Dan Boyd
ABQJournal
Contact Dan
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Dan:
After bill was vetoed last year, lawmakers try again to boost pay of NM judges
SANTA FE — A year after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed a proposed salary increase for New Mexico judges, a new attempt to boost judicial pay is making its way through the Legislature. The Senate voted 32-2 to approve the measure on Friday, sending it on to the House with just over two weeks left […] → Read More
Confirmation hearing for embattled Indian Affairs secretary-designate unlikely to happen during 60-day session – Albuquerque Journal
New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretary-designate James Mountain speaks during American Indian Day at the Roundhouse on Feb. 3. The appointment of Mountain, the ex-governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo, to lead the Indian Affairs Department has generated controversy due to a past sexual assault charge. (Eddie Moore/Journal) SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office has not yet formally submitted… → Read More
More than 30 child welfare bills have been filed at the Roundhouse. Will they turn the tide amid persistent CYFD issues?
SANTA FE — Even after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order revamping New Mexico’s child welfare agency, lawmakers are moving ahead with a wide range of proposed fixes for the beleaguered department. The latest development came Wednesday, when a House committee voted 9-1 to approve a bill creating an outside office to oversee […] → Read More
Front-end license plate bill fizzles in House committee, despite backers' claims it would be crime-fighting boon
SANTA FE — Across New Mexico, low-riders, minivans and pickup trucks are currently united by at least one thing — their lack of front license plates. That doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon, as a bill requiring front-end license plates to be affixed to most vehicles — starting in July 2027 — was […] → Read More
Lawmakers question New Mexico's last-minute decision to redo massive Medicaid procurement
Procurement process for contracts canceled while staffing changes. → Read More
Drug possession convictions would no longer lead to sentence add-ons under bill passed by Senate
SANTA FE — New Mexicans with a felony record who are convicted of drug possession would no longer face extended criminal sentences, under legislation approved Saturday by the state Senate. The Senate voted 30-5 in favor of the legislation, Senate Bill 187, that would not reduce the basic penalties for drug possession, but would exclude […] → Read More
Did a vote via telephone violate a Senate rule? Republicans say 'yes'
SANTA FE — A largely tranquil start to this year’s 60-day legislative session evaporated Friday in the Senate, when a dust-up over pandemic-related rules and a paid family leave bill prompted Senate Republicans to slow floor proceedings to a crawl. The delays included a roughly 30-minute mini-filibuster by Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, and requests that […] → Read More
House leaders signal focus on retail theft, CYFD in final weeks
With just three weeks left in session, House Democrats suggest crime and child-welfare legislation will be a priority → Read More
Paid family bill advances to Senate floor, but fight appears far from over
A proposal to create a state-run family leave program that would allow workers to take paid time off when a child is born or to take care of themselves or family members experiencing serious medical situations is headed to the full Senate after passing its final assigned committee Thursday on a 6-5 vote. → Read More
New Mexico legislative session forges ahead despite a COVID-19 outbreak
Three years into the pandemic, New Mexico lawmakers are still struggling to keep COVID-19 at an arm's length. → Read More
Got math? Bill overhauling NM high school graduation requirements approved by House
A bill approved by the House on a 64-3 vote on Wednesday would overhaul New Mexico's high school graduation requirements, starting in the 2024-25 academic year. One change would involve adding financial literacy as a core part of the state's social sciences curriculum. → Read More
Luján sounds call for increased brain health awareness in speech to NM lawmakers
SANTA FE — Just over a year after suffering a serious stroke, Ben Ray Luján told state lawmakers Tuesday he’s lucky to be alive and plans to use his position as a U.S. senator to raise awareness about brain health. In the New Mexico House gallery that his late father long presided over as House […] → Read More
Amid cabinet-level pushback, House committee rejects bill enshrining telework for state employees in law
SANTA FE — A bill that would enshrine remote work for state employees in law was rejected Tuesday by a House panel, after a phalanx of cabinet secretaries urged legislators to stay out of a simmering dispute between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration and a state labor union. In an unusual display of executive pushback, […] → Read More
Alcohol tax hike encounters skepticism in House committee, as lawmakers prepare tax package
SANTA FE — A push to increase New Mexico’s alcohol tax rate in an attempt to reduce booze consumption was greeted with a shot of skepticism by members of a key House committee on Monday. While members of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee did not vote on the bill as they prepare to cobble […] → Read More
Governor's inaugural committee releases report showing more than $757,000 in contributions
SANTA FE — After winning reelection in November, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham got big contributions from labor unions, oil companies, Native American tribes and global beer titan Anheuser Busch for her inauguration ceremonies held on New Year’s Day. In all, the governor’s inaugural committee reported Monday a total of more than $757,000 in contributions, while […] → Read More
In mid-session development, Senate Democratic floor leader tests positive for COVID-19
Senate Democratic floor leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, will self-isolate for the next several days after testing positive for COVID-19. The development will mean Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, will temporarily be tasked with running the chamber's floor sessions. → Read More
Paid family leave bill generating mixed reception among NM business owners
A new legislative analysis suggests the program could be more expensive than previously projected → Read More
A case of buyer's remorse? Plan to bring back NM board of education advances in Senate
SANTA FE — A proposal aimed at improving stability in New Mexico’s public education system by bringing back a statewide board of education — and getting rid of a governor-appointed education boss — is advancing in the state Senate. The proposed constitutional amendment that would require voter approval in November 2024 passed the Senate Education […] → Read More
Governor orders changes to 'dysfunctional' state child welfare agency
Facing pressure from lawmakers and advocates alike to increase oversight amid a string of high-profile abuse cases, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a shakeup of New Mexico’s child welfare agency on Thursday. But some advocates and lawmakers remain skeptical about whether the governor's executive order goes far enough. → Read More
Spending bill with funding for pay raises, increased classroom time advances out of House committee
SANTA FE — With the state’s coffers flush due to an oil-fueled revenue boom, a key New Mexico House committee rolled out a $9.4 billion spending plan Wednesday that would provide pay raises to state workers and teachers, increase Medicaid provider rates and fund a longer school year. In all, the budget plan would increase […] → Read More