Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
An informational meeting regarding the NM 90 Hudson Street Bridge Project was held late last week. At the meeting, resident engineer for the NMDOT Vince Pena gave information and answered public questions regarding the project. He informed those in attendance that demolition would begin in the middle of April, addressed concerns about the Truck Bypass Road detour, and the possibility of putting temporary lights at Ridge Road and Cooper Street to help ease traffic in those areas.
The IRS has received reports from around the country of tax preparers who instruct their clients to make individual shared responsibility payments directly to the preparer. The IRS reminds individuals who owe the payment that it should be made only with their tax return or in response to a letter from the IRS. The payment should never be made directly to an individual or return preparer. If you believe you have been targeted by an unscrupulous preparer or you have been financially affected by a tax return preparer’s misconduct or improper tax preparation practices, you can report it to the IRS on Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14157.pdf
In legislative action:
The New Mexico House of Representatives passed legislation Saturday that would allow state workers to donate sick and annual leave to their colleagues in a medical emergency. All sick-leave donations must remain within a department or division. In addition, a worker cannot donate his or her leave without having a minimum amount of sick leave available.
The Senate passed 41-0 a new DWI law. Motorist who drink and drive with a child in their vehicle can face additional charges, in addition to their DWI offense. The new charge- “DWI with a minor,” would make it a new misdemeanor offense to be drunk and drive with a child in the vehicle. The bill now heads to the House.
A committee substitute for Senate Bill 198 that gives caregivers the authority to allow their foster children to participate in age appropriate, out-of-home activities, passed the Senate floor. The bill will allow caretakers to make those decisions without prior approval from CYFD. After significant debate in committees and on the Senate floor, the bipartisan legislation passed with a vote of 38-0.
