During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Republican Party of New Mexico encourages everyone to take precautions, practice safe health measures and do what's required to protect oneself and families. The Party stresses that the health and safety of all New Mexicans are paramount. Therefore, the Party is currently conducting operations and communications remotely. The Party continues its mission and engagement, but will utilize virtual/remote practices for outreach, projects, campaign events and other initiatives.
REPUBLICANS GO TO THE NEW MEXICO SUPREME COURT TO PREVENT MAIL-IN BALLOTS IN PRIMARY
While The Republican Party is very concerned about the health and safety of everyone in this health crisis, it's also concerned about the accuracy and integrity of our elections, and we don't want voting convenience to replace accuracy. That's why RPNM, along with 21 state representatives, 10 state senators and 4 county clerks have filed a lawsuit in the New Mexico Supreme Court to stop the state from implementing a vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot system for this June 2 Primary Election. This followed a petition to hold the election this way. The Party opposes this mail-in system because these ballots are mailed to everyone and there are no protections in place against fraud. The Party and others in our lawsuit support a mail-in ABSENTEE ballot procedure, in which people must apply for a ballot and the ballot is tracked, so there are fraud protections in place.
The lawsuit also pointed out that the petition to have the VBM method went straight to the Supreme Court, a violation of New Mexico's Constitution's separation of powers. Election law is the responsibility of the legislature, and asking the High Court is wrong.
Here's a KOAT-TV interview in which Chairman Pearce talks about the suit and the differences between VBM and mail-in absentee ballots.
SMALL BUSINESS CLOSINGS KILLING OUR ECONOMY
The governor's decision to shut down non-essential businesses is having a devastating impact on New Mexico's families and the economy. Just yesterday she ordered liquor stores, car dealerships and payday lenders to close. While we all want everyone to be healthy and safe, closing everything down isn't the answer. Walmarts and Targets are open, but people inside are not always practicing social distancing. You could still take precautions inside and outside other businesses in New Mexico's communities. We need a common sense approach here.
NEW MEXICO RELEASING STATE PRISON INMATES
Gov. Lujan Grisham has issued an executive order to release certain inmates in state prisons. To her, this is a good way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 because some of the inmates are vulnerable to the virus. This doesn't sound sensible at all. Is this her way of reducing the crime problem? Release criminals into the public around the state? And, on top of that, dozens of inmates will now be jeopardizing the health of the public. Not a good idea, governor--in fact it's more dangerous.
Here's the story in the Albuquerque Journal
MORE THAN $1 BILLION IN FINANCIAL RELIEF ARRIVING IN NEW MEXICO
President Trump and his administration is moving fast to bring help to the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is set to get more than $1 billion is federal assistance as the nation deals with the pandemic. Nearly $20 million is already here. There are hundreds of billions of dollars set aside to help small businesses with loans.
See below for more information on how to apply.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CALLS GUN STORES "ESSENTIAL"
New guidelines this week by the federal government have designated places that sell firearms and ammunition "essential." The advisory, however, is just that, and states have the discretion to deem what they believe to be "essential." Gov. Lujan Grisham hasn't placed gun stores on that list. This is another example of being out of touch with her constituents. While we all want to be safe and social distance, it's imperative that New Mexico residents be able to obtain firearms for protective reasons.
Check out the story
STAY INVOLVED
HELP SAVE NEW MEXICO'S SMALL BUSINESSES
The Coronavirus pandemic is hitting our small businesses hard, but the Trump Administration is now offering help.
The Administration is providing $500 billion in businesses loans.
Please CLICK HERE to get all the information and procedures for small business loans, and please share them with businesses in your communities. Details on loan forgiveness and interest are explained. Small businesses are the cornerstone of many communities, and it's vital that New Mexico businesses get these loans as soon as possible.
Of course the health and safety of all New Mexicans come first, but it's critical that local businesses get the support and financial assistance available to them.
Let's save our New Mexico businesses and keep our state strong.
SENIOR CENTERS ACROSS NEW MEXICO NEED VOLUNTEERS
The Republican Party of New Mexico has been partnering with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department to help meet the increased need to provide meals to our senior and disabled neighbors across the state. Just last week alone, more than 4,000 meals were packaged and delivered. This need is likely to increase in the coming weeks.
Many senior centers across the state are in need of local volunteers during this pandemic. If you are interested in helping, please locate the center(s) closest to you in the list below. Give them a call to see what their specific needs are in your area.
You can find the list here. (the link didn't work).
We will make it through this difficult time, together!