Taos United - Social and Political Activists For a Fair and Just Democracy in Taos, New Mexico

Social and Political Activists For a Fair and Just Democracy in Taos, New Mexico

  • Home
  • About Us
  • What We Do
    • Action Alerts
    • Community Forum
    • Postcard Posse
    • Healthcare
    • Immigration
    • Environment
    • Gun Sense
    • Legislative Action
    • Elections
    • Volunteer in Taos
  • Resources
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Newsletter Sign-up
    • Join Us
    • Donate
  • Facebook
  • Donate

in Recap

January 15, 2019 Recap

Recap January 15th, 2019 Taos United/Taosenos Unidos Community Forum

This exciting and informative forum continued the focus from last month  on legislation being considered in the 2019 NM legislative session. With only 2 months to get good bills passed, interest was high and  everyone was energized.

NOTE: Some bill numbers are not yet available.  See https://www.nmlegis.gov/ for updated information.

Peter Simonson,  Executive Director of the ACLU of New Mexico.

ACLU’s legislative focus and other issues

Many threats to civil liberties expected after the 2016 election have unfortunately come to pass. The ACLU has been successful in:

-stopping family separation

-stopping indefinite detention of asylum seekers

-curbing voting restrictions in some areas

In NM we see the possibility of a brighter future. ACLU bills supported:

(Reproductive Rights)

HB51– re-words a 1960’s law still on the books criminalizing abortions in New Mexico. This is not enforced because of Roe v. Wade, but action is  necessary in light of possible Roe v. Wade repeal.

HB89 Expands access to contraception

(Criminal Justice Reform — pivoting punishment to rehabilitation)

-reform of solitary confinement, legalization of recreational
          marijuana, criminal record expungement and implementation of
           New Mexico Safe standards.

(Immigrant Rights — goal is to place New Mexico among the top tier of states in treatment of migrants)

SB196 – would prohibit State and Local agencies from expending resources to enforce Federal immigration laws without a warrant.  A previous version of this bill was vetoed by former governor Richardson.

          HB141– creates a confidentiality policy for all State agencies that
          prohibits government employees from disclosing sensitive personal
          information to anyone outside of that State or local agency, thus
          providing another measure of protection for immigrant
          communities.

Peter recommends calls over emails, but personal visits to legislators are the gold standard.

Hamilton Brown, speaking on Getting Dark Money out of Politics

SB3  – Senator Peter Worth  — codifies regulations previously implemented only as executive orders by Maggie Toulouse Oliver to make all contributions to elections completely transparent.  “Independent expenditures” (i.e. those not made by a candidate, or a campaign) must be reported.  Koch brother connected entities are opposed. This bill needs support to overcome special interests.

SB4 – Senator Peter Worth – amends voting act to allow public financing of elections

Senate Memorial 5  – recommends study on starting a state bank in New Mexico. North Dakota, which implemented their state bank in the early 20th century,  is the model. A state bank would not compete with commercial banks or credit unions. It would function purely to hold New Mexico revenues and issue low-interest loans to New Mexico interests. A  Santa Fe study concluded that at least in Santa Fe there wasn’t enough volume to make the proposition viable, but if implemented on a state level, (keeping our Permanent funds in our state instead of investing them with Wall Street companies), we could  greatly benefit.

Eric Paterson of the Sierra Club updated us on environmental issues in the legislature.  He feels that advocates are most effective when it’s an issue you are sincerely concerned about. He will provide a one-page summary of any of these bills to help you with your lobbying.

Priority Legislation (support unless noted)

HBx  Omnibus Energy Bill

Requires that renewable energy comprise 70% of total retail
          sales by 2040.

SBx   Renewable Energy Requirements for Utilities (RPS)

SVx   Energy Transition Act (Securitization)

SBx/HBx   Energy Transition Act   — LIKELY OPPOSE

SB186 Oil Conservation Division Powers and Duties – grants penalty powers to the Oil Conservation Commission + Dept.

