SANTA FE, N.M. — A new settlement between the State of New Mexico and the maker of EpiPen is expected to make the EpiPen more accessible and affordable in the state.

Drugmaker Mylan, Inc., agreed to pay $2.25 million to the state. It’ll resolve claims that they engaged in unfair and anticompetitive practices related to its products that are used for emergency allergic reactions.

As a part of the settlement, the company doesn’t have to admit any wrongdoing to those practices. However, they will have to do the following:

• Increase copay coupons from $25 to $40.
  • People can get $40 off instead of $25.
• Donate 10,000 more EpiPens to the state for distribution.
  • 1,000 two-packs per year for five years, starting this year.
  • State will distribute as they see fit.
• Increase awareness of EpiPen’s school program and how to enroll.
  • Program provides free EpiPen devices to schools.
    • Participation in New Mexico is among the lowest in the nation.
      • Around 10% of schools participate.

“This settlement serves as an important protection for New Mexico consumers and families who depend on affordable access to life-saving epinephrine products,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “The New Mexico Department of Justice will continue to fight for fair pricing and transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. We look forward to working with Mylan to raise public awareness of the relief this settlement provides.”

The State accused Mylan of violating consumer protection and antitrust statutes with its business and pricing practices. That includes general delay tactic, patent litigation strategies, marketing practices and pricing decisions.

The $2.25 million to settle those claims will go to the state to support investigation costs, programs, personnel, training and “urgent health care needs.”

BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. — The Bernalillo County Commission approved $184,818 to put toward improvements to Dolores Huerta Gateway Park in the South Valley.

The county had already earmarked nearly $720,000 for Phase 3 of improvements to the park, which hosts South Valley Market events in the summer. The money approved Tuesday will fill the gap in Phase 3 funding.

Phase 3 consists of reconfiguring the eastern drainage pond into a playing field with turf where people can sit during performances at the market. Other improvements include drainage updates and landscaping, including more trees for shade and additional lighting.

Construction is set to start in the fall and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

South Valley Market events take place almost every Friday night in the summer, with a farmers market, arts and crafts, food and live entertainment. This year’s events start June 12.

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Paul Wymer is projected to win Rio Rancho’s mayoral election.

Early results on Tuesday night showed Wymer had 64% of the vote with over 16,000 votes counted. The general election last month saw a total of 13,757 ballots cast.

Wymer currently serves on the Rio Rancho City Council.

His opponent, Alexandria Piland, is a former teacher.

Mayor Gregg Hull decided not to seek reelection so he could run for governor of New Mexico, paving the way for a change in leadership in Rio Rancho.

“We are going to continue on the same path as Mayor Hull,” Wymer said. “If there is anything we are going to do different, it’s to expand on the accomplishments we have already made.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Wymer said he was already ready to take on the job.

“Having worked side by side with Mayor Hull for the last 6 years, I think it will be a smooth transition,” Wymer said. “I know exactly what to expect out of the gates. Well be working on the budget, that’s first and foremost and typically one of the first things the new mayor has to tackle. We’ve already got meetings scheduled to take a look at that budget.”

Wymer’s term will begin on May 1.