Expect a fight come January over the so-called “right-to-work” issue in the New Mexico Legislature. A Republican legislative leader says the GOP's new majority in the state House means New Mexico may enact legislation to bar labor contracts that require workers to be union members. Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle says passage of right-to-work legislation would help New Mexico better compete in economic development efforts with neighboring states that already have such laws. While Republican Governor Susana Martinez supports right-to-work legislation, the Albuquerque Journal reports that it's unclear whether Martinez will make it a priority during her second term. Democrats still control the Senate, but union leaders say they acknowledge expect a push to pass right-to-work legislation. Carter Bundy of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says union leaders hope some Republicans will join Democrats in defeating the legislation.
A 25-year old Pojoaque mother was sentenced to prison Thursday for her part in the death of her three-year old son. Tabetha Van Holtz had pleaded guilty in March for her role in the death of Leland Valdez in January 2011. District Judge Francis Matthew sentenced Van Holtz to a total of nine years behind bars. The judge suspended two years for a total of seven years in prison. The case shocked the community and led to a shake-up at the state Children, Youth and Families Department over accusations that the agency didn’t do enough to protect Leland, despite allegations of abuse long before he died.
Santa Fe City Councilor Joseph Maestas has introduced two ordinances designed to add some teeth to the City’s Living Wage law. Maestas says while Santa Fe has one of the most progressive minimum wage laws in the nation, more needs to be done to ensure compliance. *****111314-
A veto over-ride attempt on a measure that would let Navajos decide which candidates are fluent in the tribal language has gone down to defeat. Navajo President Ben Shelly vetoed the bill last month, saying it would benefit one presidential candidate who was disqualified for failing to show he could speak fluent Navajo. Navajo lawmakers took up a measure to override the veto Thursday during a special session in Window Rock. It failed to get enough votes to pass.
The work of Johan Sebastian Bach will be celebrated this weekend….as New Mexico Highlands University is hosting a Bach Fest Sunday at the Las Vegas school’s Ilfeld Auditorium. Margaret McKinney is a Highlands spokeswoman:
Bach Feature Q: the festival orchestra.” Runs 2:13
Tickets are available for cash or credit at the Ilfeld Auditorium Door for the Sunday Bach Fest 2014 performance at 2pm
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly cloudy and warmer today with the expected high 49 with a slight chance for showers. Tonight: Cloudy with a 30-percent chance for rain and snow showers with little to no accumulation expected, the overnight low, 34.