In a surprising turn of events, a Hydro Flask water bottle miraculously survived a car fire, leaving the owner amazed. Chrishanna Juan was left stunned when firefighters retrieved the untouched, stainless steel bottle from her completely destroyed vehicle.
Meanwhile, in New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a second-term Democrat, is taking bold steps to address pressing issues such as violent crime, affordable housing, and climate change as the state kicks off its 30-day legislative session. With a record-setting $13 billion expected in general fund income for the upcoming fiscal year, Lujan Grisham aims to allocate resources wisely to tackle these challenges.
Democratic lawmakers are advocating for a modest 5.9% increase in annual general fund spending, amounting to $10.1 billion. Citing concerns about a potential slowdown in income from oil and natural gas production, they propose reducing borrowing for construction projects while prioritizing savings and endowments to ensure the sustainability of essential government programs in the future.
In contrast, Governor Lujan Grisham recommends a more substantial annual spending increase of nearly 10%. Her proposed spending priorities include a $250 million plan to expand down payment assistance and a $40 million initiative to combat homelessness statewide.
To address the ongoing issue of gun violence, Lujan Grisham has introduced a comprehensive package of public safety initiatives. These proposals include extending the wait period for background checks, limiting features on assault-style rifles to mitigate their lethality, and raising the minimum age for purchasing semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to 21. However, Republicans in the legislative minority express concerns about potential infringements on gun rights while emphasizing the need for changes to the state’s pretrial detention system.
Recognizing the urgency of climate change and the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels, Governor Lujan Grisham is actively pushing for tax credits to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles. Additionally, she proposes utilizing treated water from the byproducts of oil and natural gas drilling to create a strategic new source of water for industrial purposes, addressing concerns about water scarcity.
It is important to note that the entire Legislature is up for election in November, adding a significant political dimension to these initiatives. As the campaign trail for the 2024 elections heats up, stay informed with the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and more politics-related content.
Overall, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s ambitious agenda aims to tackle key issues affecting New Mexico, demonstrating her commitment to addressing crime, housing, and climate change in the state. As the legislative session continues, it remains to be seen how these proposals will be received and implemented.
