I believe when Governor Lujan Grisham holds her COVID-19 update this week she will roll back the state even more…..just my thought…..

Frank Haley of KDAZ-am&fm-KCHF-TV News reports:

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling on cities and counties throughout New Mexico to help enforce the state’s mask mandate – and slamming those that refuse.
In an opinion column submitted to the Journal, she said she has been appalled at elected officials who deliberately flout the emergency health orders requiring masks and banning mass gatherings – measures intended to limit the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory disease that’s killed 519 residents since March.
The governor didn’t single out anyone by name, but she has clashed repeatedly with Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks – most recently over his plans for an event advertised as a Fourth of July parade, but that he insisted was actually a protest. The Department of Health warned him not to go ahead with it, but the state says he did anyway and will face a penalty.
The governor’s comments come as some elected officials – including the sheriffs of Bernalillo and Cibola counties – say they aren’t enforcing the requirement for New Mexicans to wear masks in public settings.
A spokesman for Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales said the agency isn’t enforcing the state order on masks, contending it’s a state responsibility.
Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace said last week that he wouldn’t enforce the order either, saying his agency has more urgent priorities.

Governor directs sheriffs, police to enforce mask mandate

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham: Too many local officials ignoring health crisis

How about this!! A BIPARTISAN council is going to investigate Governor Lujan Grisham’s emergency spending for the COVID-19 pandemic. I DID NOT KNOW BIPARTISAN POLITICS EXISTED ANYMORE!!! GIVES ME HOPE!!!!

Legislators to scrutinize governor’s spending

More from Today:

‘Incredibly depressing’ outlook for UNM finances

New Mexico governor signs bill requiring all law enforcement to wear body cameras

New Mexico is 2020’s State with the 2nd Worst Taxpayer Return on Investment – WalletHub Study

With Tax Day approaching after it was delayed to July 15 due to coronavirus, WalletHub today released an updated analysis of the U.S. tax landscape, an in-depth look at the states with the Best & Worst Taxpayer Return on Investment in 2020, as well as accompanying videos.

WalletHub used 31 metrics to compare the quality and efficiency of state-government services across five categories — Education, Health, Safety, Economy, and Infrastructure & Pollution — taking into account the drastically different rates at which citizens are taxed in each state.

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/state-taxpayer-roi-report/3283/

2020 Tax Resources from WalletHub

• Most & Least Federally Dependent States
• Tax Rates by State
• Property Taxes by State
• What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Taxes
• Tax Scams and Tips for Avoiding Them

From Yesterday:

UPDATED FROM FRANK HALEY NEWS DIRECTOR OF KDAZ-am&fm-KCHF-TV

FGGAM MEDIA CENTER received this news release yesterday from the NM Department of Transportation, I wanted to share it with you, but I also wanted to bring you three other stories, times are very, very tough with no end in sight, Churches in New Mexico are still at 25%!!!………Hotels look to reopen during the pandemic ABQ businesses manifest financial ruin

State Police issues 1 citation so far for mask noncompliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  

July 6, 2020

New Mexico travel restrictions in effect

SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico is under a mandatory health advisory issued by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone crossing a border into the state must adhere to the New Mexico public health travel restrictions as outlined in Executive Order 2020-054, seen here, until further notice.

Be aware: Businesses and law enforcement agencies are strictly enforcing the following restrictions for in and out of state travelers.

Below you will find some frequently asked questions and answers.

Are the borders closed in New Mexico?

No. The surrounding borders are not closed. State roads remain open.

Will travelers with out of state plates be stopped by law enforcement or turned away at the borders?

No. Unless law enforcement has reason to believe you are breaking the law or not adhering to the health advisory, you will not be stopped or forced to leave the state.

Does everyone in New Mexico have to wear a mask?

Yes. Mask-wearing is mandatory in public for all individuals over the age of two, except when eating, drinking or exercising.

Is there a punishment if I choose not to wear a mask?

Yes. If caught without a mask in public, you are subject to a $100 fine.

What if I live in New Mexico and I want to travel out of state? Do I have to self-quarantine when I return?

The mandatory health advisory is very clear. If you cross over the borders of New Mexico, you must self-quarantine for 14 days when you return home.

Are there any exceptions to the quarantine order?

Yes. Persons who are employed or contracted by an essential business traveling into the state to conduct business activities, persons employed by airlines, those performing public safety or public health functions, military personnel, federal employees, those employed by a federal agency or national defense contractor, emergency first responders, health care workers, those arriving in the state pursuant to a court order do not have to quarantine for 14 days or for the duration of their time in the state, whichever is shorter, though all should follow COVID-safe best practices: Wear a face-covering in public and keep physical distance from others and limit travel outside of the home or place of lodging to only the essentials.

What if I take my family camping in a different state and we spend our time outdoors, away from other people, adhering to social distancing? Do we all have to self-quarantine when we return?

