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House GOP Caucus Urges AG to Sue

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
HOUSE REPUBLICANS URGE AG TO FILE SUIT AGAINST NEW HEALTHCARE LAW

SANTA FE – Today, the House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Attorney General Gary King urging him to join the lawsuit that a bipartisan group of 18 states and Attorneys General have filed against the healthcare legislation recently signed into law by President Obama. The letter, signed by all 25 members of the caucus, asks the AG to file suit because the healthcare legislation is unconstitutional under the 9th Amendment and 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“There is a lot of diversity in the states, and one size doesn’t fit all,” commented House Republican Leader Tom Taylor (Dist 1 – San Juan). “The United States Constitution specifically reserves powers to the states, and that was done for a reason. Congress should take another look at this legislation because it violates the Constitution.”

“This is the first time I can remember Congress telling a person that they are violating the law because of economic inactivity,” said House Republican Whip Keith Gardner (Dist 66 – Chaves, Eddy, Lea, & Roosevelt). “The Constitution allows for the federal government to regulate interstate commerce, but this new law goes beyond what is allowed in the Constitution and punishes citizens for not taking action. I hope the Attorney General takes this seriously and pursues a lawsuit along with the 18 other states.”

The content is available for reading below.




NM House Republican Caucus - AG Letter
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GOP Statement on Death of Former State Rep. Ted Hobbs

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Albuquerque, NM— Republican House Minority Leader Tom Taylor and Harvey Yates Jr., chairman of New Mexico’s Republican Party released the following statement in response to the death of former legislator Ted Hobbs (R-Albuquerque):

“Ted Hobbs was a respected colleague and great example to many of us in the legislature,” stated Taylor. “Although Ted was a passionate Republican, he was always willing to bridge partisan divides to improve the lives of all New Mexicans. On behalf of the entire Republican caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

“Former Representative Ted Hobbs was a great advocate for commonsense principles in this state,” commented Yates. “His commitment to his constituents and his leadership in the Roundhouse will be long remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hobbs family during this time.”

During his tenure in New Mexico’s House of Representatives (1994-2006), Hobbs served as the minority whip and minority leader. Prior to his work in the legislature, Hobbs served his country in the United States Army and was employed by IBM for over three decades. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at French Lomas Blvd. Chapel (10500 Lomas Blvd. NE Albuquerque).

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Leadership Reacts to Budget Passage

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

ON SPECIAL SESSION BUDGET VOTE

 

SANTA FE – Following the late night floor vote of House Bill 2, the budget bill, House Republican Leadership issued the following statement:

“Going into the wee hours of the morning, the House of Representatives finally voted on a budget. Some will say that this budget is balanced, but it is not,” commented Representative Tom Taylor, House Republican Leader. “We started off the session with the budget having a $230 million deficit and still have a budget with a $230 million deficit even after the vote early this morning. Clearly some folks are not interested in truly solving our budget problems.”

“House Republicans introduced a series of amendments that came to a total of over $350 million plus in budget savings to the state of New Mexico, with no negative impact to education,” said Representative Keith Gardner, House Republican Whip. “Unfortunately many members of the House are more interested in massive government spending and balancing the budget on the backs of hard working New Mexicans instead of real solutions to our budget problems. Massive overspending is what got us into this problem in the first place, and we continue to do so with this budget.”

 

 

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Roch Introduces Major Cost-Saving Amendment

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

REP. ROCH INTRODUCES COST-SAVING

AMENDMENT TO STATE BUDGET

Amendment eliminates more than 4000 vacant state jobs

 

SANTA FE, NM—State Representative Dennis Roch (R-Tucumcari) introduced an amendment to House Bill 2, the General Appropriations Act, which would have de-authorized more than four thousand vacant positions in state government.   

 “Citizens throughout New Mexico should not be asked to shoulder additional tax burdens,” Roch said during the debate on the amendment, “when taxpayer dollars continue to fund empty desks in Santa Fe.” 

The amendment, which was tabled on a nearly party-line vote, would have eliminated thousands of positions.  The consequential savings could have closed much of the estimated $300 million gap between state revenue and state spending.

“New Mexico is not undertaxed; it continues to overspend,” said Roch.  “It’s unfortunate that some legislators prefer to make taxpayers pick up the cost of the state’s overspending.”

 

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Leadership Comments On Session

Thursday, February 18, 2010

House Republican Leadership Comments on the 49th Legislative Session

 

Santa Fe – Today in response to the conclusion of the 49th New Mexico Legislative Session, the House Republican leaders offered the following statements.

“We spent more than $4.9 million for a 30-day session when our obligation was to pass a balanced budget.  The House passed a budget with a deficit of $310 million and had a budget returned from the Senate with a $100 million deficit.  The people of New Mexico were short changed with this session and will end up paying more than $50,000 a day for a special session,” said House Republican Leader Tom Taylor.

“Rather than agree to bad legislation just so we could go home, Republicans will continue to be a voice for sensible solutions: leaner government, lower taxes, fewer unnecessary regulations,” said House Republican Whip Keith Gardner. 

