New Mexico needs new political leaders for the upcoming financial crisis.
Gottheimer, Lance Announce "Anti-Moocher Bill" to Claw Back Tax Dollars. New Jersey Democrats Rep. Gottheimer and Rep. Lance have introduced the "Return on Investment Accountability Act," which targets so-called "Moocher States"—like New Mexico—that receive more in federal funds than they pay in taxes. Has our delegation's obsession with "bringing home the bacon" without delivering national value made us a target for federal budget cutters (DOGE) and equity activists (the Squad)?
New Mexico's gross receipts tax system targets federal spending. Agencies like Sandia, Los Alamos, White Sands Missile Range, and multiple Air Force bases pay gross receipts tax, as do Medicare and Medicaid programs. Not all states impose these taxes, which makes New Mexico uncompetitive with other states.
Obamacare enticed states to expand Medicaid with generous short-term subsidies. New Mexico eagerly signed up. I wondered then—how long until we foot the whole bill? Trump's DOGE answered my question today.
In 2014, Florida celebrated receiving Holloman AFB's advanced F-22 wing. Meanwhile, New Mexico welcomed outdated F-16s. In 2019, the German Air Force shut down its HAFB training program. Once, our federal delegation prioritized mission; now it focuses on federal money. As the Air Force retires the F-16 fleet, is HAFB next to be retired?
It's not just HAFB. Kirtland AFB nearly closed in the early 2000s and was saved only by Sen. Pete Domenici, who is now gone. NM's federal delegation has no voice in Washington. Cannon AFB continues to rank lowest in popularity among the USAF members, but New Mexico's politicians do nothing to improve CAFB's standing with USAF personnel.
In the 2010s, NM's Air National Guard refused a logistics mission offered by the USAF. The result? It lost all its aircraft in 2013, and now NM ANG personnel have no role, other than squeegee men for USAF aircraft stopping for fuel. NM ANG can hide from Pentagon oversight for so long.
Trump's DOGE is looking at LANL, SNL, and White Sands with their innocuous questionnaire:
"Los Alamos National Laboratory Accountability:
The Lab's Continuity of Operations Program (COOP), in conjunction with the Emergency Management Division (EMD), is conducting site-wide accountability for LANL employees. Please respond by selecting a response from the options below (reply with the number of the response only; no additional punctuation or text is needed).
LANL shift workers please respond at the beginning of your shift or when received.
Questions? Call 505-667-XXXX or email
1. The majority of my time today is teleworking.
2. The majority of my time today is working at LANL facilities in Los Alamos County.
3. The majority of my time today is working at LANL facilities outside Los Alamos County.
4. The majority of my time today is approved LANL travel.
5. The majority of my time today is approved leave/paid or unpaid time off. Example PTO, Scheduled day off, FMLA etc.
Reply with your choice number."
Does anyone believe DOGE is just curious?
For decades, New Mexico politicians have been experts at attracting federal dollars. The federal government spends $4.20 here for every $1 it collects. In return, New Mexico provided 100% of its votes for Clinton/Obama/Biden, Reid/Schumer, and Pelosi. Today, New Mexico politicians' calls to the powerful in Washington go unanswered.
During the Biden administration, NM's all-Democratic federal delegation had an opportunity to create value for the nation at our bases and laboratories. Instead, they pursued a woke agenda. Today, NM's all-Democratic congressional delegation is a liability not because Republicans now control Washington, but because they are self-serving politicians. New Mexico needs politicians who are problem solvers and consensus builders.
Sadly, the NMGOP is no better. Its infighting and dysfunction cost us winnable elections. The NMGOP couldn't even set aside their differences for the 2024 Trump rally at KAFB. The party isn't losing because of bad luck—it's losing because its leaders are self-serving politicians. New Mexico needs politicians who can solve problems and build consensus.
New Mexico's voters are not sold on either the Republican or Democratic Party, which is why an increasing number of voters choose neither party. Democrat or Republican leaders can win the hearts of New Mexicans if their actions demonstrate they care about the people of New Mexico, overcome the looming fiscal crisis, and bring people together.
