WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) secured a provision in the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2022 to maintain the moratorium on oil and gas leasing on federal land in the withdrawal area of the Greater Chaco Region.

Maintaining the moratorium is critical to preserving the Greater Chaco Region for the enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans, to protecting and facilitating the continued expression of indigenous cultural and spiritual practices, and to conserving the irreplaceable landscapes that form in the country's shared heritage. Tourism in the Greater Chaco Region is also a growing economic engine in the...

Office of Family Representation, Advocacy to take charge

SANTA FE – A new state law will create an independent office to provide legal representation to children, parents, custodians and guardians in cases involving allegations of abuse and neglect of youth.

"Critical decisions are made in abuse and neglect proceedings that determine whether children can safely remain at home, should be placed in foster care and when families can be reunited or parents lose their custody rights.  The Office of Family Representation and Advocacy will strengthen the legal representation children and families need in child protection cases to ensure the best possible outcomes," Justice Briana Zamora...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer congratulate Roselyn Tso, a member of the Navajo Nation and current director of the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, who was nominated by U.S. President Joe Biden to serve as the new head of the Indian Health Service across the United States.

Nez lauded Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their continued support for tribal nations and for putting forth this nomination.

“This is a historic nomination put forth by the Biden-Harris Administration,” Nez said. “Over many years, Director Tso has demonstrated her commitment to public health and the well-being of all people at the...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was joined by educators, students and legislators as she signed multiple pieces of priority legislation into law strengthening the state’s educator pipeline and building up New Mexico’s  public education system for students, families and education professionals March 1.

 

THE HEADLINERS

Senate Bill 1, which increases the minimum salaries by $10,000 for all three tiers of teachers. Coupled with 7 percent raises in the budget, New Mexico teachers will be the highest paid in the region. (Sponsors: Sen. Mimi Stewart, Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, Rep. Debra Sariñana)

House Bill 73 shortens the amount of time teachers must wait to return to...