Part 4: What’s Concerning About Emerge and New Mexico’s Political Direction?

New Mexicans deserve to know who is shaping the future of our state. Most people are busy. They are working, raising families, running businesses, caring for loved ones, and trying to keep up with the rising cost of living. They may not have time to track every organization, political training program, donor network, policy group, or activist network influencing what … Read More

Part 3: How Emerge Helps Move Ideas Into Law in New Mexico

Better Together New Mexico is continuing our look at Emerge and its growing influence in New Mexico politics. As discussed in the first two parts of this series, Emerge is a national political training organization that recruits, trains, and supports Democratic women running for office. Emerge New Mexico says it has trained hundreds of women and non-binary candidates since 2006, … Read More

Part 2: The Emerge Effect—From Candidate Training to Policy Control

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Emerge and the role it has played in New Mexico politics. Emerge is a national organization that recruits, trains, and supports Progressive Democrat women running for office. Through campaign training, fundraising assistance, communications coaching, and networking opportunities, it has helped place hundreds of graduates into elected offices throughout New Mexico. The concern … Read More

Understanding Emerge America’s Influence in New Mexico

Many voters focus only on the names on the ballot. But behind many campaigns are well-funded organizations working year-round to recruit candidates, train activists, and influence public policy in New Mexico. Emerge America is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 that recruits and trains progressive/socialist Democrat women to run for public office. Its programs focus on campaign strategy, fundraising, communications, … Read More

DOJ Lawsuit Highlights Public Safety Concerns

This week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque over policies the department says obstruct federal immigration enforcement. [Insert Graphic Here] The lawsuit challenges both New Mexico’s Immigrant Safety Act and Albuquerque’s “Safer Community Places Ordinance.” According to the DOJ, these policies restrict cooperation between local governments and … Read More

APS Budget Growth Raises Important Questions

According to budget figures from Albuquerque Public Schools, APS spending has grown significantly over the past decade. In the 2014–2015 school year, the district budget stood at approximately $1.37 billion. The proposed 2026–2027 budget is now projected at roughly $2.35 billion, an increase of nearly a billion dollars annually. At the same time, New Mexico continues to rank near the … Read More

Support O-26-14: Bring Safety, Cleanliness, and Life Back to Albuquerque’s Downtown and Central Avenue

Why This Matters Albuquerque deserves public spaces that are safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone—families, workers, shoppers, seniors, and business owners alike. The Enhanced Service and Safety Zone Ordinance (O-26-14) is a practical, targeted step toward that goal. It is important to note: This doesn’t ban homelessness or poverty. Instead, it creates specially designated zones in high-problem commercial areas where blocking sidewalks (in violation … Read More

Supreme Court Decision Reignites Debate Over Voting Districts

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on redistricting and the Voting Rights Act has reignited national debate over race, elections, and fairness under the law. The Court’s ruling focused on the role race should play when drawing voting districts. While race may still be considered in certain circumstances, the decision reaffirmed that it cannot override traditional standards such as geography, … Read More

Workforce Watch: A Generation at Risk in New Mexico

According to recent reports, an estimated 32,000 young people in New Mexico ages 16–24 are currently neither in school nor working. That is more than a statistic — it is a warning sign about the future of our workforce, economy, and communities if the trend continues. When young adults become disconnected from education and employment early in life, it becomes … Read More

Albuquerque Ordinance Signed: Key Requirements for Local Businesses

Albuquerque Safer Community Places Ordinance Signed Essential Compliance Updates for New Mexico Employers The Albuquerque Safer Community Places Ordinance has transitioned from a proposal to a signed mandate. Local businesses are now required to implement specific protocols regarding signage, safety plans, and worker notifications. 1. Signage Requirements Applies to ALL businesses. You must display clear signage delineating public areas from … Read More

Victory for McKinley County: Proposed GRT Tax Increase Halted

In a significant development for the local business community, the proposed McKinley County Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) increase has been officially postponed. This decision follows an intensive advocacy period led by the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) and supported by local residents and business owners who voiced strong opposition to the measure. The postponement of this tax hike allows taxpayers … Read More

Stop the McKinley County GRT Tax Hike

Here we go again! This time, it is the McKinley County Commissioners looking to increase the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). Seriously? McKinley County is already among the highest GRTs in the state. For a smaller, more rural community, this increase will create an untenable situation for both residents and local businesses. Why this matters: Pyramiding Costs: The New Mexico GRT … Read More

You Decide: Should NM Legislators Receive a $67,800 Annual Salary?

NEW MEXICO — This November, the power to decide legislative pay moves from the Roundhouse to the ballot box. New Mexicans will vote on HJR 5, a constitutional amendment that would establish a permanent annual salary of $67,800 for state legislators. What’s at Stake? Currently, New Mexico is the only state where legislators do not receive a base salary. However, … Read More

Community Effort Defeats Proposed GRT Tax Increase

More than 1,000 Albuquerque residents responded to a call to action, sending letters to city councilors opposing the proposed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) increase. As a result, the measure was defeated in an 8–1 vote. This outcome shows the power of community engagement and the impact of speaking up on issues that affect local businesses. BTNM thanks everyone who took … Read More

No book banning. Just provide standards like movie ratings!

Wouldn’t it be great to have an Age Appropriate Rating System for books and materials in Schools, just like they have in the Movie Industry? No one calls it ‘banning’ when Hollywood says a 10 year old shouldn’t watch R rated movies. We need the same standards for the content in schools!Learn More HERE in a short video by Mikayle … Read More

BTNM Congratulates Former NM congresswoman Yvette Herrell on Trump administration Position

Yvette Herrell, a former state legislator, was appointed by the president in June to be an assistant secretary for congressional relations in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She has not yet been confirmed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, where her nomination was sent. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., is a member of that committee. Herrell … Read More

Press Release: NM ABQ Residents express strong discontent with Mayor Tim Keller’s Leadership, Signal desire to change, Survey finds

Albuquerque, NM, A recent survey conducted from July 8 to July 12, 2025, reveals significant dissatisfaction among Albuquerque voters with the direction of the city under Mayor Tim Keller’s leadership. The poll included 529 likely 2025 Albuquerque election voters. The survey results indicate that a substantial 64% of respondents disagree with the statement, “I am happy with the direction the … Read More

New Mexico’s Crime Crisis: Who Owns It?

Most New Mexicans can agree on one thing: our state is grappling with a severe and escalating crime crisis. From Albuquerque to smaller rural communities, the impacts of rising violence and lawlessness are being felt across every corner of New Mexico. This crisis isn’t happening in a vacuum—it’s been fueled by a combination of problematic policies and systemic failures. Open … Read More