Tagged: 2013 Legislative Coverage

KUNM Call In Show Thu. 2/7 8a: How will gun buyer background check legislation fare in the state legislature? What does this mean for 2nd Amendment rights and public safety in New Mexico?  We'll discuss the proposal's progress and get reactions.  We'd like to hear from you.  Email callinshow@kunm.org, post your comments online, or call in live during the show. 

Guests:

• Julie Ann Grimm, Santa Fe New Mexican
• Debbie O'Malley, Bernalillo County Commissioner

 Lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow voters to decide whether New Mexico's minimum wage should be increased annually for inflation.

The House Labor and Human Resources Committee has scheduled a hearing Tuesday on the proposed constitutional amendment. The measure is sponsored by the committee's chairman, Democratic Rep. Miguel Garcia of Albuquerque.

The state's minimum wage went to $7.50 an hour in 2009. Garcia's proposal would require automatic cost-of-living increases in the wage rate.

The New Mexico Tourism Department wants the Legislature to increase its advertising budget from $2.5 million to $5 million.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Department Secretary Monique Jacobson as saying that doubling the ad budget would let the agency to carry its "New Mexico True" marketing campaign to Chicago and California and launch a more robust promotion of the state's fall and winter attractions.

Lawmakers on the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee have approved a resolution that would let voters decide if same-sex marriage should be legal in New Mexico.  

The 3 to 2 vote broke along party lines, with Democrats voting in favor, Republicans against the proposed constitutional amendment.  It's one of several legislative measures aimed at defining marriage, and sponsor Brian Egolf - a Democrat from Santa Fe - says it's a no-brainer:

Employers who want their prospective employees Facebook passwords will not longer have the option if a bill introduced into the Senate this past week becomes law.

To sponsor the bill, Senator Jacob Candelaria, a Democrat aims to protect privacy for New Mexicans. The bill would make it illegal for bosses to ask for potential employee’s password to their protected online accounts such as their Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.