Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
A group of local physicians, medical practitioners, healthcare advocates and representatives from Gila Regional Medical Center have been meeting and collaborating over the past several months to form a partnership in creating a Clinically Integrated Network. With this Network, member medical providers and healthcare organizations will be able to formally partner in providing more coordinated, value=based health care to patients. Some of the key objectives include: improving the patient experience, reducing the overall cost of healthcare, and improving the overall health of the communities served.
The Luna County Board of Commissioners last Thursday met with staff to review progress in the fiscal year 2016 budget. Luna County Manager Charles Jackson stated that “due to falling revenues and increased costs, our budget outlook for next year is not looking bright.” Jackson warned commissioners and staff that funds may not be available to make the same appropriations for the fiscal year 2017 budget. Final budgets for counties are due to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration by July 31 for approval.
A resolution declaring that the execution of a water rights lease between Silver City and Hurley is in the best interests of the Town of Silver City was approved. The two wells near the Grant County airport and their recharge credits are part of the Regional Water System and this resolution should provide a primary source of water to Hurley. This system would also be a supplemental source of water to Bayard, Santa Clara, and the water association between Hurley and Tyrone. Town Manager Alex Brown explained that, “as the shopping center of Grant County, it is in the town of Silver City’s best interest that our neighbors are strong.”
The Internal Revenue Service today announced it recommended and the Department of the Treasury has approved the selection of Kathy Davis of Albuquerque and 31 other new members to serve on the nationwide Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). The TAP is a federal advisory committee charged with providing taxpayer suggestions to improve IRS customer service.
Legislation that will stop the dangerous practice of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and make New Mexico Real ID compliant was signed by Gov. Susana Martinez. House Bill 99 was sponsored by Reps. Paul Pacheco and Andy Nunez.
