibilities is unconstitutional. I am not convinced that this Governor will protect rate payers regarding utility rates given her desire to destroy the energy industry,” said House Republican Whip Rod Montoya (R)-Farmington.
Rep. Larry Scott (R)-Hobbs: “The New Mexico PRC is a duly elected body established to protect our citizens interest in regulatory matters and the attack on the body should concern consumers across the state. Democrats in this body are leveraging a full-scale attack on any and all leaders who stand in the way of their progressive agenda.”
HB11 cleared committee on a party-line vote and now heads to the House Judiciary Committee.
2. RED FLAG BILL MIGHT BE DEBATED ON THE SENATE FLOOR TODAY
The Red Flag bill is scheduled to be heard on the Senate Floor today at 11am. The revised legislation would allow authorities to take away a homeowner’s guns if they believe that person might pose a threat to themselves or others. The statewide opposition is getting stronger. Stop this legislation because it violates 2nd Amendment rights, due process and search and seizure practices.
CALL TO ACTION: Contact the sponsors of the Red Flag bill Joseph Cervantes (505) 986-4861 Daymon Ely (505) 986-4432 and Joy Garratt (505) 986-4249 and tell them NO to this violation of our Constitutional rights!!
3. REPUBLICAN BILL CRACKS DOWN ON PUBLIC WORKERS RECEIVING CAMPAIGN DOLLARS
A Republican-sponsored bill would prevent a public employee from receiving a salary or other compensation from a political campaign during the period of employment. HB403 will put an end to such special treatment. The legislation would stop any state or local government worker from accepting campaign money. This bill comes after two architects of Gov. Lujan Grisham’s campaign continued to get campaign money after they were rewarded with government jobs. They apparently received tens of thousands of dollars in “win bonuses” from the Governor. Seems like the money could have been used a bit more wisely. HB403 is currently in the House Rules & Order of Business Committee
ROUNDHOUSE PROFILES: WORKING HARD FOR YOU
Rep. James Strickler lives in Farmington and represents San Juan County. Rep. Strickler is a Petroleum Landman and has been a Representative since 2007.
Rep. Cathrynn Brown lives in Carlsbad and represents Eddy County. Rep. Brown is an attorney and has been in the Legislature since 2011.
Committees: Appropriations & Finance, Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements
Email: [email protected]
Sen. William Burt, a business owner, lives in Alamogordo and represents Chaves, Lincoln and Otero Counties. Sen. Burt has been in the Senate since 2011.