“Let’s remember that cuts are not the goal, revenue is the goal.  The only way we can increase our revenue is to make cuts, avoid raising taxes, and let the economy bloom again,” said House Republican Caucus Leader Anna Crook.
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Fundraising Abuse

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Republican Leadership Responds to 
Democrat Fundraising Abuse
 
Santa Fe – Last night a KRQE Channel 13 news story by anchor Michael Herzenberg, who was on special assignment at the Roundhouse, revealed several New Mexico Democrat legislators solicited contributions on www.ActBlue.com during the legislative session.  In addition, Rep. Jeff Steinborn, District 37, and Rep. Ben Rodefer, District 23, were soliciting on their own.  New Mexico law prohibits the solicitation of contributions for a political purpose during any regular or special legislative session.  
 
Prior to the current legislative session, each legislator in the New Mexico House and Senate received a letter of warning from Secretary of State Mary Herrera dated October 16, 2009.  The first lines of Herrera’s letter reads, “Please be reminded that pursuant to Section 1-19-34.1 of New Mexico Statutes Annotated, it is unlawful for legislators to knowingly solicit contributions for a political purpose during any regular or special legislative session.”  A copy of the letter is attached.
 
In Herzenberg’s report, Sec. of State Herrera was quoted as saying of the rule-breakers, “They will have to explain to me why they were on this web site soliciting funds.” 
 
“The law is clear and this fundraising abuse is a blatant disregard for the law,” said Republican House Leader Tom Taylor.  “It is shocking that the legislators who were caught abusing this law were members of leadership.  For the most part, it was not rookies who made the mistake, it was legislators who chair committees, help govern their party, and certainly know better.”
 
“This latest offense is unfortunately one more incident in a long tradition of Democrat legislators in New Mexico abusing the law.  It is unfortunate that these legislators cannot be trusted to adhere to basic laws regarding financing, especially after all of their talk this session about ethical behavior.” said Republican Whip Keith Gardner.  
 
The list of legislators who posted campaign contributions include the eight legislators listed below.  No Republican legislators were found to have violated the fundraising law. 
 
House Speaker Ben Lujan, District 46
House Majority Leader, Ken Martinez, District 69
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Cisco McSorley, District 16
Senator Michael Sanchez, District 29 
House Appropriations and Finance Chair Henry “Kiki” Savedra, District 10
House Representative Jeff Steinborn, District 37
House Deputy Chair of Appropriations and Finance Luciano “Lucky” Varela, District 49
House Judiciary Committee Chair Al Park, District 26
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Water For Eastern New Mexico

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
WATER FOR EASTERN NEW MEXICO
Rep. Crook’s Utility Authority Clears House and Senate
 
Santa Fe – Last night HB 15 a bill to create the Eastern NM Water Utility Authority and provide the structure for distribution of water from Ute Reservoir in Quay County, passed the Senate with a vote of 35-0.  On February 4 it passed the House unanimously with a vote of 49-0.  It is one of the first bills the Legislature passed in the 2010 session.
 
This bill replaces the weak joint powers structure of the current water authority.  It enables the seven Eastern NM Rural Water System members to raise capital, more readily access federal and state funds and to efficiently manage the project across various political boundaries.  The legislation was introduced by Representative Anna Crook of District 64 (Curry) who also serves as the Republican Caucus Chair.
 
“The water table in the Ogallala aquifer is currently being depleted three feet a year. As we all know, we have no more groundwater left,” said Rep. Crook. “We must harness our share of the water from the Canadian River before it heads to Texas.”
 
Authorization of the project at the federal level for up to a 75% cost share was signed by the President on March 30, 2009.  The authority acts as a wholesaler, delivering potable water to member communities.  Member communities will include Curry County, as well as Clovis, Portales, Texico, Melrose, Elida and Grady.
 
“The Eastern NM Rural Water System represents a model rural regional water supply project for the state,” said State Engineer John D'Antonio, “It is consistent with the goals of the statewide water plan.  The creation of a formal water utility authority that will serve as the entity to finance, construct, own and operate the facilities is a significant achievement and positions the system as 'construction ready' for the purposes of federal support.”
 
The bill addresses concerns related to oversight that are consistent with other similar authorities.  It ensures eminent domain will be used only for right-of-way purposes, and not for acquisition of water rights.  It also assures compliance with Office of the State Engineer 40-year water planning policy and water rights acquisition statutes.
 
“This legislation is a tribute to the state's commitment to the preservation of our way of life. This project represents the future for our children and our grandchildren.” notes Senator Clint Harden of District 7 (Colfax, Curry, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, Taos, Union).
 
“It is a pleasure to work with Representative Crook and all the member communities. This is a major milestone for the project.” said Senator Stuart Ingle, District 27 (Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Roosevelt).
 
