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Articles written by Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal


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  • Secretary of state defends voting mailers

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Oct 19, 2024

    SANTA FE — In the run-up to every general election since 2016, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver's office has sent out mailers to potentially eligible but unregistered voters in New Mexico. But this year's batch of 105,000 postcards generated particular alarm among some Republican legislators, who say ineligible voters in their districts were among those who received the mailers. "As trust in our institutions continues to worsen, it is unconscionable to think that our top election official may be advising n...

  • Former state senator remembered as 'financially responsible'

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Oct 7, 2024

    SANTA FE — Former state senator John Arthur Smith, a conservative Democrat who carved out a reputation for bucking governors' spending plans, died early Monday, a caucus spokesman said. Smith, a Deming real estate appraiser, served in the Legislature from 1989 until 2020, when he was ousted by a primary opponent. News of his death prompted a moment of silence at Monday's annual meeting of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who served with Smith in the Senate, said he felt heartbroken by Smith's p...

  • Gov's administration disputes report on unspent funds

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Aug 17, 2024

    SANTA FE — Amid a dispute with lawmakers over high crime rates, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration is contesting the findings of a legislative report about unspent public safety appropriations. After a legislative report found about 56% of the roughly $424 million appropriated over the past five years for public safety initiatives had been spent, a state budget agency conducted its own review. Its analysis concluded about 72% of such one-time funding has been spent or is in the process of being spent. Wayne P...

  • Governor candidates could find tricky footing in homelessness debate

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Oct 5, 2022

    SANTA FE — There weren't many surprises during Friday's televised debate when it came to Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti's stances on abortion, crime and education. But the incumbent Democratic governor and her Republican rival found some unexpected common ground on the issue of homelessness, with both saying they would crack down on certain activities while expanding services to those willing to utilize them. Specifically, Lujan Grisham said she would push for legislation to restrict panhandling and criminal t...

  • Pot legal in New Mexico

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Jun 30, 2021

    SANTA FE — You can't legally buy it yet, but cannabis is no longer prohibited in New Mexico when it comes to possession and home growing. After years of debate, New Mexico became the 17th state to legalize recreational cannabis for users 21 and over Tuesday when a new law greenlighting the long illegal drug took effect. But the task of setting up a new weed industry from scratch is far from finished. A virtual rules hearing on the initial batch of proposed state rules governing marijuana licensing and plant count limits s...

  • Relief bill means $600 rebates, tax holiday for restaurants

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Feb 27, 2021

    SANTA FE — A $200 million pandemic relief bill aimed at propping up hard-hit New Mexico essential workers and restaurants is headed to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's desk for approval, after breezing through the state House on Wednesday. The 66-1 vote to approve the bill, part of a larger pandemic stimulus package, happened at the end of a long House floor session. Perhaps tired and screen-weary after lengthy debate on several other measures, House members did not offer any debate on the relief bill before voting to pass it. "...

  • Bill could allow compensation for student athletes

    Dan Boyd Albuquerque Journal, Syndicated content|Updated Feb 23, 2021

    SANTA FE — A bill allowing college athletes in New Mexico to make money from endorsement deals and sponsorships is headed to the House after winning decisive approval in the Senate. Members of the Senate voted 39-0 on Friday to approve the measure, Senate Bill 94, which is similar to laws passed in California, Colorado and several other states. "Our student athletes should be able to benefit from their hard work and earn a living," said Sen. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque, a former University of New Mexico football player who i...