Yes. Even if you spend time outdoors, wearing masks and social distancing in another state, you must self-quarantine when you return to New Mexico for 14 days.

Do out of state visitors have to self-quarantine even if they own a home in New Mexico?

Yes. If visitors or part-time residents plan to stay in New Mexico longer than two weeks for any reason, you must self-quarantine for the first 14 days when coming in from another state.

If you are staying in New Mexico for fewer than two weeks, you also must self-quarantine for the duration of your stay or up to 14 days, whichever is shorter. (For example, if you plan to stay at a hotel for two nights before leaving the state, you must self-quarantine for the duration of your stay.)

Does that apply to people in RV’s as well?

Yes. Travelers must self-quarantine wherever they are staying.

What if travelers are simply passing through New Mexico to get to another destination in a different state?

This is not a time to shop for souvenirs, visit state parks or sightsee. Please recognize that if you are traveling amid a global pandemic you are bringing the risk of a highly contagious and lethal virus with you and taking it with you as you go. You must wear a face-covering if you are in public while in the state. Please limit your activities to only the essentials.

What if I’m a trucker and have to make deliveries in New Mexico?

Most trucking services fall under the logistical transporting functions incorporated in the essential businesses of the state’s operative emergency public health order and are exempt from the quarantine requirement. But all visitors in the state are still required to wear face-coverings and follow COVID-safe best practices.

The NMDOT sincerely appreciates your cooperation.

Updated: States with the Fewest Coronavirus Restrictions – WalletHub Study

With some states pausing their reopening processes due to spikes in COVID-19, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released updated rankings for the States with the Fewest Coronavirus Restrictions, as well as accompanying videos and audio files.

To identify which states have the fewest coronavirus restrictions, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 18 key metrics. Our data set ranges from whether the state has any penalties for non-compliance with COVID-19 legislation to whether the state has required face masks in public and health checks at restaurants. Below, you can see highlights from the report, along with a WalletHub Q&A.

Note: Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday, July 6, 2020.

Biggest Changes in Rank from the Previous Report

• Illinois moved from 41 to 26, up 15 positions. This is due in part to the fact that the state has eased restrictions on large gatherings and has reopened restaurants for limited dine-in services.
• Vermont moved from 50 to 37, up 13 positions. This is due in part to the fact that the state has lifted military travel restrictions and has not mentioned any penalties or enforcement for non-compliance with COVID-19 legislation.
• Texas moved from 14 to 36, down 22 positions. This is due in part to the fact that the state requires residents to wear a face mask in public and has reinstated a large gatherings ban to groups no larger than ten people.

To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-coronavirus-restrictions/73818/

Q&A with WalletHub

Should states that see spikes in COVID-19 deaths just pause their reopening or reinstitute lockdowns?

“States with spikes in COVID-19 deaths should pause their reopening as well as make sure extra preventative measures are in place, like mandatory mask wearing and temperature checks at workplaces and busy transit hubs. Some states, such as Texas and Arizona, have already paused their reopening yet don’t require masks in public,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “It may be necessary to reinstitute lockdowns in some places at a micro level, in small communities that are experiencing especially high death and hospitalization rates.”

How have the recent protests across the U.S. affected states’ reopening plans?

“The recent protests throughout the U.S. could both help and hurt states’ reopening efforts. On the positive side, the protests may prove to people that it’s safer to be outside than they thought, leading to more economic activity sooner. On the negative side, the protests could lead to spikes in COVID-19 cases that might force reopening delays due to public health concerns,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Even if reopening proceeds without delay in a given area, some business owners will face setbacks unrelated to the coronavirus. The rioting that accompanied protests in some cities caused damage to businesses just as they were starting to reopen. Hopefully, damaged businesses can get back on track through insurance or government assistance.”

What should states be most mindful of when reopening?

“States should be most mindful of limiting close contact between residents even as businesses reopen, which means that state legislatures should transition from guidelines on social distancing to laws, such as requiring mask wearing in public places and limiting the number of people per square footage. States can show extra care to vulnerable populations by making sure they are accommodated with free deliveries of essential goods and exclusive hours at all businesses,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Most importantly, state governments need to closely monitor the number of coronavirus cases, prepare for a second wave, and adjust further reopening plans if needed to avoid too much of a strain on hospitals.”

Why does South Dakota rank as the state with the fewest coronavirus restrictions?

“South Dakota ranks as the state with the fewest coronavirus restrictions because in part it does not require or recommend customer health checks at restaurants. The state has not mentioned any penalties or enforcement for non-compliance with COVID-19 legislation,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “South Dakota has lifted all restrictions on large gatherings, and is the only state that didn’t require restaurants to close during the pandemic.”

New York has experienced the most coronavirus cases overall in the U.S. but has had a big decline in new cases. How has that impacted the state’s restrictions?