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Dems Play Politics

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
website: http://www.nmhousegop.com/  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
January 28, 2010		 CONTACT:
(505) 216-6342

DEMOCRATS PLAY POLITICS

WITH KEY LEGISLATION

 

Rep. Bandy Outraged

 

Santa Fe – Late Sunday night, S. 531, a bill that Gov. Richardson vetoed last session, was reported out of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and then reassigned by Speaker Lujan to the House Judiciary Committee.  In doing so, Lujan effectively eliminated the chances of a vote by the full House.  S. 531 was introduced by Sen. Tim Keller, District 17 (Bernalillo).

 

The legislation would provide for program evaluation and review by the legislative finance committee of agencies and entities that receive state funding.  In 2009 it passed both the House and the Senate with unanimous bi-partisan support before being vetoed by Gov. Richardson.

 

 “By sending this legislation to yet another committee, Speaker Lujan is attempting to avoid the chance for the House to override the veto.  This legislative shell game subverts the democratic process,” said Rep. Bandy, District 3 (San Juan). 

 

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Budget Humor

Monday, February 15, 2010
Rep. Bandy Finds Humor in Budget Problems with Help from Constituent
 
Santa Fe – Late Friday afternoon Rep. Paul Bandy, District 3 (San Juan), took to the House Floor to share a letter from an outraged constituent who used humor to emphasize her frustration with overspending and government waste in New Mexico.  The constituent, who requested that she remain anonymous, was pleased that her letter received so much attention.
 
“This letter brings so many of our policies that have led us to overspend and truly are absurd, into perspective,” said Rep. Bandy. 
 
The constituent’s letter, which drew knowing laughter at key points from the representatives in attendance who have been fighting to slash the budget this legislative session, is posted below.
 
Dear Legislators,
 
I am submitting my resume for one of those gubernatorial appointee high paying positions since it is now confirmed that you don’t need any experience whatsoever for the job.  
 
After not much thought, I would like to be the Director of Rail Runner Public Relations for Cow Fatalities.  My qualifications or rather lack thereof, are that I have ridden a train, I’ve watched them pass by at the Willard crossing and I used to play with my brother’s toy trains when I was a child.  Also, I have owned a cow in my life and I do eat red meat.  
 
I was going to submit my resume for the Director of a non-existent museum, but that position was already filled by someone that obviously needs the money, a Maloof.  I would like to earn $85,000 to $95,000 a year since that seems to be the going rate for these gift jobs from Governor Richardson.  
 
I hope to hear from you soon with a job offer.  I’m very excited about the opportunity to have a government job that I don’t have to actually do anything productive.  In fact, these jobs don’t even have legitimate job descriptions, even better.  
 
One other thing, I would like to work from my house for four days a week, but of course I would show up if there happens to be a cow fatality.  If this position is already filled, please consider me for the Assistant to the Director of Rail Runner Public Relations for Cow Fatalities since assistants seem to make a boatload of money also.
 
Thank you for your consideration.
  
In the post-script, the constituent charged that the salaries of 750 exempt state employees listed in a report compiled in September 2009 by the Department of Finance and Administration are “absurd.”  She suggested that the 750 exempt state employees should be cut by 75% and that the ones that are left should have their salaries lowered by 50% before any tax increase is considered.
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Democrats Kill Gardner's Bi-Partisan Redistricting Commission

Thursday, February 11, 2010
website: http://www.nmhousegop.com/  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
January 28, 2010		 CONTACT:
(505) 216-6342

Democrats Kill Gardner’s 
Bi-Partisan Redistricting Commission

Santa Fe – Today House Joint Resolution 15 which proposed to add a bipartisan redistricting committee to determine congressional and state legislative boundaries was indefinitely delayed by a House Voters and Elections Committee vote of seven to five. No Republicans voted to delay the bill. HJR 15 was authored by Keith Gardner, Republican Whip and Rep. for District 66 (Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Roosevelt).

“This is a sad day for democracy in New Mexico,” said Rep. Gardner. “Democrats in the legislature have sent a message that Democrat controlled redistricting is all but assured. Our hopes for an impartial, bi-partisan process are extinguished.”

Had HJR 15 passed, it would have placed an option for the establishment of a bi-partisan commission on the next general election ballot, allowing the voters of New Mexico the opportunity to say how they wanted re-districting carried out. By not enacting this bill, the Democrat controlled legislature will continue to determine congressional and state legislative districts.

“Rather than spending millions of dollars on litigation and court costs, this commission would have saved New Mexico taxpayers time and money,” said Gardner. “Democrats have ruled New Mexico for more than 70 years. At this point it is difficult to tell whether those votes are earned, or whether they are affects of heavy-handed, biased redistricting in their favor.”

The Democrats who voted to kill the bi-partisan redistricting commission are listed below.

Rep. Jose A. Campos, District 63

Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, District 34

Rep. James Roger Madalena, District 65

Rep. Ken Martinez, District 69

Rep. Danice R. Picraux, District 25

Rep. Debbie A. Rodella, District 41

Rep. Edward C. Sandoval, District 14

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