WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — In coordination with the Navajo Nation Election Administration and the Judicial Branch, Lester Yazzie took his Oath of Office at the Navajo Nation Supreme Court to serve as the interim Council Delegate for District 6 (Baahaali, Chilchiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) on Feb. 14.

Yazzie will replace former Council Delegate Seth Damon who resigned on Jan. 22 to take a position as the Deputy Secretary of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department.

“I’m proud to represent the District 6 Chapters and to continue the vision of bettering the communities for all youth, elders, and veterans,” Yazzie said. “I’d like to thank the District Six...

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Legislature adjourned its 30-day session on Feb. 15 having passed much of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s legislative agenda.

However, the governor is seriously considering a special session to press for additional public safety protections that New Mexicans demand. Lawmakers approved a $10.2 billion budget for FY 2025, a 6.8% increase over current-year state spending. The Legislature passed a total of 72 bills, 48 of which were proposed or supported by the governor and state agencies. Bills backed by the governor and approved by lawmakers mak esignificant investments in New Mexico roads, parks, literacy programs, health care and more, but much work...

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate passed an amended public safety bill on Jan. 14 that largely prohibits the carrying of firearms at polling places.

The Firearms Near Polling Places bill, Senate Bill 5, sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth and supported by the governor, prohibits the carrying of firearms within 100 feet of a polling place during an election with some exceptions.

“New Mexicans should be able to exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or, worse, violence,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This legislation solidifies what we already know: Guns do not belong at polling places.”

The final version of the bill includes exemptions for certified peace...

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham celebrated the passage of House Bill 195, sponsored by Reps. Linda Serrato, Meredith A. Dixon, and Joy Garratt and Sen. Michael Padilla on Feb. 14. The legislation makes changes to the Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Loan fund at the New Mexico Finance Authority, opening it up to support housing infrastructure and workforce development housing projects. The bill is accompanied by a $125 million appropriation to the fund for housing in the FY25 budget.

The NMFA, which will administer the OERF, will build on their success with local governments and businesses to address current housing needs. The funds will also incentivize local governments to...