Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Freeport McMoRan Foundation has announced two additional organizations that will receive grants from the 2018 Community Investment Fund. Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) Senior Services and Silver Consolidated Schools Project Pick Six are recipients of the grants that total to $75,200. According to a release, “The Grant County Community Investment Fund (CIF) was established in 2011 as part of Freeport-McMoRan’s objective to support sustainable benefits for the community and is governed by a committee consisting of seven community leaders from diverse organizations and two Freeport-McMoRan representatives from Grant County.” Hidalgo Medical Services received $40,000 to retain a consultant and complete a collaborative county-wide assessment of senior services that will focus on quality of life issues for seniors. Silver Consolidated Schools Project Pick Six received $35,000 to improve STEM education and technology integration for all students in Grant County.
Deming’s Bataan Elementary School 5th graders hosted a special “Reading Night” for parents that featured reading strategies and a spotlight on the importance of students reading at home. Under the direction of several teachers, parents were encouraged to have their children practice taking PARCC sample reading and math tests and were given flyers and bookmarks. The group of 55 guests also wrote poetry together and were treated to pizza.
Today, the second committee meeting was held in Santa Fe concerning HB-31, that raises New Mexico’s minimum wage. Sponsored by Representative Miguel Garcia, the increase would raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.50 to $10.00 beginning July 1st until reaching $12.00 in 2021. The proposal would include an annual increase to adjust for inflation, beginning July 1, 2022. Tipped workers would also receive the new state minimum wage under the proposal, plus tips. The hearing on HB 31 is being held in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
The Gila National Forest has re-opened from the partial government shutdown and is now selling 2019 Fuelwood permits to the public. The new price point for 2019 is four cords for $20.00. Due to some glitches in the system, they will only be accepting cash and exact change only. For more information on the Gila National Forest, visit their Facebook page.