SBx Increases  Royalty Rates on State Trust Lands

SB76 Prohibit Coyote Killing Contests

SB136 Efficient Use of Energy Act Amendments

SBx  Water Supply Fairness in Funding

SB39 Solar Market Development Tax Credit

HBx  Ban Trapping on Public Lands

HBX Game Commission Legislative Appointments

HBX Environmental Review Act (State NEPA)

HBX Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

HBX Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

  1. – suggestion that Sierra Club monitor deep water drilling in Taos

Jose Gonzales sent apologies. He and Vanessa got more donations from Taos than they ever had before. They were packing and about to leave for the border.

Elizabeth Armijo from New Mexico Compassion and Choices.

SB 153  Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Options Act

HB 90      

Terminally ill, mentally competent patients may take advantage of medical aid in dying by receiving a prescription from their physician.  In 2017, the bill was narrowly defeated on the Senate floor. 7 Democratic senators voted no, including Cisneros. Bobby Gonzales didn’t have to vote in 2017 (in house). His position is unknown. Eight states have authorized  similar bills. Studies show no known abuse of the law. Statistically, it seems to bring peace of mind just to have the prescription and the majority of those who receive the medication do not take it.. The only currently available legal alternative is to voluntarily stop eating/drinking which can take 2 or more weeks to be effective.  

Jan 29th. lobby day. Contact Compassion and Choices

Q &A This legislation would not be applicable for those with dementia

Bob Bresnahan of Renewable Taos spoke about bills concerning renewables this session.

Climate change is the overarching issue. IPCC and National Climate assessment reports demonstrate we  must act within the next 15 years to avoid the worst outcomes. Kit Carson is a model and is on the way to 100% renewables in Taos. Unfortunately for the last 8 years, there has been  no significant environmental legislation in NM. We must tell our legislators ‘we’re back.

Legislative priorities:

Renewable Energy Requirements for Utilities (RPS) Strong Support Sets Targets for Renewable Energy for Utilities – 50% by 2030
Local Choice Electricity Act Strong Support Allows Communities to Choose the Source of Electricity
Request for Competitive Procurement and Independent Evaluator Process Strong Support Requires Transparent Bidding on Energy Supplies for Utilities
Oil Conservation Division Powers & Duties – Richard C. Martinez SB 186 Strong Support Enacts Stiff Fines and Criminal Penalties for Discharge of Contaminants.
Low-Income Energy Conservation Program – Richard Martinez SB45 Strong Support Low-income families in NM pay on average 32% of their income for energy costs.  This would help.
School Trust Revenue Bill Strong Support Allows Land Commissioner to raise royalties on gas & oil extraction to rates charged in neighboring states.  Removes a hidden subsidy.
Amendments to the Efficient Use of Energy Act Strong Support Provides for energy efficiency programs and de-coupling.
Community Solar Act Sb51 Support Promotes development of solar gardens that allow renters and home-owners with poor solar to purchase or lease arrays.
Solar Market Development Tax Credit Support Restores a 10% State Income Tax Credit for purchase of home Solar and Wind.
Environmental Review Act Support Uniform reporting and environmental review requirements for projects at all State agencies.
Allowing Motor Vehicle Manufacturers to Act as Dealers in Some Circumstances SB243 Strong Support Makes it possible for Tesla to sell and service cars in NM

Bob is against nuclear, but feels they shouldn’t close until energy is replaced by renewables. Main opposition is  PNM — wants to keeps their coal plants until the 20’s and 30’s. This is an unacceptable policy.


For updates see:
Renewable Taos

Jim Schultz on  Minimum Wage proposals in the legislature.

