- EARLY CHILDHOOD TRUST FUND
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed legislation that she says will clear the way for a monumental investment in the health, education and well-being of the state's youngest children. The creation of the early childhood trust fund was among the governor's top priorities for the 30-day legislative session. She signed the bill Tuesday during a ceremony at the Capitol. The governor's office says the fund will be launched with a general appropriation of $320 million that is included in the state budget bill that has yet to be approved. It will be sustained by surplus oil and gas related revenues.
- BOY SCOUTS-BANKRUPTCY
The Boy Scouts of America are urging victims to come forward after the 110-year-old organization filed for bankruptcy protection in the first step toward dealing with a barrage of sexual abuse lawsuits. The Scouts plan to create a huge compensation fund for potentially thousands of men who were molested as youngsters decades ago by scoutmasters or other leaders. The bankruptcy filing puts the lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately the Boy Scouts could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a victims' fund that could top $1 billion.
- STATE BUDGET-NEW MEXICO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Revisions to New Mexico's budget plan would dial back average teacher raises and set aside money for the governor's tuition-free college initiative. The Senate spending bill released Tuesday increases general fund spending by $536 million for the fiscal year that starts on July 1. Economists are anticipating a windfall linked mainly to oil production. The Senate's version of the budget increases spending on college scholarships by $32 million but slightly decreases teacher raises from the House's plan. The Senate plan is heading to a floor vote and then back to the House for consideration. A budget is due to the governor by Thursday.
- UTILITY REGULATION-REVAMP
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal that would reshape the administrative structure of a powerful regulatory panel that oversees New Mexico utilities and other businesses is scheduled to have its first hearing before a Senate committee Tuesday. The House approved the bill late Sunday on a 36-34 vote, sending it to the Senate. Supporters are pushing for the measure to be considered by the full chamber since lawmakers will adjourn Thursday. The legislation is backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and key Democrats who are frustrated with the Public Regulation Commission's handling of implementation of a new renewable energy law.
- BORDER RECYCLING BUSINESS
SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico economic development officials say a strong business climate and transportation network in the border region has prompted another manufacturer to move some of its operations to Santa Teresa. State officials say W. Silver Recycling will be building a new facility on 60 acres that will be home to a recycling processing plant. The business is expected to be operational later this year and will focus on materials such as aluminum, copper and brass. The company already has nearly a dozen locations in New Mexico; California; Texas; Monterrey, Mexico, and Mexico City.
- BORDER WALL-WAIVED LAWS
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Trump administration is waiving federal contracting laws to speed construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, moving the president closer to fulfilling a signature campaign promise in an election year but sparking criticism about potential for fraud, waste and abuse. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it'll allow 177 miles of wall to be built faster in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. A 2005 law gives the Homeland Security secretary sweeping powers to waive laws to expedite border barrier construction.
- ELECTION 2020-NEW MEXICO-SENATE
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Former Democratic House Majority Leader Rick Miera says he is considering running for a crucial state Senate seat currently held by retiring Democratic Sen. John Sapien. Miera told The Associated Press on Monday that he is weighing whether to seek the Democratic nomination for the swing seat that is expected to draw strong interest from Republicans. Sapien announced Sunday he would not seek re-election this year. The district includes the affluent liberal areas of Placitas and Corrales, part of conservative Rio Rancho and Bernalillo — one of the poorest cities in the state. Miera served in the state House from 1991 to 2015.
- NEW MEXICO STATE-GREEK LIFE
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University is starting a new initiative focused on the health, safety and well-being of students involved in fraternity and sorority life. School officials say it's based on a model used at large universities elsewhere. NMSU Dean of Students Ann Goodman says the goal is to develop strategies and common guidelines for accountability and address challenges such as alcohol abuse, hazing, sexual harassment and sexual assault that have plagued fraternity and sorority communities across the country. About 400 students belong to the eight fraternities and six sororities at New Mexico State University.