Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Mexico’s kids were beginning to see more plentiful opportunities to thrive. Our leaders had made improvements in public policies, including higher funding levels for cradle-to-career education and increases and expansions of tax credits for working families. Since the pandemic, federal relief funding and a better-then-expected revenue outlook have allowed lawmakers to make significant strategic investments that will result in a more equitable recovery.

There is one area, however, that has remained stubbornly intractable. For several decades, storefront lenders (who peddle installment loans, car title loans, and tax refund anticipation loans) have...

‘Layin it on the line’

“A recent study by Oxfam explained the distribution of wealth which to many people is alarming. The report states that 85 individuals in the world have more combined wealth than the poorest 3.5 billion.”

It further states about our country: “In the US, where the gap between rich and poor has grown at a faster rate than any other country, the top 1% captured 95% of growth since 2019.  During that time, 70% of Americans became poorer.”

The “rich get richer” as the old saying goes and the gap between rich and the number of poor widens every day. Of course, the obvious way to balance out the deficit would be to add all the money together and...

Every day, federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers in New Mexico pin on their badges, strap on their duty weapons, and head out to protect their fellow citizens.

Many kiss a spouse, children, or loved ones farewell, hoping to meet again soon.

For some, that reunion never happens.

According to The Officer Down Memorial Page Inc., three New Mexico officers last year died in the line of duty: State Police Officer Darian Jarrott, Artesia Police Corporal Thomas Wade Frazier and Colfax County Undersheriff Jeffrey M. Montoya.

Numerous others were injured on the job.

The fact [that] 73 officers nationwide were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2021, the highest...

NAMBÉ, N.M. — I am deeply disappointed by the decision to dissolve the New Mexico Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee. The representation of land grants, acequias, traditional, and rural communities must always be at the forefront of New Mexico public policy. They are a critical part of the heart, soul, and history of our state. These communities also represent the economic potential that our future holds, but only if we keep them as a top priority.

Prior to statehood, and subsequently through our state’s constitution, land grant, acequia, and traditional land issues have always been reflected as critical priorities for our state. My father created an...