The New Mexico Senate Public Affairs Committee has tabled a second abortion-related bill, this one requiring parents be notified at least 48 hours before a minor ends a pregnancy. The panel's 5-3 vote Sunday blocks the bill from moving forward. The action came after a similar party-line vote — with Democrats voting in the majority — earlier on a bill that proposed banning late-term abortions. The New Mexico House of Representatives had approved both bills that generated hours of intense testimony and debate, sending them on to the Senate. Supporters say the late-term abortion ban is designed to bring New Mexico in line with 42 other states that prohibit some abortions after a certain point in pregnancy. Abortion-rights advocates say women need safe access to abortions, not government interference.
New Mexico Senator Phil Griego has resigned. The Democratic senator handed in his letter of resignation Saturday to Secretary of State Diana Duran's office as well as the chief clerk of the Senate. In the letter, Griego says he has decided to step down effective immediately. Griego has drawn scrutiny for a real estate deal involving a state-owned building in Santa Fe. Griego was one of several lawmakers who approved the sale of the building. The buyer ended up hiring Griego to manage the sale. Critics say it was unethical for him to profit from a legislative action.
Meantime, Griego’s District 39 encompasses portions of six counties. Under Senator Replacement procedures, each county’s commission is to nominate one person to Governor Susana Martinez, who will make the final decision. Martinez had asked the six commissions to make a choice by Sunday afternoon, but only Lincoln and Torrance County Commissions have complied… Torrance County selecting Commissioner Thomas Stewart and Lincoln selecting Ted Barela. Both are Republicans. The Santa Fe, San Miguel, Bernalillo and Valencia Commissions have decided to take more time with the process. The legislative session ends on Saturday at noon.
Encouraging more college students to enter the education field by reducing heavier- than-other- degree requirements is the concept behind a bill pending in the State House. Senate Bill 329, sponsored by Republican Gay Kernan, reduces the mandatory coursework from 57 arts and science credit hours to 41 credit hours just to enter the College of Education. *****031615-Kernan-4 :15*****Kernan says her bill is good news for the college students wanting to get to work, and for New Mexico schools who need College of Education graduates to teach their students. *****031615-Kernan-5 :25*****Kernan’s bill has cleared the House Education Committee and awaits action by the full House.
The city of Albuquerque is proposing offering incentives to encourage companies to pay female workers as much as their male counterparts. Mayor Richard Berry says the proposed legislation was still being drafted but it could make Albuquerque one of the few cities to push for equal pay.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the bill would give businesses bidding on a city contract a five- percent preference when it comes time to evaluate prospects. Companies would have to prove they plan to pay women at least within 10 percent of what men earn for the same work. Berry says the proposal could be introduced as early as tonight’s Albuquerque City Council meeting.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today, with a high near 68. Tonight-Partly cloudy with the overnight low down to 36. Tomorrow: Partly sunny and cooler with the high 58 and a slight chance for afternoon showers.