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Created: April 19, 2021 09:57 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. The search is underway for a new secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions after former secretary Bill McCamley resigned last week. The governor’s office said Ricky Serna will be acting in that position until there is a full-time replacement. He was previously a former deputy secretary in there.
Officials expect to find candidates soon, but there’s no timeline for a hire.
Throughout the pandemic, the department has played a crucial role in getting money and relief to New Mexicans. The governor’s office said around $3.5 billion has been disbursed through different programs.
New Mexico Utility Seeks To Recover Spike In Gas Costs -
By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
New Mexico Gas Co. wants to recover costs associated with dramatic spikes in natural gas prices over the winter.
The utility said Tuesday it has filed an application with the state Public Regulation Commission. The proposal calls for spreading the recovery of the costs through December 2023 in order to minimize the effects on customers monthly bills.
If approved by regulators, the average increase for customers would be about $5.70 per month, or about 10%.
Utility officials say the costs faced in February were unprecedented and the market conditions forced the company to pay higher prices.
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SANTA FE – New Mexico labor officials are responding with reassurances to an onslaught of complaints about increased tax rates on businesses to support unemployment insurance. In addition, the state intends to extend the time employers can file appeals if they suspect inappropriate tax increases.
A long list of business groups including the New Mexico Business Coalition began writing to the Department of Workforce Solutions in February to express concern about calculations for increased unemployment tax rates and premiums.
They are questioning the state’s compliance with a state pandemic relief law that omits any layoffs from March 2020 through June 2021 from consideration in setting insurance rates. The provision was enacted during a special legislative session in June 2020.
First Lady Jill Biden To Visit Albuquerque, Navajo Nation –
Associated Press
First lady Jill Biden plans to visit an Albuquerque health care facility as part of a three-day, two-state visit to the U.S. Southwest this week.
The White House announced that Biden will be accompanied by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham when she visits the First Choice Community Healthcare clinic in Albuquerque s South Valley on Wednesday afternoon.
Biden also will travel to the Navajo Nation where she will meet Thursday with Navajo President Jonathan Nez and First Lady Phefelia Nez in Window Rock, Arizona, before delivering a radio address.