Democracy for New Mexico

(Updated) HB 9-Domestic Partner Bill Passes NM House Judiciary; to House Floor Next

UPDATE: HB9 will be heard by the full House at 10 AM on Thursday, January 24, 2008. Pack the galleries.
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I want to send a special shout out to Republican Rep. Eric Youngberg (right) for voting in favor of the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act and mentioning how important it is to pass this bill this Session. This isn't about approving or disapproving of such partnerships, but about ensuring fairness under civil law for all our citizens. Thanks for doing what's right Rep. Youngberg. My partner of 18 years and I appreciate it very much.

From EQNM:
At another crowded committee hearing HB 9 was given a do pass by a 9-4 vote. Supporters of Equality came out in large numbers, and shared personal stories of why this important legislation will impact their lives. Legislators commented on how exciting it was to see a large representation of youth from the Santa Fe Mountain Center who were able to provide the committee with a unique perspective. Rep. Barela made an impassioned statement about his personal growth on this issue and a strong commitment to freedom. Rep. Eric Youngberg, a Republican, added that this is one of the most important issues before the legislature.

The Legislation will now move to a vote before the full House, this vote will likely take place Thursday morning, but there is still a possibility it could happen as early as Wednesday. Once we know anything we'll let you know immediately.

Until then, please take this important opportunity to e-mail the entire House and urge them to support this legislation. Take action by clicking here.

Legislators continue to receive a lot of harassing calls from the bill's opposition. Please continue to call your legislators and urge them to support this legislation. Continue to have conversations with people in your daily life and ask them to place calls in support to their Legislators. We know a majority of New Mexicans support equality, together we can make New Mexico a place where equality actually exists.

House Judiciary Vote Tally:

Voting FOR Equality:
Rep. Elias Barela, D-Belen 8
Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque 18
Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces 52
Rep. Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque 16
Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Grants 69
Rep. Al Park, D-Albuquerque 26
Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque 21
Rep. Tom Swisstack, D-Rio Rancho 60
Rep. Eric Youngberg, R-Albuquerque 23

Voting Against Equality:
Rep. Dan Foley, R-Roswell 57
Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque 31
Rep. Gloria Vaughn, R-Alamogordo 51
Rep. Teresa Zannetti, R-Albuquerque 15
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Thanks to all the legislators on the House Judiciary Committee who voted for the bill! BW

Check out for yesterday's Roundhouse Recap.

You can find our previous coverage of the 2008 New Mexico Legislature here.

‘Freedom of Choice Act’ Rally Tuesday at Roundhouse

From NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico:

More than 200 Expected at Roundhouse Event
on 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Legislation Introduced Would Repeal
1969 Criminal Abortion Ban
Who: New Mexico Coalition for Choice
What: Rally in support of HB 244, The Freedom of Choice Act
Where: East Concourse, The Roundhouse (outside)
When: Noon, Tuesday, January 22, 2008

More than 200 pro-choice activists from around the state are expected to join the New Mexico Coalition for Choice at noon on Tuesday, January 22, for a rally commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade and supporting HB 244, The Freedom of Choice Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Gail Chasey and Rep. Mimi Stewart to repeal an existing 1969 criminal abortion ban and to codify the protections of Roe in New Mexico law.

Speakers include the Rev. Stephen Furrer, Unitarian Universalist Congregation Santa Fe; Heather Brewer, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico; pro-choice legislators; and women telling their stories.

Tonight: Conservation Voters Legislative Reception

Please join Conservation Voters New Mexico and our special invited guests, Members of the NM State Legislature, for our second annual
Legislative Rollout Reception
Monday, January 21st  5:30 - 7:30 PM
We will be presenting our "Green Gavel" award to confirmed attendee Lt. Governor Diane Denish
Gerald Peters Gallery
1011 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe
$100 suggested donation at the door
($50 by online donation in advance) 
By Invitation Only. RSVPs REQUIRED in advance for entrance to the Gallery. RSVP at 992-8683 or RSVP@cvnm.org

This reception was a huge hit last year with a sellout crowd! Come learn about the environmental community's legislative agenda. Don't miss the best environmental party of the legislative session-- RSVP now! 

