KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM) reports that tensions were high yesterday during Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address at the Roundhouse, as several protesters interrupted the governor by shouting about global warming and a call for a ceasefire in Gaza (Israel).
The governor’s priority items included housing issues, for which she pitched state-funded homebuying assistance programs and low-interest loans for construction companies. She also proposed budgeting $55 million dollars to continue expanding a charging infrastructure network for electric vehicles, claiming that charging an electric car or truck in New Mexico should be as easy and convenient as pumping gas.
Of course, the governor continued to push for a reduction of gun violence in New Mexico. As stated in her “public safety legislative agenda” put forth on Friday, January 12, 2024, she proposed increasing the age to purchase a firearm to 21, implementing a 14-day waiting period for all firearms purchases (which failed last session), increasing penalties for felons in possession of firearms (a GOP proposal), and the ever-continuing proposal to ban “assault weapons” – claiming she’s seen “too many small coffins.”
The KOB 4 News article may be read in full HERE.
A PDF transcription of Governor Lujan Grisham’s speech may be viewed or saved by clicking here: NM Governor State of the State Address 1-16-2024
Here is a KOAT 7 News (Albuquerque, NM) YouTube video of Governor Lujan Grisham’s State of the State speech:
In response to the governor’s speech, the Republican Party of New Mexico (“RPNM”) issued the following press release:
PRESS RELEASE
Republican Party of New Mexico
Contact: Ashley Soular
Email: ash@gopnm.org
Phone: (505) 298-3662
newmexico.gop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RPNM Statement on Gov. Lujan Grisham’s State of the State Address
January 16—The second session of the 56th legislature began this afternoon with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham delivering her annual State of the State Address.
Lujan Grisham painted an idealized picture of a dire situation in New Mexico, where education, public safety, and economic opportunity are ranked lowest among the states.
Amy Barela, the Republican Party of New Mexico First Vice Chairwoman and Otero County Commissioner issued the following statement in response:
“New Mexicans do not need the governor to tell them the ‘state of the state.’ Every day, the education system is failing our students, more families are struggling to afford basic necessities, homelessness is increasing, fear of being a crime victim has become a daily concern, small businesses are closing or leaving the state, there is a healthcare shortage, worker shortage, and dependence on the government continues to grow.
Gov. Lujan Grisham and the Democratic legislature are pushing priorities that are out of touch with the issues that matter most to New Mexicans. Millions of tax dollars for more electric vehicle chargers? New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet, let alone afford a costly electric vehicle.
The governor reiterated she is content to repeat the insanity of throwing more tax dollars at the same decades-old, failed policies instead of promoting new prosperity-producing approaches like school choice, using the billion-dollar surplus to refund money to taxpayers, keeping criminals behind bars, strengthening our border security, and supporting New Mexico’s energy independence.
Most troubling was the governor’s goal for ‘public safety’ this session, which is to continue to try to disarm law-abiding citizens, leaving families defenseless while hoping criminals will obey her orders. There is nothing ‘common sense’ about that. Republicans aim to fix the broken criminal justice system while preserving the Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans.
All in all, money alone cannot solve the problems in NM. Policies that support small businesses, our teachers, healthcare workers, the oil and gas industry, local decision-makers, and the rights of all our citizens should be the goal.
The governor concluded her address by saying New Mexico is ‘made to lead,’ but until we head in a new direction, we will continue to stay behind the rest of the nation.
This legislative session, the Republican party of New Mexico is striving to uplift the state from the bottom of all the lists. We can bring about positive change for everyone if the Democratic majority works with us towards the goal of a prosperous New Mexico for all.”
The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662.
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Our phone number is:
505-298-3662
Our mailing address is:
Republican Party of New Mexico
5150 San Francisco Rd NE # A
Albuquerque, NM 87109-4640
My brothers and sisters, this writer discussed Governor Lujan Grisham’s public safety legislative agenda in a FGGAM article on January 13, 2024, which may be read HERE.
Clearly, the governor has followed through with her previously-articulated plans to diminish citizens’ rights under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by doubling down on arbitrary firearms restrictions.
Pray! Pray for God’s wisdom and will to prevail in all of these matters. Pray for our leaders in state government, that they would know the will of God and move accordingly, with respect for all citizens – not only those who happen to agree politically with them. No person has all of the answers and we should be willing to listen to each others’ points of view!
The above prayer is so very important! It seems that the governor is using a political majority to intentionally clamp down on law-abiding citizens in what seems to be a matter of intellectual dishonesty to further political goals by attempting to convince New Mexicans that over-regulating or terminating civil rights afforded by the U.S. and New Mexico Constitutions will somehow persuade criminals to stop using weapons and committing crimes!
Some scripture for consideration:
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions [emphasis mine], that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, [a]nd lean not on your own understanding; [i]n all your ways acknowledge Him, [a]nd He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, [b]ut the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!