Senator Tom Udall is praising President Obama's intention to take steps to bolster the middle class. Udall spoke following the President's State of the Union address Tuesday night: *****012914-Udall-2 :22***** Fellow New Mexico Democrat, Senator Martin Heinrich said he was encouraged by the president's commitment to creating opportunities for small businesses, students and immigrants.
The issue of a living wage in Santa Fe County brought many people to the initial public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday night. Karen Nicks of the Living Wage Network, along with supporters, brought six-thousand petition signatures in favor of the County following the City of Santa Fe's lead on wages: *****012914-Nicks-2***** Nicks told Commissioners adopting the higher wage would set a precedent with interest from neighboring county governments. The Commissioners will consider the living wage again during it's February 11th meeting.
Newly-elected Santa Fe County officials will be making more money when they assume office. The County's Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved 15-percent raises for elected officials such as Sheriff and Treasurer. Commissioners also approved a similar pay boost for future Commissioners, but two—Danny Mayfield and Robert Anaya—abstained. Commissioner Anaya: commented: *****012914-Anaya-1 :15***** Santa Fe County Commissioner Robert Anaya.
Santa Fe State Senator Peter Wirth's bill to ban texting while driving on Tuesday received unanimous support of the Senate Public Affairs Committee. The measure would prohibit drivers from sending or reading a text message, email or searching the net with a communications device. The measure would impose a 25-dollar fine for a first offense and 50-bucks for subsequent violations. Forty-one other states ban texting by all drivers. Proposed texting bans for all drivers have regularly failed during recent legislative sessions.
A rally is planned at the Roundhouse today against Governor Susana Martinez's proposal to stop New Mexico from issuing drivers licenses to immigrants who are living in the country illegally. The immigrant rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido will rally and deliver petitions to lawmakers and the governor. Martinez's legislation has failed in each attempt. While the Governor has continued her efforts, several other states have followed New Mexico and have approved laws that allow immigrants to drive legally.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today, with a high near 46. Tonight- Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. For tomorrow: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 55.