Conservation Voters New Mexico works to make the protection of our air, land, water, wildlife, and communities a top priority for elected officials, political candidates, and voters across the state.

(Updated) ACTION ALERT HB9-Domestic Partnership Act: Monday Hearing, Call Legislators

UPDATE 1/21/08: Please use this tool provided by EQNM, which makes it easy to contact the legislators who are members of the House Judiciary Committee to urge their support of HB 9.

From EQNM:
After House Bill 9 received a do pass in House Consumer and Public Affairs by a vote of 4-3, we're hearing from the Roundhouse that the opposition has ignited, and they are placing hundreds of calls into every office insisting legislators vote NO on “gay marriage.” A majority of these calls are coming from out of state and Southern New Mexico. We are still encouraged by the strong showing of support for Domestic Partnership in our state, and encourage you to keep contacting your legislators and urge them to support New Mexico Families and pass HB9.

Take Five Minutes to Take Action

Step 1: Look up your Legislators by clicking HERE

Step 2: Check to see how they vote HERE

Step 3: Call the Round House Operator at (505) 986-4200 and ask for your Representative’s Office and urge them to support HB9 this year.

Step 4: Call the Round House Operator at (505) 986-4200 and ask for your Senator’s Office and urge them to support HB9 this year.

HB9 in House Judiciary Committee Monday: HJC is expected to hear the bill on Monday the 21^st at 1:00 PM in Room 309. It is our expectation that the opposition will try to outnumber us again. The Judiciary Committee could be equally close so it is extremely important that every person who can be there attend.

We need supporters to gather early in the committee room (which will be larger this time). Anyone who attended yesterday’s hearing can attest to a massive crowd. It is important that we arrive before the opposition, so we can be seen and heard by the committee members. Anyone wishing to testify should contact Equality New Mexico at 505.224.2766.

If you are interested in volunteering contact chris@eqnm.com.

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 NM Legislative Session, visit our archive.

Noon Saturday: Insight New Mexico Radio Returns

Weekly call-in radio show returns to the airwaves for its second year on Albuquerque's 1350 AM Progressive Talk Radio this Saturday from Noon to 1:00 PM thanks to the efforts of executive producer Suzanne Prescott. Co-hosts Heather Brewer (left) and Javier Benavidez (right) will focus on what's going on at the New Mexico Legislative Session in Santa Fe and other timely political topics. Brewer previous served as the communications director for Patricia Madrid's 2006 congressional bid and is now the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico. Benavidez is now on staff with Conservation Voters New Mexico and formerly worked as an aide to Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich.

The special guests on tomorrow's show will be: the always indefatigable Rep. Mimi Stewart (left), who'll discuss the proposed Domestic Partnership Rights and Responsibilities Act, which she sponsored; New Mexico Human Services Department Secretary Pam Hyde at 12:30 to talk about the proposed health care legislation; next up Mary Feldblum, discussing the Health Securities Act; and last but not least Santa Fe New Mexican political reporter Steve Terrell (right), who'll be calling in to share his in-the-know views on the session (even if he won't share his pecans, chile or BBQ sauce).

Listeners are encouraged to call into the show LIVE with comments and questions at 505-338-4090.

Be sure to check in at the show's website and blog at for more info, including helpful links. If you can't listen live, you can stream or download a podcast (mp3) of the shows, which will be available a day or two after broadcast right here. In fact, you can still listen to last year's shows, co-hosted by Eric Griego and Suzanne Prescott, at the podcast site. There's even one show that includes yours truly. This year Eric's busy running for a state senate seat in District 14 and serving as executive director at New Mexico Voices for Children.

Support Insight New Mexico
If you'd like to help defray the costs of Insight New Mexico by becoming a sponsor or supporter, contact Suzanne Prescott at 505-304-3960 or Heather Brewer at 505-310-5957. Let's help keep the show on the air!

