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Governor Appoints New Members to State Investment Council

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson appointed two new members and reappointed one existing member to the State Investment Council – complying with new requirements he signed into law last week. Press Release


 State of New Mexico - Office of the Governor   New Mexico Department of Transportation     New Mexico Department of Health and Human Services   New Mexico Department of Tourism

Governor Appoints New Members to State Investment Council

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson appointed two new members and reappointed one existing member to the State Investment Council – complying with new requirements he signed into law last week.


Governor Signs Hispanic Education Act

Governor Also Takes Action on Other Education Legislation
SANTA FE–Governor Bill Richardson today signed the nation’s first Hispanic Education Act into law. The Act is aimed at improving the educational achievement of New Mexico’s Hispanic students and closing the achievement gap. Lawmakers, educational leaders and community leaders joined Governor Richardson at today’s bill signing at Washington Middle School in Albuquerque.


Governor Signs Bill Cancelling $141 million in Capital Outlay Projects

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today signed a bill that cancels more than 2,500 stalled capital outlay projects that the Governor froze last fall in order to save $141 million and shore up the state budget.


Governor Orders Additional Safeguards to New Concealed Carry Law

SANTA FE–Governor Bill Richardson today signed a bill that removes the ban on concealed carry licensees from bringing their weapons into New Mexico restaurants with beer and wine licenses. However, Governor Richardson is ordering additional safeguards to address public safety concerns surrounding the bill.


Governor’s Final Bill Action

SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson has taken final action on all bills passed by the Legislature during its regular 2010 session that ended in February. The Governor had until March 10, 2010 to act on all bills.


Governor Signs 2 Domestic Violence Bills

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today signed two important domestic violence bills from the 2010 Legislative Session. The Governor signed a bill creating a Domestic Violence Commission in statute, as well as a bill that strengthens the definition of household members.


Annual Dog Canyon Experience Returns March 13 -14

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. – Oliver Lee Memorial State Park celebrates the natural wonders and rich cultural legacy of the Chihuahuan Desert March 13 -14 at its annual Dog Canyon Experience event. Visitors can discover floods, stars, snakes, six-legged predators, photography and an authentic 19th century ranch house during this weekend event.


Governor Signs Nuclear Workers’ Assistance Fund

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today signed HB 101, the Nuclear Workers’ Assistance Fund, which will provide money for a state advocacy program to help workers who became ill because of exposure to hazardous substances at U.S. Department of Energy facilities or in the uranium mining industry. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nick Salazar, will provide funding for the New Mexico Environment Department’s Office of Nuclear Workers’ Advocacy to help compensate uranium miners, lab employees and others suffering illnesses related to radioactive exposure.


State Parks Announces Boating Safety

Education Courses in Albuquerque for 2010
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico Boating Safety Basics courses will be offered this spring in Albuquerque. Class sizes are limited; therefore students are highly encouraged to register in advance.


Governor’s Bill Action

As of Tuesday, March 9, 2010
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson has signed 101 bills that the 2010 Legislature has sent him. The Governor has until March 10, 20010 to act on all bills passed by the Legislature and received in the Governor’s Office after noon on February 18th.


Albuquerque Woman Indicted On Tax Evasion Charges

SANTA FE – An Albuquerque woman has been indicted on tax evasion charges for allegedly failing to pay her taxes from 2005 through 2007.


Governor to Sign Health Bills Tomorrow

SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson will sign two important pieces of health care legislation tomorrow, Tuesday, March 9th at 1:00pm.


New Mexico Selected by National Governors Association for Grant to Increase Adult Workers’ Education, Skill Levels

SANTA FE—The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) today announced the selection of New Mexico and five other states – Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Virginia and West Virginia – to each host a Governor’s Forum on Postsecondary Credential Attainment by Adult Workers. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will host such a forum this fall.


Governor Congratulates New Mexico Resident Tony Mark- Executive Producer of “The Hurt Locker”

Film won 6 Academy Awards® including Best Picture
SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson today congratulated long-time New Mexico resident Tony Mark who served as Executive producer of the multiple Oscar-winning film “The Hurt Locker.” The film won the Oscar® for Best Picture at last night’s Academy Awards® ceremony in Los Angeles.


Lt. Gov.Congratulates Fellow Hobbs Native, Ryan Bingham, for Winning Academy Award

New Mexico is not only home to many top Hollywood productions, but also cultivates the home-grown talent
Santa Fe, NM- Lt. Governor Denish this morning issued a statement congratulating fellow Hobbs native Ryan Bingham. Bingham took home an Oscar last night for best original song in a motion picture.


Announcing 2010 GreenBuilt Tour and Sustainability Week Events

The U.S. Green Building Council New Mexico Chapter (USGBC-NM) announces the Sustainability Week series of events to be held June 11-19, including the GreenBuilt Tour and Green Central Expo. These events show the public what a green home can be, how sustainable homes are built, and why they are good for the environment.


