Joseph Maestas

The decision that local authorities would plug the hole in the state’s employee group health benefits fund was authorized in the legislative session in House Bill 2. But Republican Senator Pat Woods, who sits on the Senate Finance Committee, said he didn't know it was in there.

They say at least one bank is steering mostly rural communities towards a practice that endangers taxpayer money and is "inconsistent with state and federal law."

New Mexico has struggled with education rankings, and critics say charter schools have contributed to the problem. On this week's Let's Talk New Mexico we’ll look at current standards for charter schools and we'll hear firsthand from advocates, public officials, and school staff about the strengths and weaknesses of the charter school system.

Former Española mayor Joseph Maestas, a Democrat, was elected state auditor on Tuesday, replacing Brian Colón. He defeated opponent Travis Steven Sanchez, a Libertarian, by 61.1% to 38.9%

Early voting is underway and the race for New Mexico’s next auditor is now between former Española mayor and a complete newcomer to the world of politics.