HB9-Domestic Partnership Bill Clears First Hurdle

From EQNM: House Bill 9, The Domestic Partnership Rights & Responsibilities Act, passed the NM House Consumer and Public Affairs committee today by a party line vote of 4-3. Over 80 supporters packed into the room to share testimony with committee members. The support for the bill was tremendous and the committee members took notice. The bill goes next to the House Judiciary Committee. Vote tally:

Voting for the Bill:
Rep. Gail Chasey (D-Bernalillo 18)
Rep. Al Park (D-Bernalillo 26)
Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas (D-Bernalillo 16)
Rep. Rick Miera (D-Bernalillo 11)

Voting against the Bill:
Rep. W.C. "Dub" Williams (R-Lincoln & Otero 56)
Rep. Thomas Anderson (R-Bernalillo 29)
Rep. Nora Espinoza (R-Chavez, Lincoln & Otero 59)

To see our previous posts on the 2008 New Mexico Legislative Session, visit our archive.

A Letter From The People: Touring the Realm of the Dispossessed

Since we have a certain blogger with long-time ties to the Roundhouse wall leaners and power brokers waxing poetic today about well connected insiders, hordes of lobbyists with deep pockets and martini-fueled dealings in dark bars in Santa Fe, I thought I'd take a similar tack from The People's point of view.

You know, us -- the little people out here in the wilderness who are supposed to wait silently and submissively for the word to come down from on high on what will and will not be done in our name by the powerhouses of La Politica. We're the ones who won't get real reform related to health care, ethics or campaign finance because our "leaders" in the Legislature -- and especially in the "independent" Senate -- have come to depend on the ready money and perks from people who want to preserve the status quo and the profits for themselves. The public and the common good be damned.

Citizen Lobbyists
Our citizen lobbyists travel to the Roundhouse or interim committee meetings on their own dimes. Many take vacation days to do so. They car pool to save money. Their meals come from brown bags, not the Santa Fe hot spots designed for seeing and being seen. Those who can't afford the trip or can't get time off from work have to be content with phone calls to legislative secretaries and emails to legislators that usually get little or no response. Even if they succeed in getting their needs met in committee after committee with the help of the honest members of the legislature, their bills are often killed when or even just before they get to the Senate or House floor by the "leaders" dedicated to keeping power to themselves.

With no big chunks of cash or complimentary happy hours to offer, these citizen lobbyists too often get only a blind eye and a deaf ear when they voice their concerns. After all, they have no clout. They don't buy legislators drinks or invite them to buffets and cocktail parties or throw unlimited amounts of money into their "campaign funds" or hand them tickets to boxing matches or football games, or oooh and ahhh over them when they enter casinos or racetracks.

Citizen lobbyists have to scratch for information about what's going on with bills that will personally affect their daily lives, their health, their work, their children, their futures. And when they show up at committee hearings, they're often treated like unwelcome outsiders who take up precious time demanding to be heard when everyone who's anyone knows the deals have already gone down behind closed doors.

The Result
Because this is how the system presently works, we get things like bills proposing massive tax breaks for the coal-burning Desert Rock power plant, health reform bills that ignore the overwhelming support of the people for the Health Security Act and a summer's worth of testimony at hearings, pronouncements that public funding for elections is off the table, plots to kill the Domestic Partnership Act with last-minute, shady maneuvers and inflated, "privatized" contracts to conduct or "oversee" government functions. I could go on.

This bunch won't even allow floor proceedings to be shown online, despite $75,000 having been appropriated to do so. What don't they want us to see? Wouldn't it be fun to send a phalanx of citizens with video cameras to the Roundhouse corridors and swanky lounges of Santa Fe to track the comings and goings, the whispers and handshakes, that constitute way too much of what goes on in the Capitol? A regular YouTube bonanza.

