(SANTA FE, NM) – Today was Climate Crisis Day at the Roundhouse as well as New Mexico Historic Women Marker Day. On the Senate Floor, legislation pertaining to state financial investment and management, public safety, and broadband expansion was discussed and debated. Action today includes:
Honoring the families of the 11 victims known as the Missing West Mesa Women
In 2009 the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) unearthed the remains of 11 women and an unborn fetus buried in an apparent mass grave on the West Mesa of Albuquerque. Today the New Mexico Senate approved a Certificate of Condolence for the families of these victims. It is believed that the remains belonged to women who were buried by the same individual or individuals. The eleven victims have been identified as Jamie Barela, Monica Candelaria, Victoria Chavez, Virginia Cloven, Syllannia Edwards, Cinnamon Elks, Doreen Marquez, Julie Nieto, Veronica Romero, Evelyn Salazar, and Michelle Valdez.
“I remember receiving a phone call 16 years ago about the discovery that took place, which, as the crow flies, is about a mile and a half away from my home. It’s a day we’ll never forget,” shared Senator Linda M. López (D-Albuquerque). “What this certificate also brings us to remember is what currently happens to women in the state of New Mexico and across our country. What was truly angering was how these women were depicted in the media, blaming them for what happened.”
“What is currently happening, and what continues to happen, should remind us that we still have to keep this at the forefront as to how we deal with issues of domestic violence, sexual violence, bullying, and all of the others issues that contribute to how we look at and portray women in our society, especially those who need help,” continued Sen. López.
This investigation remains open; anyone with information concerning the victims and/or potential suspects is asked to contact the 118th Street Task Force at 1-877-765-8273 or 505-768-2450. Crime Stoppers can be called at 505-843-STOP.
Updating Civil Penalties for Violations of the Pipeline Safety Act (Sponsored by Senator Soules)
Senate Bill 9 passed 26-14, making changes to civil penalties to mirror federal guidelines for incidents or accidents from the transportation of oil and the products by a pipeline common carrier from any point in New Mexico to an ultimate destination in New Mexico under the Pipeline Safety Act.
“Currently any violations of the Pipeline Safety Act in the state of New Mexico have a maximum penalty of $100,000 per day, or $1 million total. This bill would strike that and make it so that all penalties will be subject to the maximum allowed at the federal level. Currently that maximum would be $200,000 a day, or $2 million total,” said the bill’s sponsor Senator Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces). “We don’t have to keep going back to fix this with inflation and other things; it just automatically puts the escalator in at the federal level.”
Protecting New Mexico’s Air, Land, Water and Ways of Life (Sponsored by Senators Stewart & Berghmans)
Senate Bill 83, the Innovation in State Government Fund, marks a critical step toward ensuring state agencies have the resources needed to tackle climate change, reduce pollution, and protect New Mexico’s air, land, water, and cherished way of life. Sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque), the bill creates a dedicated fund to equip agencies with the staffing, technology, and expertise required to implement smart, long-term climate solutions that will benefit communities statewide.
SB 83 creates a non-reverting Innovation in State Government Fund in the State Treasury that is initially funded with ten million dollars transferred from the General Fund. The purpose of the fund is to increase the capacity of state agencies to create and implement master plans to achieve net-zero emissions, implement sustainable economic policies, provide technical support to grant (or by other fund source) to applicants, or to implement, enable or reduce barriers to implementing climate change policy.
“We can either give our state the tools to tackle climate challenges head-on, or we can keep playing catch-up while New Mexicans pay the price in droughts, floods, fires, and rising costs,” said Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart. “Senate Bill 83 ensures that state agencies have the capacity to take action—whether it’s reducing harmful pollution, modernizing infrastructure, or making sure that every community, urban and rural alike, has the tools to remain resilient and economically strong.”
Enhancing Support for Universal Telecommunications (Sponsored by Senator Padilla)
SB 126 increases funding for the State Rural Universal Service Fund’s Broadband Program. The goal of the Fund is to enhance the support for universal telecommunications services, particularly broadband access in rural and underserved areas.
Senate Bill 126’s sponsor Senator Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque) said, “New Mexico is a leader in broadband expansion efforts, and it’s important that we keep our momentum going. Senate Bill 126 gives state agencies the resources they need to implement their plans to get affordable, reliable internet access to every corner of our vast state.”
Additional Business Discussed:
- Senate Bill 100 – INDEBTEDNESS LIMIT OF ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL (Passes 37-0)
- Senate Bill 70/a – ADD RACKETEERING CRIMES (Passes 38-0)
Finally, the annual Hoops4Hope charity basketball game between the Senate Lobos and House Aggies scheduled for tonight was cancelled due to weather concerns. To learn more about the fundraiser for the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit https://unmhealth.org/cancer/hoops4hope.html
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