Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Voters in Luna County approved the issuance of general obligation bonds up to $10 million for school buildings or grounds, computer software and hardware for student use, or matching funds for capital outlay projects. This bond was a continuation of a bond approved by voters in 2014 and its passage will not increase local taxes. The bond passed with 466 in favor and 244 against.
A Silver City man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for being convicted of federal child exploitation and child pornography charges. In federal court in Las Cruces on Monday, Michael Ray Sepulveda, 39, received the prison sentence in addition to being required to continue to register as a sex offender for life.
The New Mexico House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 200, that encourages urban and rural businesses to create and fill new high-wage jobs in the state that will promote economic development. The Bill, introduced by Representative Candie Sweetser, of Deming and Carl Trujillo, of Santa Fe, aims to give rural communities the tools to increase economic stability for families. HB 200 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
For the 36th year in a row, Western New Mexico University students are offering tax help to seniors and low-income families. This free service, called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and supported by Tax Help NM, is for people whose household income is $54,000 or less and for those who are 65 years or older. The Tax Help NM volunteers — Western New Mexico University business and accounting students by day — are certified by the IRS and are trained to help taxpayers identify tax credits. Local certified public accountant Linda McGee initiated the program at Western New Mexico University in 1982. Today, Western New Mexico University students donate an average of 400 hours during the few weeks the service is offered annually. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at Western New Mexico University will start the week of February 12th and close April 6th. For information about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, visit sb.wnmu.edu/tax.