Category Archives: Governance

What’s behind the doors of massage parlors ?

The massage parlors in Albuquerque seem to have bought their signs from the same sign company. Many of the signs are identical, the word “MASSAGE” in bright red letters against a white background. They are everywhere. I’m beginning to think … Continue reading

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The capital outlay secret

Every year, the Legislature divides up a pot of money known as capital outlay, for one-time expenses such as construction, repair, and purchases of equipment. This year the total has approached a billion dollars. The process of dividing the money … Continue reading

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Election results may take a few days to count

The books are almost closed on the recent election. I hope we all have learned this truth: Nobody promised you final results on Election Night. Or for several days after, for that matter. Please get that straight.  If the votes … Continue reading

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New Mexico has special needs for immigration

New Mexico has such a shortage of teachers that school districts have hired teachers recruited from the Philippines. This was reported by the nonprofit investigative news organization, Searchlight New Mexico. It’s not just New Mexico. A New York Times report … Continue reading

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A better way to borrow or save

Finally there’s an alternative to payday lending. Thanks to the simple mechanism of payroll deductions, some New Mexico workers can now borrow money without having to resort to the usurious practices of payday lenders. Affordable loan programs have been adopted … Continue reading

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Schools have so much more responsibility than education

Welcome to the school year and all the issues our schools have to contend with besides educating New Mexico’s children. Such as what has is required if a student needs to take a pill. Even if you have had children … Continue reading

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If New Mexico decides to pay legislators a salary

  The notion that New Mexico should pay legislators a salary has been discussed many times. In 2016, a constitutional amendment was proposed to establish a salary, but wasn’t passed. Some observers think we’d get a better quality legislature. Maybe. … Continue reading

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Get out of your silos and talk to each other, government!

The Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is forming a joint child safety strike force with the State Police. After a widely publicized announcement, they’ve even had a meeting! This was initiated after a seven-year-old girl was found to have … Continue reading

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Use data to analyze criminal justice

For years I have wondered whether our criminal justice system makes sense. I think first about my own safety. Does our system make me safer? Does it prevent crime? Does it make prudent use of my tax dollars? Is it … Continue reading

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The complications of tax policy

Tax policy can make your head spin. Where tax policy intersects with healthcare policy, complicated further by insurance, the picture gets even more confusing. Two recent speakers talking about New Mexico tax policy chose to focus on the same example: … Continue reading

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