Author Archives: merilee

Parental notification on abortion, an issue I hoped had been put to rest years ago, is back with New Mexico, thanks to House Bill 391, sponsored by Rep. Alonzo Baldonado (R-Valencia). The bill requires that if a minor is seeking … Continue reading →

The state Capitol is once again filled to the brim with legislators, lobbyists, state agency executives, legislative staff members, and thousands of assorted visitors.   If you’ve never been there, it’s worth a trip, to see your representative democracy in action. … Continue reading →

As the Legislature debates the two related issues of right to work and minimum wage, we’re probably going to hear about theories like free markets and free choice. So let’s get real. Some things are still traded in completely free … Continue reading →

I keep talking with public school teachers who are miserable. They’re all looking at their bank accounts trying to figure out when they can retire. The purpose of the school system is to educate students, not to make its employees … Continue reading →

Did Susana Martinez’ campaign strategists influence the selection of Martinez’ opponent? Did the Martinez machine want Gary King to be the Democratic nominee for governor? Brian Sanderoff thinks so. That was one of several points Sanderoff made in a recent … Continue reading →

A recent article from the Washington Post described Black Friday, and all the news coverage of that shopping extravaganza, as a spectacle of the poor performing for the entertainment of the rest of us. The writer likened Black Friday to … Continue reading →

PERA’s fund is doing well. That’s very good news for you if you are one of the thousands of former state or local government employees who rely on PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) for all or part of your retirement … Continue reading →

The best thing we can do for small business, said Steve Maestas, is to increase their revenue. The best way to do that is to attract big businesses – the businesses that bring new dollars into the state’s economy, making … Continue reading →

New Mexicans have been arguing for a couple of years about whether to amend the state constitution to distribute money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to pay for early childhood education programs. As a public service to help prevent … Continue reading →