“New York ranks as No. 6 for the most coronavirus restrictions in the U.S.,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “New York currently limits gatherings to 25 people or fewer and is one of only six states that still have some form of quarantine active. Restaurants in New York are open for limited dine-in service with restricted capacity, while 18 states don’t have any such restrictions.”

One size does not fit all: Children’s success must be at the forefront in determining schools COVID strategy

Artesia, NM – House Republican Leader Jim Townsend, pictured above this headline, House Republican Whip Rod Montoya pictured at very top, and House Republican Caucus Chair Candy Ezzell today sent a letter to Governor Lujan Grisham and Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart expressing concerns with the proposed public education hybrid model released last week.

“The Governor has pursued a one size fits all strategy since this pandemic began, and that has been a failure,” said House Republican Leader Jim Townsend (Artesia).  “Expecting the same strategy to yield different results for our education system is foolish and will only hurt our children and further complicate the lives of families who are struggling during this crisis.”

 

In the House Republican Leadership’s letter they request answers to twenty six questions related to the feasibility of the hybrid model.

Be in prayer Team Jesus for all……..

Drought conditions are worsening here in New Mexico. Temperatures are foretasted to be near 100 or more in the coming days. These are very, very tough days for so very many people. We must be in prayer constantly.

Navajo Nation faces twin threats as wildfires spread during pandemic
Hit hard by Covid-19, Arizona faces heightened danger from smoke, flames and possible evacuations

Read in The Guardian: https://apple.news/AxpA2n5yuScqdtoUXNN6siQ

Shared from Apple News

Team Jesus: Please pray for over this effort and please help if you can with a donation…….

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 6, 2020 Cassandra Begay Email: navahopicovid.smedia@gmail.com www.navajohopisolidarity.org Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief and Air Serv International Deploy Planes to Provide Critical Humanitarian Aid to Navajo and Hopi Families  KINŁANI, DINÉTAH, (FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA)—In an unprecedented move for Air Serv International, which normally conducts humanitarian relief efforts overseas, the organization is partnering with the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund (Relief Fund) to transport critical humanitarian relief items by plane to remote Navajo and Hopi communities to help residents combat their fight against COVID-19. Since inception, Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief has provided food and essential supplies to over 18,000 households and approximately 72,000 individuals on the Navajo and Hopi nations to help protect families. Per capita, the Navajo Nation has higher COVID-19 infection and death rates than any state in the union, a crisis now compounded by the state of  Arizona being an emerging epicenter. Air Serv will implement the Navajo Air Bridge Program, made possible by an ISTAT Foundation grant, out of Phoenix, Arizona.  The Program will transport and deliver critically needed humanitarian relief supplies to the Navajo and Hopi nations via multiple weekly flights for the next month and a half.  “We are delighted and honored to show solidarity with and support for underserved tribal communities on the Navajo and Hopi nations by partnering with the Relief Fund in this historic humanitarian airlift program; the first of its kind on domestic soil.  We are shocked by how strikingly similar the disparities in resources are for Navajo and Hopi to those faced by our developing world beneficiaries; it is disgraceful to see that this exists so close to home,” said Danielle Payant, Director of Communications for Air Serv.  The lack of access to critical supplies and infrastructure on the Navajo and Hopi nations and their mandated curfews have severely limited access to basic necessities for Navajo and Hopi families.  “We are so thankful to Air Serv for stepping forward with this critical partnership at this pivotal moment in the COVID-19 public health crises on Navajo and Hopi,” said Ethel Branch, Relief Fund Founder.  “Their assistance will help alleviate the stress families suffer while trying to purchase needed items within the parameters of the tribes’ curfews, and will help us get greatly needed in-kind donations of PPE to our communities without families having to risk exposure to COVID in off-reservation stores.” Those who wish to support this program are asked to make a monetary donation at www.airserv.org/donate or provide in-kind donations of the items listed below. All donated items must be new, unopened, and unused, and should be limited to the items listed below.  Needed supplies:  • Disinfecting wipes and spray • Face masks • Disposable nitrile gloves (by the box) • Hand Sanitizer • Non toxic bleach • Hand washing stations (foot pump operated portable sinks- ie. Serene Life 5+ Gallon Capacity Portable Sink/Faucet Station) • Water jugs/coolers with pour tab • Terry cloth towels • Cleaning buckets • Dog food • Baby formula • Feminine hygiene products • Diapers • Soap • Water • Tents (for those under quarantine) Please ship items to : ATTN: Air Serv International Navajo Nation Air Bridge Program ℅ Westwind Air Service-Charter Department 732 West Deer Valley Road Phoenix, AZ 85027 To inquire about quantities or to discuss other ideas regarding how to support the Navajo Air Bridge program, please contact us at info@airserv.org.  Navajo and Hopi residents can also call toll-free to request support: 1-833-956-1554.