Politics

Udall & Moran’s Landmark MGT Act To Reduce Wasteful IT Spending, Strengthen Cybersecurity Included In FY18 NDAA, Heads To President’s Desk

November 22, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) applauded the inclusion and passage of their Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2018.

This bipartisan legislation will encourage federal agencies to cut wasteful spending and modernize and strengthen government information technology (IT) and security to save taxpayers up to $20 billion a year. The MGT Act now heads to the president’s desk for signature.

“Passage of the

Los Alamos County Council Approves Land Sale

November 22, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Vice President of LAH Investors Peter Kerwick discusses the housing development project with County Council Tuesday, Nov. 14 during its regular meeting. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post

kirsten@ladailypost.com

In passing an ordinance during its regular meeting Nov. 14, the Los Alamos County Council is took another step toward achieving its number one goal: provide more housing.

The approved ordinance authorized the sale of site A-13-2 and A-12 to LAH Investors, LLC. The sale price is $2,175,000. Economic

County Officials Express Thanksgiving Wishes

November 22, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Los Alamos County Council Chair David Izraelevitz

By CAROL A. CLARK

Los Alamos Daily Post

caclark@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County offices are closed Thursday and Friday in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Several County officials expressed their Thanksgiving wishes for the community.

“The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to reflect on the blessings our lives bring. Among those blessings for me is being a member of this wonderful community in Los Alamos,” County Council Chair David Izraelevitz said. “It is a safe, welcoming community, where education and healthy living is valued, Read More

Former Nuclear Commander, Diplomats, Top Experts Applaud Legislation Banning Nuclear First Strikes

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

GZ News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a historic Senate hearing last week examining the U.S. nuclear launch process and the president’s unbridled authority to use nuclear weapons, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced a bill that would make it the policy of the United States not to use nuclear weapons first.

In response, several American members of Global Zero’s Nuclear Crisis Group, an independent nonpartisan group of top former nuclear commanders, diplomats and experts from nuclear-armed and allied countries

AG: New Mexicans Can Seek Compensation From $586 Million Western Union Settlement

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Attorney General Hector Balderas

AG News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Nov. 14, Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that New Mexicans who were deceived into sending payments to scammers using Western Union’s wire transfer service may now apply for compensation from a $586 million fund administered by the Department of Justice’s Victim Asset Recovery Program.

This fund is related to a multi-state settlement with New Mexico and 49 other states, the District of Columbia and Western Union that was first announced in January.

New Mexicans may

One million+ Consumers Call On DOJ To Block Bayer-Monsanto Merger

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

FOE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 1 million petition signatures were delivered last week by farming, consumer and environmental groups to the U.S. Department of Justice calling on the department to block the proposed merger of Bayer (BAYN) and Monsanto (MON).

The signatures were delivered as two new reports revealed irreversible impacts from the merger on consumers and farmers.

Today, Friends of the Earth, SumOfUs and the Open Markets Institute released analysis, “Bayer-Monsanto Merger: Big Data, Big Agriculture, Big Problems”, which explores

Governor Susana Martinez Announces First-Year Results From DWI Court Monitoring Initiative

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday that more than one-third of DWI cases monitored by the state during the first year of the DWI court monitoring initiative – aimed to shed light on how DWI cases are handled – were dismissed.

Martinez also announced ways the state plans to help with the adjudication of DWI cases.

“It is unacceptable to continue to let people off the hook for drunk driving,” Martinez said. “We must send the message to all New Mexicans that if you get behind the wheel intoxicated you will face the consequences in court for your

Governor Unveils TV Ad Warning Consequences Of Drunk Driving

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

NMDOT News:

SANTA FE ― Nov. 17, Gov. Susana Martinez unveiled a new TV ad to fight DWI in New Mexico warning drivers of what could happen if they drive drunk.

Martinez also announced an increase in law enforcement presence on New Mexico’s roads and highways to crackdown on DWI and other dangerous driving habits throughout the holiday season.

“I will not stop fighting to end DWI in our state. It’s been a problem for too long and it is 100 percent preventable,” Martinez said. “It’s easy – make the decision not to drink and drive, every time.”

The new ad is

Pearce: House Reforms Flood Insurance Program

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2874, the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

“The National Flood Insurance Program was created to better protect homeowners and businesses in high-risk flood zones because the private market simply wasn’t able to do it. Unfortunately, after 50 years, this program has become financially unstable and is in desperate need

Governor Announces 2017 New Mexico True Heroes

November 21, 2017 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday the 2017 New Mexico True Heroes at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. From left, Jamar Cotton, Debbie Torres, Mike Torres, Donovan Smith, Winnie Keller, Gov. Susana Martinez, Sec. Rebecca Latham and Jeff Siembieda. Courtesy photo

SANTA FE – Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday the 2017 New Mexico True Heroes, five New Mexicans devoted to making New Mexico a better place to live, work and raise a family.

“Our 2017 New Mexico True Heroes are leaders in their communities and work hard day in and day out to make our state a wonderful place to call home,” Read More