Senate Passes Bill To Reconcile State’s Accounts
Sen. George Munoz
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Senate Bill 543, which requires the State Treasurer’s Office and the Department of Finance (DFA) to balance the state budget, has unanimously passed the Senate floor.
Bill sponsor Sen. George Munoz, D-Cibola, McKinley and San Juan, said he was not surprised to see this bipartisan bill pass the Senate.
“We have a real serious problem: between $100 million to $175 million dollars have been unaccounted. It’s mind-boggling to me that we are the only state in the country that does not balance our state’s finances,” Munoz said. “We need to stop playing games and Read More
Many Home-Based Businesses Can Use Simplified Method For Claiming Home Office Deduction
IRS News:
PHOENIX – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded people with home-based businesses filling out their 2014 federal income tax returns that they can choose a simplified method for claiming the deduction for business use of a home.
This is the seventh in a series of 10 daily IRS tips called the Tax Time Guide. These tips are designed to help taxpayers navigate common tax issues as the April 15 deadline approaches.
In tax year 2012, the most recent year for which figures are available, nearly 3.4 million taxpayers claimed deductions of more than $10 billion for business use of Read More
Largest Storm In Decade Boosts New Mexico Ski Resorts
NMTD News:
The largest storm in a decade blanketed the northern part of New Mexico during the past two weeks, dropping more than six feet of new snow on New Mexico’s ski resorts.
The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) is hopeful that the record-setting snowfall will lead to record number spring break visitors to the state’s ski resorts.
“We are excited about the timing of this late season snow to encourage those who have been on-the-fence about picking a Spring Break vacation spot,” NMTD Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham said. “All eight of New Mexico’s alpine ski resorts and four Nordic Read More
House Passes Legislation To Streamline Regulations For Ride-Sharing Services
Rep. Monica Youngblood
STATE News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday to regulate ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft in New Mexico. HB 272, sponsored by Rep. Monica Youngblood, R-Albuquerque, passed by a bipartisan 56-8 vote.
The ridesharing services, which were introduced in Albuquerque and Santa Fe over the past year, have expanded safe, reliable transportation options for New Mexicans.
“Ride-sharing services provide a safe ride home,” Youngblood said. “Putting this law on the books will not only expand ridesharing services Read More
State Senate Passes Bill To Protect Behavioral Health Industry And Clients
Senate Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen
N.M. LEGISLATURE News:
SANTA FE – Thursday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 55 (SB 55) to clarify the definition of Medicaid fraud, and mandate that due process is given to health providers who are accused of Medicaid fraud.
The bill is sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen, D-Dona Ana. Known as a tireless advocate for behavioral health issues, Papen has been especially vocal following the debacle of 2013 in which most of the state’s behavioral health providers were accused of Medicaid fraud and forced out of business without due process by the Department Read More
Chief Deputy Clerk Adrianna Ortiz Recognized
Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover, left, presents Chief Deputy Clerk Adrianna Ortiz with an award during the March 3 County Council meeting. Ortiz served as treasurer and secretary of the Clerks Affiliate and was recognized by her peers for her service to the organization. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Senate Bill Redirecting Non-Medicaid Funds To High-Priority Zones Passes Senate Committee
Senate Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen
STATE News:
SANTA FE – A committee substitute for Senate Bill 566 (SB 566), which aims to create behavioral health “investment zones” in the state and to prioritize those zones for behavioral health services not covered by Medicaid, has passed the Senate Public Affairs Committee (SPAC).
The bill is co-sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen, D-Doña Ana and Sen. George Munoz, D-Cibola, McKinley and San Juan.
According to the bill, the Interagency Behavioral Health Purchasing Collaborative, consisting of several state agencies, will Read More
House Passes Legislation To Crack Down On Truancy
Sen. Craig Brandt
STATE News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico House of Representatives passed legislation today intended to crack down on truancy and keep teenagers in the classroom by taking away their driver’s licenses if they habitually ditch class.
If the bill becomes law, a student who misses 10 or more classes will lose their driver’s license or learner’s permit. HB 117, which is sponsored by Rep. Jimmie Hall, R-Bernalillo, and Sen. Craig Brandt, R-Sandoval passed the House floor by a 36-32 vote.
“It is so important that our kids stay in school,” Hall said. “If students keep skipping class, Read More
NMPED Congratulates LAHS Special Education Team
LAPS Coordinator of Students Services Karla Crane, Special Education contact person Carol Moore and Special Education teachers Shannon Dopke, Stephanie Meyer and Lori Elton gather for a celebration with Superintendent Gene Schmidt this morning at Starbucks. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
The New Mexico Public Education Department sent a letter congratulating the Los Alamos High School Special Education Department on achieving 100 percent compliance with paperwork and protocols for students transitioning from high school to college and/or the work world.
In order to be compliant, Individualized Read More
Mapping Microscopic Surfaces Could Help Solve Crimes
Example of a 3D image of firing pin impression showing microscopic surface features. Courtesy/NIST
NIST News:
Topographic maps that display surface features like mountains, valleys and coast lines, have long helped people navigate great distances.
Forensic science researchers are now looking to topographic maps of microscopic features, like ridges, bumps and roughness, to aid in solving crimes.
Forensic experts who specialize in ballistics matching could be among the first to use detailed surface maps of microscopic features on fired bullets and casings, but the technology also has Read More