What a great showing on Saturday afternoon! We had a crowd of at least 500 members, who then visited with legislators to make the case that without new revenues, critical services that are needed by New Mexicans will be lost. Mil gracias a todos for the strong showing this weekend!
We can't let them think that we just show up for one big day, though.
Between now and Tuesday, please make two key sets of calls:
First, on Tuesday, the combined reporting bill (the one that stops out-of-state corporations from dodging their state taxes) will be up again in House Business and Industry on Tuesday afternoon. Here are the key representatives to call--ASK THEM TO SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 62:
Unfortunately, all the Republicans on House Business and Industry are committed to cuts instead of revenue, and are voting against HB 62. We need seven of the eight Democratic votes, so please call all eight Dems. If you only have time for a few calls, try Chair Rodella, Rep. Jeff, and Rep. Campos first. Everything is area code 505.
Debbie Rodella, Chair (Espanola--Rio Arriba, Sandoval, & Taos Counties) 986-4329 debbie.rodella@nmlegis.gov
Sandra Jeff (Crownpoint--McKinley & San Juan Counties) 986-4243
Jose Campos (Santa Rosa--Curry, DeBaca, Guadalupe, & Roosevelt Counties) 986-4341 Josephs@plateautel.net
Thomas Garcia, Vice Chair (Ocate--Colfax, Guadalupe, Mora, San Miguel, & Taos Counties) 986-4242 ocate@hotmail.com
Lee Alcon (Milan--Cibola & McKinley Counties) 986-4254 eliseoalcon@msn.com
Andrew Barreras (Tome--Valencia County) 986-4243 no email
Sandra Jeff (Crownpoint--McKinley & San Juan Counties) 986-4243
Dona Irwin (Deming--Luna County) 986-4249 donagale@zianet.com
Jim Trujillo (Santa Fe--Santa Fe County) 986-4255 jimtrujillo@msn.com
Second, House Bill 165 is a good whistleblower protection bill (giving public employees even more protection to call out wrongdoing and fraud) that is being carried by Rep. Joe Cervantes. It passed the House Labor Committee last week with AFSCME's support, and is going to House Judiciary on Tuesday afternoon. Please call these key members to ask for their SUPPORT FOR HOUSE BILL 165:
Chair Al Park (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4411 alpark.nm@gmail.com
Vice Chair Joe Cervantes (Las Cruces--Dona Ana County) 986-4249 cervanteslaw@zianet.com (for Rep. Cervantes, just call to thank him for the bill--giving positive reinforcement when legislators work on our behalf is a very important part of lobbying).
Lee Alcon (Milan--Cibola & McKinley Counties) 986-4254 eliseoalcon@msn.com
Elias Barela (Belen--Valencia County) 986-4235 elias@barelalaw.com
Gail Chasey (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4844 gailchasey@msn.com
Antonio "Moe" Maestas (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4464 rep16@moejustice.com
Ken Martinez (Grants--Cibola, McKinley & San Juan Counties) 986-4776 mLo1@7cities.net
Bill O'Neill (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4254 oneillhd15@fastmail.us
Bill Rehm (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4450 bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov
Mimi Stewart (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4840 mstewart@osogrande.com
Finally, a former state representative and great guy named Eric Youngberg passed away at the age of 42 late last week. Please keep him and his family in your prayers and thoughts this week. --Carter