Lt. Gov. Signs Sunshine Portal, Missing Persons Bills into Law

Today marks a new day for openness and transparency in government, and increased support for law enforcement’s fight to solve and prevent missing person cases
Santa Fe, NM- Lt. Governor Denish today signed the Missing Persons and Sunshine Portal bills into law at the State Capitol. During the regular legislative session Lt. Governor Denish worked in a bi-partisan effort with the bills’ sponsor, Senator Sander Rue, to ensure their passing.


Governor Signs Bills Protecting Local Auto Dealers

ALBUQUERQUE – Governor Bill Richardson signed two bills today that protect local franchised car dealers and the jobs and revenue they provide for New Mexicans.


Judicial Candidate Issues Clean Campaign Challenge to All Candidates

Statewide (NM) – Judicial Candidate, Dennis W. Montoya, issued a challenge to all candidates seeking public office to run a clean campaign. Montoya is running for the New Mexico Court of Appeals seat that was vacated by his former boss, Lynn Pickard.


Governor to Sign Natural Heritage Conservation Act on Monday

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson will hold a bill signing for Senate Bill 186, Natural Heritage Conservation Act, as well as announce nearly $5million in funding for restoration projects and conservation easements on Monday.


Governor Congratulates Actor, Songwriter for Winning Academy Awards

New Mexico-made movies earned total of 4 Oscar nods
SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson tonight offered his congratulations to actors Jeff Bridges and singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham for receiving Academy Awards for their work on the movie “Crazy Heart”, which was made in New Mexico.


Governor to Sign Bills in Clovis & Albuquerque Tomorrow

SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson will travel to Clovis and Albuquerque tomorrow, Saturday March 6th, to sign bills passed by lawmakers during the regular legislative session.


Lt. Governor Issues Statement Regarding Insurance Rate Hike

Denish: “I strongly urge the PRC to investigate this and find an alternate solution that does not fleece New Mexicans.”
Santa Fe, NM- Lt. Governor Denish today released a statement regarding the recent insurance rate hike approved by the PRC.


Governor Signs 3 Indian Related Bills

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson was joined by tribal leaders and legislators today as he signed three Indian related bills, including the Severance Bonds for Tribal Infrastructure bill, which creates a permanent funding source for New Mexico’s tribal communities.


Lt. Governor Responds to New Mexico’s Failure to be Named Finalist in Education Grant Selection

Denish: In the next round, New Mexico's application will be competitive
Santa Fe, NM- Lt. Governor Denish responded today to New Mexico's failure to be named a finalist in the Race to the Top grants from the U.S. Secretary of Education.


Governor Reacts to Conclusion of Special Session

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson released the following statement about the conclusion of the special session:


Friday is a State Furlough Day

SANTA FE- Governor Bill Richardson today reminded New Mexicans that most state offices will be closed Friday, March 5, in accordance to the state’s furlough plan.


National Preservation Organization Announces Ten Most Endangered Roadside Places

From a huge concrete cowboy statue in Canyon, Texas; to California’s once common roadside orange stands; to a three-mile strip of forlorn motels in Lordsburg, New Mexico; to a Depression-era pullout in Garrison, Minnesota, many of America’s iconic roadside places are threatened.


NMHED Announces Upcoming Financial Aid Deadlines

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Higher Education Department’s Financial Aid Division manages more than $70 million in state- and federally-funded financial aid programs to help students attend college. Two opportunities for financial assistance have application deadlines in March.


Governor to Sign Native American Bills on Friday

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson will sign three major Native American bills from the 2010 regular Legislative session on Friday. The Governor will travel to Gallup to sign the following bills:


Albuquerque Man Indicted On Tax Evasion & Fraud Charges

SANTA FE – An Albuquerque man has been indicted on attempted tax evasion and tax fraud charges for allegedly not paying his taxes and filing false tax documents.


Governor’s Proclamation Honors New Mexico’s Top Bicycle Advocate

Santa Fe, February 4th, 2010 — New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has proclaimed March 4, 2010 as “Ride Your Bicycle In Honor Of Gail Ryba Day,” to pay tribute to New Mexico’s foremost bicycle advocate.


MEDIA ADVISORY

Lt. Gov. Accepts Living Legends Award from the Black Cultural Conference on Behalf of Her Father, John “Jack” Daniels.


SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL LT. GOV’S SUMMIT ON FINANCIAL EDUCATION

Albuquerque – A day of free financial education workshops and information on topics such as investing in today’s economy and investor protection. There are financial literacy topics important for all New Mexicans, including students, investors, business owners and displaced workers.


NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARDSMEN RETURNING FROM YEAR DEPLOYMENT IN IRAQ

Albuquerque, NM- The New Mexico National Guard’s Detachment 44, Operations Support Airlift Command is scheduled to be welcomed home by family and friends March 4, 2010 after a year deployment in Iraq.


Governor Declares Today “Roman Martinez Day”

SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson has signed a proclamation declaring today, March 3, 2010, “Roman Martinez Day” in New Mexico. The proclamation pays tribute to the University of New Mexico senior who will play his last game in University Arena tonight. The eighth-ranked Lobos will take on TCU tonight before a sold out crowd for a shot at claiming the Mountain West Conference title outright.


