Author Archives: merilee

I have been hoping the legislature will try again to pass the pet food tax next year. This was a small proposed tax whose proceeds would have been earmarked for badly needed spay and neuter programs. For no good reason, … Continue reading →

The federal government can ship a child back to the child’s home country, where the child’s life is in imminent danger. But if you want to take that child into your home, government won’t let you – to protect the … Continue reading →

When you think of Farmington, arts and culture may not be your first thought. But that could change. Farmington — specifically, part of Farmington’s downtown – – is one of three communities recently endorsed by the New Mexico Arts Commission … Continue reading →

Investing money is a daunting experience. In the past you could put your money into a few safe, respectable stocks, keep them for years, enjoy regular dividend checks and sleep peacefully. Those days are gone. Whether you manage your investments … Continue reading →

We’ve all heard the arguments about early childhood education as the solution to pull New Mexico out of poverty. The state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund is targeted as a way to pay for it. Not so fast. The devil is … Continue reading →

New Mexico children are going to school with toothaches and sore gums. And we wonder why they have problems learning to read? Dental disease is a hidden epidemic for both children and adults in New Mexico and many other states. … Continue reading →

A recent national study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center study found that more than a third of adults surveyed can’t name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment, and only 26 percent can name all three branches … Continue reading →

If by paying a tax I save more money than the tax costs me, I don’t mind paying it. In fact, I’m happy to, not just because I support the purpose of the tax but because it’s economically prudent. That … Continue reading →