Historical situation:  The federal minimum of  $7.25 has not be raised in 9 years

In 2017, NM  lawmakers tried to increase the state minimum wage up to $9 or $9.25, but then Republican Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed;

Current Situation: The minimum wage in NM is $7.50. Las Cruces passed a law to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2019.  Albuquerque has a minimum wage of $8.95 an hour. Santa Fe has a minimum wage of $11.50 an hour,

The minimum wage is $10.50 in Arizona and  $10.20 in Colorado, Both states plan to raise the wage to $12

(Texas, Oklahoma and Utah have no state minimum wage.)

As of August this year Ten large cities and seven states have passed minimum wages to between $12 and $15.

Current politics:  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was clear on the campaign trail about her support for  $10 an hour, then increase it to $12 over four years. “We will lift thousands out of poverty and ensure that they have a living wage in the future”.

This move would boost pay for more than 100,000 New Mexicans. Also, the US House of Reps propose to increase the Minimum Wage to $15 by 2024.

Minimum wage increases are good for local economies and small businesses.  Studies show that increasing the minimum wage actually improves both employment and economic activity, overall,  with no detectable employment losses. Benefits include:

decreased employee turnover, employees are more productive, morale is heightened, absenteeism is decreased.

Moreover, minimum wage increases raise the purchasing power of low-wage workers who generally must spend all of their income  on necessities. So when they receive pay raises, all of that money is plowed back into the local economy. Research shows that this impact is especially evident in rural economies, where consumer demand is often weaker.

HB46

Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Albuquerque, proposes raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour starting on Jan. 1, 2020.  Jan. 1 2021 adj CPI

HB31

Rep. Miguel Garcia, D-Albuquerque, has proposed a more modest increase. He wants  $10 now, then to $11 an hour in July 2020 and to $12 an hour in July 2021. July 2021 wages linked to CPI

Pascual Maestas — Taos Town Council

Capital infrastructure proposals include new police vehicles, a UV light for swimming pool disinfection.  

The council is also requesting that the NM legislature return money “borrowed” from the Public Employees Retirement Fund to avoid cutbacks.

The council wants to reinstate the previous method for Fire Dept funding–a lump sum so that FDs can more easily purchase big ticket items. Funding in small amounts makes this far more difficult.

Marjorie Luckey spoke on voting rights proposals.

In 2017 – many bills designed to expand voter rights died in committee or were vetoed. Democratic legislature  and governor mean a new day.

Maggie Toulouse Oliver set up MVD registration, expanded early voting & shed light on dark money but any future SOS could easily reverse course. 2019 bills seek to codify her changes.

HB93  Permits “Decline to State” voters to choose Democratic or Republican primary for their participation.

HB84 SBAutomatic Voter Registration at MVD and other state agencies.

HB86  Election Day and Early Voting Registration (any questionable situation — voter can file provisional ballot).

SB52 Register to Vote Three Days Prior to Election

(BILL NOT YET SUBMITTED)
Allows 16 year olds to vote in school board elections.

Karen Munson  on the National Popular Vote

Due to the Electoral College, two recent presidential elections have been decided by a minority of American voters. New Mexico should join 12 other states that have passed National Popular Vote bills, based on the principle of one person, one vote.  This means that New Mexico’s 5 electoral votes will go to the national winner of the popular vote. When enough states have signed on to this agreement, i.e. enough states to provide 270 electoral votes to a candidate, then presidential elections will be determined by popular vote, without a Constitutional amendment.

League of Women Voters top priority:         

 HB55  National Popular Vote   (Carlos Cisneros is sponsoring!)

Diane Shifrin spoke on TU/TU’s relationship to other activist groups and how the process will work during the session.

The legislative session will be packed and busy. What is the best way to follow and act on bills that are important to you?  We like the software that Retake our Democracy has developed to mobilize for committee hearings and votes. You can sign up with their Rapid Response Network, to receive emails about their 20-25 (still being refined) “Must Pass” bills. This is an especially nimble system that will provide info before it shows up on the https://www.nmlegis.gov/ site.

