Category Archives: Articles

Worker protections are gone in a self-employed world

A commentator on a TV news show recently talked about new developments involving the ride company Uber.   The commentator remarked that Uber has made sure to set up its procedures so drivers are independent contractors, not employees. The dilemma over … Continue reading

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You can get help with surprise medical bills

A woman in a small New Mexico community was pregnant and went into labor prematurely.  She went to the right hospital  — that is, the one covered by her health insurance plan.   She gave birth to premature triplets.  Specialists were … Continue reading

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Safer trains need two in the cab

In May 2015, an Amtrak passenger train derailed outside Philadelphia, killing eight people and injuring more than 200.  The cause is still a mystery. The train was going too fast around a curve, but, according to recent news reports, federal … Continue reading

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Great minds think entrepreneurial

“The Entrepreneurial Mindset” is the latest great program to land in New Mexico. It’s not just for people who want to start businesses.  It’s a way of thinking that enables any individual in any job to take personal responsibility for … Continue reading

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New work comp law takes drugs and alcohol seriously

Warning to everybody who goes to work:  New Mexico finally has a workers’ compensation drug and alcohol law that almost makes sense.  If you are irresponsible enough to drink or use drugs at work, or before work, or you are … Continue reading

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Counting to three in workers’ comp

The workers’ compensation coverage requirement in New Mexico has always been a mess. Finally somebody is paying attention to it. A state Court of Appeals decision last year yanked away the exemption that protected farmers and ranchers for decades from … Continue reading

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Love dogs the right way

Almost everybody loves dogs, especially puppies. Some people make a lot of money from that love. Somebody invented a technique for raising huge sums of money: produce a tearjerker TV commercial showing sad-eyed emaciated dogs behind barbed wire. Then, instead … Continue reading

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Freedom versus rules — the gun controversy

            Civil society is a slippery slope. It’s a constant tug of war between total individual freedom and rules that enable us to live as a society. We have free speech, but we may not yell “Fire” in a crowded … Continue reading

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It might be time for that ethics commission

Note to readers:  Since this was written, the legislature ended without passing the ethics commission legislation. I used to joke that my late husband was the last honest man in the New Mexico legislature. He was not the last, though. … Continue reading

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Right to work puts rights in jeopardy

In the back of the restaurant, out of sight of the patrons, an employee is trying to avoid sneezing on your dinner. He shouldn’t be there. He should be home in bed, but he can’t afford to stay home because … Continue reading

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