Women’s History Month to Recognize New Mexico’s Women Lawyer Pioneers

For nearly thirty years, March has been designated National Women’s History Month to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history or, as proclaimed in this year’s theme, to “write women back into history.” We in New Mexico are heirs to generations of women who pushed through barriers with determination and grace, improving the lives of all New Mexicans in the process.


CORRECTION: New Mexico State Parks to Hold Public Meeting

Meeting to be held on March 13 regarding Conchas Lake State Park Draft Management Plan; Public Comment Requested Until April 2
CONCHAS DAM, N.M. – New Mexico State Parks invites the public to review and comment on the draft park management plan for Conchas Lake State Park. The plan includes a history of the park, a review of existing park resources and facilities, and proposed management and facility improvements for the next five years. The deadline for public comments is April 2.


Governor’s Updated Bill Action

As of Tuesday, March 2, 2010
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson has signed 20 bills that the 2010 Legislature has sent him. The Governor has until March 10, 20010 to act on all bills passed by the Legislature and received in the Governor’s Office after noon on February 18th.


Governor Signs Bill to End Double Dipping

SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson today signed a bill to end the practice of double dipping in New Mexico. The new law prohibits public employees who retire and return to public employment from collecting their pension in addition to their paycheck.


Unemployment Insurance Call Center Closed Friday - Sunday

Interactive Voice Response Phone System and Website Available
(Albuquerque) - The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions’ Unemployment Insurance Call Center will be closed Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7, 2010.


Life Saving Katie's Law Briefing to Be Held Thursday

Washington, DC - Thursday, Representatives Harry Teague (NM-02), Adam Schiff (CA-29), and Dave Reichert (WA-08) will hold a briefing on Katie’s Law (H.R. 4614) a bipartisan DNA collection bill that would encourage states to maximize the potential of forensic DNA to solve and prevent violent crimes by collecting a DNA sample upon arrest – at the same time as fingerprints -- for certain felony crimes. The law has been adopted in 21 states.


Senate GOP Blocks Unemployment Benefit Extension, Other Critical Provisions

Washington, DC - Rep. Ben Ray Luján issued the following statement on the Senate GOP blocking an emergency extension of unemployment benefits, transportation project funding, health insurance for the unemployed (COBRA) and other important provisions. Last week, the House of Representatives passed emergency legislation to extend these programs. These provisions expired last night at midnight, leaving thousands of Americans out of work or without the benefits they need to make ends meet.


US Senate Passes Travel Promotion Act

Historic Vote in Congress will Boost Travel to New Mexico
New Mexico Tourism Department Secretary Michael Cerletti joins tourism industry officials across the country in celebrating U.S. Congress’ passage February 25, 2010, of legislation designed to create economic growth and thousands of new American jobs by welcoming millions more international travelers to the United States.


Governor Lowers Flags in Honor of former Secretary of State Betty Fiorina

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced that he will lower flags across the state of New Mexico in honor of former Secretary of State Betty Fiorina, 90, who passed away last week.


Governor’s Bill Action

As of Monday, March 1, 2010
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson has signed 13 bills that the 2010 Legislature has sent him. The Governor has until March 10, 20010 to act on all bills passed by the Legislature and received in the Governor’s Office after noon on February 18th.


Governor Signs State Investment Council Restructuring Bill

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today signed a bill that restructures the State Investment Council and adds needed scrutiny and accountability for state investments.


Governor Announces ABC TV Series Will Shoot in New Mexico

“Scoundrels” will star Virginia Madsen and air in summer
SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson today announced that ABC Studios will shoot the series “Scoundrels” in New Mexico. The series will be based at Albuquerque Studios and will also shoot in various New Mexico locations. Shooting for the first eight episodes will begin in March 16 and continue through June, and the production is expected to hire about 75 New Mexican crew members and a total of approximately 1,500 background talent over the course of the shoot. “Scoundrels” is scheduled to premiere on the ABC Television Network this summer.


Teague: 63 New Mexico Road Projects Could be Facing a Shutdown As a Result of One U.S. Senator's Filibuster

Las Cruces, NM - Monday, Congressman Harry Teague announced that the Senate’s failure to overcome the objections of a single Republican Senator last week means federal funding for highway, transit and highway safety programs in New Mexico stopped today.


NMDOT Responds to SAFETEA-LU Funding Crisis

SANTA FE – New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Secretary Gary L.J. Girón announced today that NMDOT faces challenging issues after last week’s filibuster by the U. S Senate that has halted the flow of Federal Highway money used for New Mexico road and bridge projects under construction.


Governor Issues Proclamation for Special Session

Session To start at 1 p.m.
SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson signed a proclamation for the special session, which is now scheduled to start at 1 p.m. – at the request of legislators.


New Mexico State Parks Announces Prescribed

RADIUM SPRINGS, NM—New Mexico State Parks will conduct a prescribed burn located about 15 miles north of the city of Las Cruces at Broad Canyon Ranch along N.M. 185 in Selden Canyon. The burn is expected to begin this week and could continue through mid-March, depending on weather conditions.