![Lester Yazzie (fourth from left) was joined by family, friends, and leadership from the Judicial and Legislative Branches as he was sworn into office as interim Council Delegate for District 6 on Feb. 14. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the 25th Navajo Nation Council](/images/resized/images/news/2016/lester yazzie_200_200.png)
Politics
Lester Yazzie sworn in as District Six interim Council Delegate
![Lester Yazzie (fourth from left) was joined by family, friends, and leadership from the Judicial and Legislative Branches as he was sworn into office as interim Council Delegate for District 6 on Feb. 14. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the 25th Navajo Nation Council](/images/resized/images/news/2016/lester yazzie_200_200.png)
Legislature approves much of Governor’s agenda
![Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham](/images/resized/images/news/2016/gov 2021_100_100.jpg)
However, the governor is seriously considering a special session to press for additional public safety protections that New Mexicans demand. Lawmakers approved a $10.2 billion budget for FY 2025, a 6.8% increase over current-year state spending. The Legislature passed a total of 72 bills, 48 of which were proposed or supported by the governor and state agencies. Bills backed by the governor and approved by lawmakers mak esignificant investments in New Mexico roads, parks, literacy programs, health care and more, but much work...
Bill banning firearms from polling places on way to governor’s desk
![](/images/resized/images/news/2016/guns at polling places_100_100.png)
The Firearms Near Polling Places bill, Senate Bill 5, sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth and supported by the governor, prohibits the carrying of firearms within 100 feet of a polling place during an election with some exceptions.
“New Mexicans should be able to exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or, worse, violence,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This legislation solidifies what we already know: Guns do not belong at polling places.”
The final version of the bill includes exemptions for certified peace...
Governor applauds passage of House Bill 195 to make changes to Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Loan Fund
![Rep. Linda Seratto](/images/resized/images/news/2016/linda seratto_100_100.png)
The NMFA, which will administer the OERF, will build on their success with local governments and businesses to address current housing needs. The funds will also incentivize local governments to...
Governor signs bill modernizing graduation requirements
![Public Education Department Secretary Arsenio Romero.](/images/resized/images/news/2016/arsenio romero_100_100.jpg)
“High school should be about preparing students for the real world while providing more opportunities to pursue their unique interests and future careers,” the governor said. “These changes will lead to more young New Mexicans staying engaged in school, graduating, and continuing that success in their adult lives.”
The requirements outlined in HB 171 will impact students entering the ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill makes key changes to graduation requirements that better align...
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