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$125M New Mexico housing fund awaits governor's signature

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5M New Mexico housing fund awaits governor's signature


The 30-day legislative session may be over but we are keeping a close eye on what bills the governor has or hasn’t signed yet. One of those bills has the goal of making it easier to build affordable housing in the state.

SANTA FE, N.M. — The 30-day legislative session may be over but we are keeping a close eye on what bills the governor has or hasn’t signed yet. One of those bills has the goal of making it easier to build affordable housing in the state.

House Bill 195 creates the Housing Development Fund, dedicating $125 million to housing projects across New Mexico.

“So what this bill does is it sets up a revolving loan fund that municipalities and folks that are building not only affordable housing, but also workforce housing, that they can tap into these funds to help them with the infrastructure for housing developments,” said Rep. Meredith A. Dixon, one of the bill’s sponsors.

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The money will go toward building out roads and sidewalks and even connecting new developments to utility lines.

Dixon said she hopes the fund will lead to new housing sooner rather than later.

“Obviously, it’ll take a little bit of time for things to get moving, but I really hope that New Mexicans see progress, you know, this year,” Dixon said.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not signed this bill into law yet, but had voiced her support for the legislation earlier on during the session.

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New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback

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New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations despite HHS rollback


SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) – The New Mexico Department of Health says it will continue to recommend the full schedule of childhood vaccines.

State officials announced the move Tuesday, directly defying a new federal policy that scaled back routine immunization guidance.

The announcement comes after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for all children.

The New Mexico Department of Health stated the federal changes were “not based on new scientific evidence or safety data.”

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“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”

State health officials sought to reassure parents, emphasizing that vaccines remain widely available and covered by insurance.

“We know this is confusing for parents, but the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save children’s lives,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.

All childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered under programs like Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children Program.

The state encourages parents to consult their healthcare providers using the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule.

RECOMMENDED: CDC cuts childhood vaccine list, sparking healthcare professionals’ concerns

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Texas man charged with selling artist Fritz Scholder fakes to New Mexicans

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Texas man charged with selling artist Fritz Scholder fakes to New Mexicans





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Fourth Republican candidate announces bid for New Mexico governor

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Fourth Republican candidate announces bid for New Mexico governor


SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.

Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.

“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”

A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.

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Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.

Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.

Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.



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