Some bills that are very important to TU/TU members will not be on this list and for those, we have established a Legislative Action Committee. We can send out emails about these supplemental bills to folks willing to mobilize: call, visit, lobby etc.

Contact: Diane Shifrin  dshif@well.com  951-435-9670

Announcements

Megan White on Healing and Reconciliation Institute

Event January 25th 9AM-10:30 @ Unity on Blueberry Hill  Jan 25th by

Maija West Healing and Reconciliation Institute. The institute is offering workshops 1 morning a month for 8 months about what it means to be a European-American in racial reconciliation efforts. The long-term (5 year) vision is to help heal our Taos community through exploration of topics such as inherited identity and exploration of historically harmed communities, etc. $15 suggested donation. communityreconciliation@gmail.com

Mark White  on Milagrowolf

Mark is putting together Milagrowolf   – a Meow Wolf style arts collective/benefit to raise awareness of water settlement threats to the acequia system through theatrical interpretation.

Please spread the word to artists you know. whitemark1@yahoo.com

575-224-4006

Christy Holden  (Various Issues)

37 States have approved the ERA (first introduced in 1972). The Virginia Senate voted in favor of the ERA . One more vote — in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Constitution will be amended.

Taos County commissioner Candyce O’Donnell overlooked for leadership position

https://taosnews.com/stories/odonnell-gets-curtailed-county-leadership-term,54412

Petition was circulated.

Plans are underway to commemorate the 100th  anniversary of women’s obtaining

the right to vote (2020)   Suffrage Centennial

Bea Balsamo  TIA Benefit

Thank you to all who support Jose’s border trips.

Taos Immigrant Allies benefit 6-9 PM Saturday January 19th

Taos Mesa Brewery $10 donation

Danielle Freeman   Taos United Volunteers

Please volunteer to hang Taos United flyers. Once a month.

Fun and good exercise,.

Jim Ludden  T.E.N.T.

Taos Elders and Neighbors Together, a virtual village of seniors helping seniors. Sign up to be a volunteer and/or a member.

You are invited to attend a free program entitled “Hidden Gems: Learn What Taos Public Library Has to Offer You” in the Meeting Room at Taos Public Library, 402 Camino de la Placita, Taos, on Friday, January 18th, 2019. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., and the program begins at 3:00 p.m. A social time with refreshments will follow the program. And there’s plenty of free parking!

Bud Branch  Mom’s Demand Action

Legislative Priority

SB8   & HB8  Expanded Background Checks

Feb 5th Lobby Day at the Roundhouse

Training session next Wednesday  — for info text Events to 64433

Next monthly meeting: 1/23/19 5:30 PM at Kit Carson

banjobud@gmail.com  

https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandActionNM/

NEXT TaosUnited/ /Taoseños Unidos Forum: Tuesday, Feb 19th 5:30 Kit Carson Boardroom.  Please Like/Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TaosUnitedTaosenosUnidos/

 

Filed Under: Recap

« December 4, 2018 Recap
March 29, 2018 Board Minutes »

Recent Posts

  • TAOS COALITION- PRESS RELEASE July 21, Taos, New Mexico
  • Action Alert: Speak Up On June 8th – Democracy Under Attack In Taos
  • Action Alert: 05/13/21 – Fundraiser For CD-1 Candidate Melanie Stansbury
  • Action Alert: 04/21/21 – Taos Environmental Film Festival
  • Action Alert: 04/16/21 – Taos Earth Day Activities
  • Action Alert: 03/13/21-Taos County Democratic Central Committee Meeting; Community Schools
  • Action Alert: -02/28/21–Senator Ben Ray Lujan Town Hall, New Mexico Bill-HB-111 + Other Leg Actions
  • Action Alert: -02/25/21–Please Contact your representative this morning to vote YES on HB206!

© 2023 · Taos United · PO Box 1375, Taos NM · 87571 · taosunitednm@gmail.com · Phone: 575-737-8439 · All Rights Reserved