Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
In sports action: having played the first three tournaments to start the season on the road, the Western New Mexico University softball team will enjoy the first chance this season to stay home as they open Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play welcoming in Colorado School of Mines and Black Hills State for pod-play.WNMU will play each team both Saturday and Sunday, while the two visiting teams will also play each other both days. The Lady Mustangs (4-11) are coming off of a big 6-5 upset win over No. 2 Dixie State this past Sunday. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak.
USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today the agency is seeking applications through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program which will be used to help rural businesses grow and create jobs. Approximately $28 million will be made available through this program across the nation. Brunner also announced a new step to support farmers transitioning to certified organic production, by expanding a crop insurance option to allow producers to purchase insurance coverage that better reflects their product’s actual value. The expanded coverage is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) continued commitment to provide farmers with resources and tools to meet the growing demand for certified organic products. The Secretary made the announcement at the White House during remarks to participants at the USDA Market Summit.
In legislative action: at the end of the legislative session. legislation to give judges access to the full criminal histories of violent repeat offenders is on its way to Governor Susana Martinez. House Bill 65, which would increase penalties for possession, distribution or manufacturing of child pornography, was also sent to the Governor’s desk.
Legislation clarifying regulations to allow ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, to operate in New Mexico will be sent the Governor’s desk for her consideration. The House of Representatives concurred with House Bill 168 and Senate Bill 254 on a vote of 63-4.
Legislation to crack down on repeat DWI offenders and those convicted of DWI vehicular homicide was sent to Governor Susana Martinez for her signature. Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Representative Sarah Maestas Barnes (R) and Senator George Munoz (D), passed the Senate on a 34-2 vote and the House of Representatives on a 53-12 vote.
