Here’s a look at some local news:
National Lineman Appreciation Day is scheduled for Thursday, April 18th and will serve as a national day of recognition to highlight the dangerous and challenging work of electrical linemen. PNM is officially launching the “Thank a Lineman webpage” through April 30th whereby customers will have a chance to show gratitude by sending a personal “thank you” card to the line crews. Customers are encouraged to visit PNM.com/ThankALineman to send their appreciation to the dedicated professionals that keep the power on and initiate repairs after storms and disasters.
The Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce’s newest member, SPIRIT of Hidalgo – along with partners The Wellness Coalition and SW Center for Health Innovation, hosted the monthly Mix and Mingle at the Hidalgo Food Distribution Center, located in the old hospital building next to HMS Clinic and Senior Center in Lordsburg. The presentation featured the collaborative work of the Hidalgo County Food Coalition that works to increase access to and consumption of healthy fresh foods. The facility supports eight different food distributions every month, which provides supplemental and emergency food to families, seniors, children, and migrants.
A bill to increase the minimum wage has been signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Senate Bill 437, will raise the New Mexico minimum wage for workers across the state to $12 by 2023. The first raise begins in January 2020, from $7.50 to $9; in 2021 to $10.5; in 2022 to $11.50; and in 2023 to $12. There is no indexing and the bill maintains a tipped wage. The last increases in federal and state minimum wage both took effect in 2009, nearly ten years ago. In addition, the Governor has signed Senate Bill 462 that will promote state outdoor recreation and provide micro-grants to New Mexico communities through the Outdoor Equity Fund to enable young people to get outdoors and explore public lands. The Outdoor Recreation Office will work to create outdoor infrastructure, promote and market outdoor recreation opportunities and environmental stewardship. New Mexico’s tribes, pueblos, and nations have helped create this outdoor framework, ensuring that indigenous knowledge and values complement outdoor recreation and tourism destinations.
Deming Public Schools is offering a K through 5 Plus program this summer that will add 25 days of instruction to the standard school year. Officials have stated that elementary students participating will begin classes on July 2nd instead of the regular start day scheduled for August 13th. The K-5 Plus program provides all school services including busing and meals. This year’s program theme is titled “Full STEAM Ahead” focusing on a curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematical activities for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
