Non-Local News Releases

Heinrich Delivers $114 Million in Funding for 82 N.M. Local Projects in Final FY24 Appropriations Bills 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, announced he has secured $114 million in investments for 82 local projects across New Mexico with the Senate's passage of six appropriations bills to fund the federal government. The bills now head to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.  

"As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have the opportunity to directly advocate for federal resources that deliver for working families in New Mexico — and that's exactly what this legislation does," said Heinrich.  

SANTA FE – Senator William "Bill" Burt (R-Alamogordo) today announced his retirement from the New Mexico Senate after 14 years of dedicated public service. Senator Burt will complete the remainder of his term through the end of 2024.

"After prayerful consideration and discussions with my family, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the New Mexico Senate at the end of this year," said Senator Burt. "Representing the people of Otero, Chaves, and Lincoln counties has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I will always cherish the confidence and support of the voters in Senate District 33. I look forward to completing my term and supporting the next wave of leaders who will serve our communities and state well."

Senator Steven McCutcheon II responds to State Land Office's Halting of Leases for Prime Land Tracts

CARLSBAD—In response to the Legislature's rejection of an royalty rate increase on oil and gas, the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) has halted the sale of leases for prime land tracts. For years, the NMSLO has sought legislative approval for an increase in the rate from 20 percent to 25 percent, and according to media reports, the NMSLO will now withhold prime land tract leases until the increase is approved.  

Senator Steven McCutcheon II (R-Carlsbad) issued the following statement criticizing the decision:

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Interstates:

For years, Tim Davis advocated for the people of New Mexico on a variety of public interest legal issues including workers' rights, public benefits and utility law. Today, he advocates for the protection and restoration of wildlife and the health of the American West as a staff attorney on the legal team at WildEarth Guardians, a non-profit environment organization. Davis focuses on litigation for the Climate and Energy Program and champions clean energy sources.

Davis will lead a panel discussion titled "The Pollution Control Clause of the NM Constitution: State Accountability for Oil and Gas Pollution Crisis in New Mexico" as part of the "Cambios Climate Change Speaker Series" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 at the Rio Grande Theatre. The presentation is free and open to the public.

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World Agricultural Supply & Demand Estimates (WASDE) 

First human plague case in state since 2021

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announces a Lincoln County man has died of plague after being hospitalized for the disease. The case is the first human case of plague in New Mexico since 2021 and the first death since 2020.   

"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the Lincoln County man who succumbed to plague," said State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH. "This tragic incident serves as a clear reminder of the threat posed by this ancient disease and emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and proactive measures to prevent its spread."  

New Mexico establishes largest higher education trust fund in the nation

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this week signed Senate Bill 159, creating a nearly $1 billion trust fund and a scholarship program fund to ensure tuition-free college in New Mexico for decades to come. 

"By creating this fund, New Mexico is keeping our original promise of tuition-free college for residents and cementing our status as the nation's leader for college equity and access" said Gov. Lujan Grisham after signing the bill on Tuesday "Our monumental investments from early childhood education to college and career are already making a life-changing difference for tens of thousands of New Mexicans and setting the example for every other state."