New Mexico

NM Blue Cross Denied Another Rate Increase Just Days After Public Outcry

October 12, 2011 by Democracy for N...

Petition delivery and press conference

Another victory for the people, thanks to the hard work of some dedicated health care advocates and your support of their petition! Less than a week after a coalition of health care advocates delivered the petition signatures of 1,500 New Mexicans calling for Blue Cross Blue Shield to withdraw its latest health insurance rate hike, the company learned that the increase was denied. 

According to a story in this morning's Santa Fe New Mexican, the company failed to support the rate hike in its application to the State Insurance Superintendent.

Marty Chavez: End Wall Street Welfare

October 12, 2011 by Democracy for N...

This is a guest blog by Marty Chavez, candidate for Congress in the NM-1 Democratic primary.

Our classrooms are overcrowded. Our teachers are overworked. All due to misplaced priorities during budget cuts. And, the mega corporations? Record profits. They’re making more than ever before.

New Mexico’s working families are tightening their belts and doing more with less. It’s time for everyone to pay their fair share and end the corporate handouts!

Mega companies such as ExxonMobil, General Electric and Bank of America pay ZERO taxes -– and they’re not alone! Nearly 2/3 of U.S. corporations pay no taxes at all after deductions, refunds and credits.* In fact, General Electric recently closed a local New Mexico plant that cost us 400 high-quality jobs.

10/13: DWNM Pasta and Politics with CD1 Congressional Candidates at Nick's Crossroads Cafe in ABQ

October 12, 2011 by Democracy for N...

The Democratic Women of New Mexico
President Kathy Duffy Invites You To:
Victor Raigoza’s Pasta and Politics!

Special Guest Speakers - CD 1 Congressional Candidates
Martin Chavez
Eric Griego
Michelle Lujan Grisham

Thursday, October 13, 2011
Nick’s Crossroads Café (SW corner of Central and 4th SW)
Delicious Buffet
6:30 – 8:30 PM -- Tickets: $20.00*

For tickets: please contact Terri Holland at or terribk7 [at] aol [dot] com. Special thanks to: Richard E. Cooley - Adam Giron - Kooch Jacobus - Marie Sedillo. *All proceeds will go to the DWNM in preparation for our state convention on November 12, 2011.

Jobs: Obama Administration Announces Selection of Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project and 13 Others to be Expedited Through Permitting/Review Process

October 12, 2011 by Democracy for N...

Yesterday, the Obama Administration announced the selection of 14 infrastructure projects around the country that will be expedited through permitting and environmental review processes. The administration says it's an important next step in its efforts to improve the efficiency of federal reviews needed to help job-creating infrastructure projects move as quickly as possible from the drawing board to completion. 

One of the 14 selected for expedition is the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project, which will build two water treatment plants and deliver water through approximately 280 miles of pipeline, 24 pumping plants and numerous water regulation and storage facilities bringing a clean and sustainable water supply to the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation will work to improve coordination between Federal and non-federal entities and to expedite land acquisition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management.

Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District applauded the move by the Obama Administration.

10/16 ABQ: Fulbright Association Hosts Perspectives on Climate Change

October 12, 2011 by Democracy for N...

From Fullbright Association, New Mexico Chapter:

You are invited to 
Perspectives on Climate Change
3:00 PM, Sunday, October 16, 2011
Jewish Community Center
5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Click for Flyer (PDF)
Free and Open to the Public

INTRODUCTION
“Current views in Congress on the threats of global warming:" Senator Jeff Bingaman (by video)

PANEL
“The scientific evidence that growing carbon dioxide levels and global warming are largely of human origin” -- Professor David Gutzler, The University of New Mexico

“Potential consequences of global warming, from inconvenient weather to global catastrophe” -- Dr. Mark Boslough, Sandia National Laboratories

“Obstacles standing in the way of addressing global warming- a business community perspective” -- Mr. Jeff Sterba,Chairman, PNM Resources