I know our reps and senators are supposed to be doing the people's business, but as is often the case these days in state capitols and the halls of Congress alike, they mostly go about doing the business of the highest bidders, of those who wield power to get earmarks and loopholes, of those with profitable rackets to protect. These days, too many consider their real constituencies to be not the people who elect them, but the brokers, the insurance moguls, the financial market manipulators, the insider stock traders, the shady real estate developers, the for-profit prison operators, the pay-day loan sharks, the "defense" contract proliferators, the fake "homeland security" money suckers, the outrageously compensated CEOs and the high and mightily titled corporate investor class.

Somehow, not one bit of poetry, not one shred of romance or nostalgia comes to mind when I think about what's going on in Santa Fe right now. Can you blame me?

The Good Ones
Of course there are any number of genuinely honest, committed, hardworking legislators who work their bodies to the bone all year long to try and get a little something for the people, for the community, for the common good, for justice, for equality. Unfortunately, in a greed-filled and close-minded climate like the one that prevails these days, they're about as well respected by the "leaders" in our government as ordinary people are. They get the shaft and the run-around just like we do. And I'm pretty darn sure they're not feeling poetic and nostalgic about it either, as our critical needs go unmet while the elite among us count their chits.

ACTION ALERT: First Hearing Thursday on 2008 Domestic Partnership Bill

Sign the petition in support of the Domestic Partnership Act. Pass it on.

From Equality New Mexico:
The Legislative session has officially begun and we have the momentum to pass domestic partnership this year. The Legislation was pre-filed (as HB28) and has now been introduced and designated as HB 9, the Domestic Partnership Rights and Responsibilities Act, sponsored by Rep. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque). With the help of an amazing community volunteer team; Equality New Mexico has collected nearly 10,000 postcards urging the legislature to pass domestic partnership.

Yesterday Governor Bill Richardson made New Mexico History by officially placing HB 9 on his legislative call for the 30 day session. During the State of the State, Governor Richardson said:

"...The second point of unfinished business is to fully extend domestic partnership rights. Two people, who agree to spend their lives committed to each other, deserve to have the same legal protections for their families.  As a state whose diversity is its strength, we cannot accept discrimination in any form.  All families deserve our respect no matter their race, gender or sexual orientation."

We know that we have the support it will take to pass this legislation. We must now band together in this next fight for equality.

Keeping the momentum going ... This legislative session is only last 30 days, and will be extremely fast paced. We now know that the bill will be heard in House Consumer and Public Affairs on Thursday, January 17th, at 1:30 PM in the Roundhouse room 315.

It is extremely important that we mobilize as a community and get to this hearing to show our support for the HB 9. Last year supporters of Domestic Partnership outnumbered the opposition at least 3 to 1 at every hearing. This year we are aware of an opposition movement determined to spread their language of hate throughout the Roundhouse (click here to view opposition alert). Help us show Legislators that New Mexicans support fairness in overwhelming numbers.

Please let us know if you can make Thursday’s committee hearing by calling 505.224.2766 (We are trying to track how many supporters we will have so we can mobilize quickly if needed)

SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 4TH 2008 EQNM Lobby Day February 4th

Equality New Mexico is planning the largest lobbying effort for Equality in our history. It is our goal to gather 300 New Mexicans. It is our hope to have passed the House and be in the Senate around this point, this will be a critical time for us to build on our energy and help HB28 pass the full senate. With your help 2008 will be a historic year for All New Mexico Families.

Contact Chris Salas at chris@eqnm.org or 505.224.2766 to sign up for this important action.   

Equality New Mexico is fighting for full civil rights for ALL New Mexicans. Please help us continue the fight.  Make a donation today at our secure website at https://www.eqnm.org/donate.html or send a check to EQNM 1410 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104.

Editor's Note: This ain't marriage, folks. As stated on EQNM's website:

Couples who register for domestic partnership would be entitled to most of the legal protections of marriage under state law. However, domestic partners get none of the federal protections of marriage. Equality New Mexico does not contend that this legislation provides equality, and we will continue to fight until all New Mexicans are treated equally under the law.  However, this legislation goes a long way toward making sure all families have access to the basic protections all families deserve.

