Author Archives: merilee

A great New Mexican named Jeep

Everybody knew Jeep. At least, everybody in organized labor in New Mexico. And almost everybody in the web of multilayered relationships that is the political and policy community of our state. George “Jeep” Gilliland died a few weeks ago and … Continue reading

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It’s not just CYFD

The latest headline is a little girl who was not allowed on an Albuquerque city bus with her father because he was too drunk. Later the father showed up in the city shelter, having forgotten where he left her. Fortunately … Continue reading

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Reviewing our progress on crime law

As the 2023 legislative session begins to loom, I’m wondering if we are going to hear more outraged rhetoric about getting tough on crime. I myself prefer to be tough on crime prevention. I prefer laws that stop crimes before … Continue reading

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Counting the votes

On the night of Nov. 8, New Mexicans could curl up in bed knowing that our election was mostly over. Whether we liked the results or not, we knew what most of them were. We had survived the day without … Continue reading

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PTD property tax benefit introduction

The two pages titled “PTD property tax benefit” are available for reference and to be printed. PTD refers to permanent total disability as defined in the New Mexico workers’ compensation law, quoted on page 2. Anyone in the workers’ comp … Continue reading

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PTD PROPERTY TAX BENEFIT page 2

Workers’ comp disability for property tax: Statutory reference New Mexico Statutes Chapter 7. Taxation § 7-36-21.3. Limitation on increase in value for single-family dwellings occupied by low-income owners who are sixty-five years of age or older or disabled;  requirements;  penalties … Continue reading

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THE PTD PROPERTY TAX BENEFIT page 1

THE PTD PROPERTY TAX BENEFIT In New Mexico certain homeowners are entitled to a property tax benefit called a “value freeze” on their homes. For purposes of property tax, the value of the home will not increase each year.  That … Continue reading

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Amendment 3 — how judges are elected

Judges in New Mexico have a quaint custom. They retire at any old time they decide. Then the state has to fill the position with a new judge. The process is confusing for voters. New Mexico has been tinkering with … Continue reading

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Securing the voting machines

In Bernalillo County there are 77 different ballots. The ballots account for all the district boundaries – legislative and county commission districts and bond issues for special districts like a flood control district . This is not a problem.  The … Continue reading

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No initiatives, please

In New Mexico we do not have “initiatives” on the statewide ballot. Thank Heaven. By “initiatives” I mean the ability to make laws by popular vote, initiated by petitions from voters. New Mexico does not have such a provision in … Continue reading

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