Printable Version

STATE’S NEWEST SENATOR HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

Santa Fe, NM – “It’s a fascinating and intricate process and I’m proud to be representing my District here,” said Senator Howie Morales (D-Catron, Grants and Socorro-28), the New Mexico’s newest State Senator.

Only a week at his new place in the State Senate chambers, he already has been seated on the Senate Education and Senate Public Affairs Committees and has introduced his share of bills. When asked about them, he points to two in particular: Senate Bill 81 and Senate Bill 258.

Senate Bill 81 resonates with Senator Morales because it relates to his previous position with Grant County government as the County Clerk. Senate Bill 81 would eliminate the use of Social Security numbers for election procedure purposes. “I think there is too much potential for identity theft and for making the voting process more complicated than it needs to be,” said Senator Morales.

Senate Bill 258 relates to Senator Morales’ District in what he sees as an important way that reaches beyond the Grant County boundaries. This legislation would allow the State, acting through the General Services Department, to either on its own or in concert with Grant County, acquire a facility to replace the Fort Bayard Medical Center. “The Medical Center needs to be replaced with a more modern facility that can better care for the needs of Grant and Catron Counties,” said Senator Morales.

In addition to Senate Bills 81 and 258, Senator Morales has introduced ten other bills. They include support for a Socorro homeless shelter and programs, legal assistance for low-income persons, a tour of the Gila Program, and 6th Judicial District restorative justice services..

# # #