Urge Legislators to Fund Rio Grande Trail

Rio Grande Cowboy, Photo Credit: Bill Manns

From Environment New Mexico:
Although still in the planning stages, the Rio Grande Trail will provide hundreds of miles of new trail to hikers, bikers and joggers. Trail-related recreation is the most popular outdoor activity in the state with 41 percent of New Mexicans participating in some form of trail activity every year. This has translated into significant economic gain for the state—the outdoor recreation retail sales account for 4.6 percent of gross state product according to Blazing a Trail: The Benefits of a Rio Grande Trail in New Mexico, a new report released last week by Environment New Mexico. The report highlights the need for trail funding from the New Mexico Legislature which convenes in session this week.

Owing to the popularity of trails, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division has set in motion an ambitious plan to construct a multi-use trail alongside the Rio Grande state-wide.

“In addition to fulfilling the public’s desire for more trails, the Rio Grande Trail will have positive impacts on New Mexico’s economy, environment, health and recreational opportunities,” said Environment New Mexico Associate, Randall Coleman.

Bosque del Apache on Rio Grande south of Socorro, NM
Photo Credit: Lawrence Blank

State Parks is overseeing development of the trail from Belen to Sunland Park where they are already developing river trail in five state parks along the southern stretch of the Rio Grande. State Parks is undergoing a corridor study to identify and evaluate potential trail locations and constraints. Several stakeholder meetings, public workshops and surveys will be conducted to achieve community input in the planning process.

Environment New Mexico’s new report highlights the benefits a Rio Grande trail will provide for New Mexico in terms of the economy, conservation, health and recreation:

Trails are becoming increasingly popular nationwide and many are becoming destinations in and of themselves. The Rio Grande Trail has the ability to tap into this fervor, contributing to the state’s tourism sector and the $3.8 billion outdoor recreation industry.

The trail will provide avenues for historical and environmental educational opportunities—increasing awareness of New Mexican heritage and the problems facing the Rio Grande.

Improvement in public access to the Rio Grande will increase the connection New Mexicans have to the river and cultivate greater river stewardship.

Trails provide a number of different outlets for increasing one’s fitness. Creating or enhancing places for physical activity such as trails can lead to a 25.6 percent increase in the percentage of people exercising on three or more days per week.

It is estimated that New Mexico spends $324 million annually on direct adult medical costs that can be attributed to obesity. By curbing the obesity rate, New Mexico stands to save millions in healthcare costs.

The 2004 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan identified trails as the top recreation priority for the public in New Mexico.

“The Rio Grande Trail has the ability to preserve the Rio Grande and the Bosque by increasing public awareness and connection to the river while at the same time improving recreational opportunities and the health of New Mexico residents,” said Coleman.

The trail has already generated popular support in the New Mexico Legislature. In 2006 the Legislature appropriated $4 million for State Parks to begin planning and development of the trail, and in 2007 a joint House and Senate Memorial (HJM49/SJM44) was passed in support of completing the Rio Grande Trail.

“Despite all this support, there’s one catch. The major obstacle to trail development has been the lack of funding. Funding is scheduled to run dry this summer, following the completion of the planning study. More funding must be allocated if the Rio Grande Trail is to be realized,” said Coleman.

“During the 2008 legislative session, Governor Richardson and New Mexico’s legislators have a terrific opportunity to support trail funding and give New Mexico the benefits of a visionary river trail,” concluded Coleman.

Take Action
Environment New Mexico makes it easy to contact your legislators and the Governor, and write a letter to the editor about this issue:

• Email your legislators
• Email Governor Richardson
• Send a letter to the editor

All photos from Environment New Mexico's Rio Grande River collection on Flickr, where you can see full-sized versions of these and other photos, and you're encouraged to upload your own pics of scenic views along the Rio Grande.

If You Missed It: Video of 2008 NM State of the State

Click to view video on UStreamTV.