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Recent Articles
Author Archives: merilee
An insider view of redistricting
Post-publication note: the legislation discussed here did not pass. We’re going to have legislation this year to propose an independent redistricting commission for New Mexico. It’s an issue worth serious consideration. As of this writing, no bill has been introduced, … Continue reading
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Real ID is a tough standard for some
New Mexico is finally complying with the federal standard for Real ID. Real ID is the new form of driver’s license (or ID card for non-drivers) that will be required beginning in 2020 to board a plane and for other … Continue reading
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Lessons to learn from our Johnson administration
In the early days of Gary Johnson’s governorship, I had occasion to be at the State Capitol talking with some of his new appointees. “Oh,” one of them said to me, “so you work for the Department of Labor.” He … Continue reading
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Repeal and replace?
Repeal and replace Obamacare. We’ve heard it a million times; it has been a rallying cry of Republicans in Congress ever since it was passed. What is it about this law that makes it so hated? Probably not the provisions … Continue reading
Do we believe in free and fair elections?
New Mexico dodged a bullet in the recent election. We elected a Secretary of State who encourages voting instead of a candidate whose publicly stated goal is to suppress it. Congratulations to us! At a candidate debate in October, Republican … Continue reading
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Help for the health insurance season
The national enrollment period for health insurance through the exchanges is taking place now, with a Jan. 31 deadline, and if you are confused I don’t blame you. But it may not be all that intimidating. Some practical information: An … Continue reading
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Defense of the election system
Note to readers: I was wrong on this column, and I am chagrined by it. Like many in the media, I looked in the wrong direction to defend the system against a bogus accusation while voter suppression — organized activities … Continue reading
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Helping elders to remain independent
A woman I know lives alone and, at age 60-plus, has a chronic health condition. Often she doesn’t feel well. She thinks she would not be good company, so she doesn’t reliably return the calls of people who are trying … Continue reading
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Laws should never be unamendable
Unamendable: a law that cannot be changed, no matter how problematic it has become. Think about that. An “unamendable” provision of the New Mexico Constitution has finally been amended. This was the provision that required school board elections to be … Continue reading
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Solar and utility power still not quite in sync
The story went like this: you could install solar panels that would generate electricity on your roof. When the sun was shining, you’d generate enough to power your house and then your meter would run backwards and the power company … Continue reading
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