21,000 More of New Mexico's Young People Now Have Access to Health Care Thanks to Affordable Care Act

Nationwide health care law has helped 2.5 million young adults

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

December 15, 2011 505-934-5681

Albuquerque, NM – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), President Obama's Affordable Care Act has significantly increased the number of young adults who have health insurance.

Before the Affordable Care Act, more young Americans lacked health insurance than any other age group – accounting for more than one in five of the uninsured. Going without insurance puts the health and finances of millions of young people at risk. Studies show that nearly half of uninsured young adults reported problems paying their medical bills and others forwent regular care including checkups or recommended screenings due to cost.

President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act to put affordable, quality health insurance back within reach of all Americans. Thanks to the new law, young adults can now stay on their parents’ plan up to age 26.

The CDC recently announced that 2.5 million young adults now have health coverage, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. In New Mexico alone, an estimated 21,000 young New Mexicans now have access to health care because of the new law.

Below is a statement from Javier Gonzales, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico:

“Because of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, an estimated 21,000 young New Mexicans have access to quality health care who did not have it before the law. Millions across the country are no longer being forced to ignore health problems and forgo treatment because of out-of-pocket costs, nor face years of debt stemming from medical problems or accidents. These young New Mexicans can finally lead healthier, safer lives.”

“Republicans attacking health care reform are ignoring the good it does for young adults. Children are our future, and Republicans should acknowledge the Affordable Care Act has considerably improved our kids' well-being.”

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Susana Martinez Still Batting .000 at Supreme Court

Background as Prosecutor Not Helping in Solutions for NM

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

December 14, 2011 505-934-5681

Albuquerque - Today, in yet another rejection of Gov. Susana Martinez's partisan power grab, the New Mexico Supreme Court once again voted unanimously that Susana Martinez illegally vetoed a provision of an unemployment bill that would have increased what businesses pay into the unemployment fund.

Below is a statement from Javier Gonzales, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman, on Susana Martinez's simple failure to follow the law and her continued broken promises:

"New Mexicans are searching for solutions to the jobs and education crisis, but Susana Martinez has her own agenda. Her priorities are not in sync with New Mexico's, and her prosecutorial approach to governing is hurting the reputation of this great State. She continues her .000 batting average with following the laws.”

This latest decision is another embarrassment to her office. Despite her prosecutorial background, she still lacks a fundamental understanding of what the law is. So far she is operating under what she believes is the law.

She needs to get on with the business of governing New Mexico according to the law of our State -- not what she thinks the law should be. Susana Martinez ran her campaign on "Bold Change," yet New Mexicans continue to scratch their heads in search of that change.

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DPNM Chair Urges Republicans to Join Democrats, Give Small Business A Break

Payroll Tax Cut Extension Would Mean More Money in the Pockets of New Mexican Families

For Immediate Release

Contact: Scott Forrester, (505) 934-5681

Albuquerque, NM – The Senate is expected to vote on an extension of President Obama’s middle-class tax cut package. Ahead of the vote DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales released the following statement:

“Last year President Obama lowered the payroll tax so middle class families could keep more of what they earn. This year, the President wants to extend and expand that tax break, which would boost our state economy by putting more money in the pockets of approximately 900,000 middle class New Mexico families. But with Republicans like Mitt Romney belittling middle-class tax cuts as nothing more than ‘little band-aids,’ the Republican Party is sending a clear signal to the American people: They’re willing to raise taxes on middle-class Americans just to pay for more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires and big oil. It’s shameful.

“At a time when we need to continue rebuilding the economy and restore security for the middle class, Republicans’ opposition to the payroll tax cut would mean less money for New Mexicans trying to put food on the table, buy books for college, or pay their mortgage — precisely the opposite of what our economy needs. It’s time for the GOP to put aside their partisan games. I urge the Senate to join with President Obama and the Democrats in Congress to vote to extend and expand the payroll tax cut for middle class families.”

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RESOURCES: See page three of: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/payroll_tax_cuts_for_worki...

For Immediate Release          Contact: Scott Forrester
November 28, 2011                505-934-5681

Democratic National Committee Releases New TV Ad and  Web Video Exposing Mitt Romney’s Lack of Consistency on Core Issues

Albuquerque N.M. one of six markets where “Trapped” television ad is airing 

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) – Today the Democratic National Committee released a hard-hitting web video highlighting Mitt Romney’s stunning inability to maintain a single position or establish core principles on a range of issues for any reasonable period of time.  In conjunction with the release of the web video, the DNC also released a new television spot “Trapped," further highlighting Mitt's willingness to say or do anything to win the Presidency.

The ad is airing in 6 key markets, including New Mexico.  To watch the ad, please click here.

The TV ad is a trailer for the longer, must-see video: “MittvMitt.com: The story of two men trapped in one body.” Both can be found on the DNC'S new website, MittvMitt.com - Giving the public an in-depth view of Mitt Romney's ideological struggle against himself on issues from the economy and immigration to a woman's right to choose and workers' rights.

“The new ad makes a strong point: Mitt Romney is a chronic waffler who lacks the strong principles and ethical compass that is required of candidates for the highest office in the land. No matter how hard he tries to deceive and mislead New Mexicans on his positions, we will continue to hold him accountable to his own record.” said Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier M. Gonzales.

"Mitt Romney has literally reversed himself - sometimes within the same day - on immigration, TARP, abortion, the stimulus, healthcare reform and more, but New Mexicans aren't buying Romney 2.0 anymore than they were before."

The ad also launches in Raleigh-Durham, NC; Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; and Milwaukee, WI on a mix of broadcast and cable. 

Please visit the website at MittvMitt.com.

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Dianna Duran Months-Long Witch-Hunt Finally Comes to an End

Despite Past Claims, Duran Uncovers No Concrete Evidence of Voter Fraud

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

November 17, 2011 (505) 934-5681

Albuquerque, NM - The following is a statement from Scott Forrester, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico:

"We expect every person in New Mexico to follow the law. Voting registration requirements exist for a reason, and it is the Secretary of State's job to see that they are met. But it is a different thing entirely to go out of your way to implement voter supression policies that intimidate and keep legal citizens from voting. That's exactly what Secretary Duran is doing, and she has crossed the line.

When she should be doing everything in her power to extend access to the polls and make it easier for all those who meet the requirements to participate in our democracy, Duran has wasted countless hours and manpower on nothing more than a witch-hunt deliberately concocted to make sure fewer people vote. Now, months later, the investigation has turned up basically nothing, and she can't even say for sure what she did or did not find - 19 people out of 1 million registered voters who may or may not have actually done anything wrong? Here we go again, Dianna Duran is making even more claims without any facts to back them up.

The act of voting in this country is our most sacred value. It's how our voices are heard, it's why our system has worked for centuries. To mess with that is unacceptable."

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For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester
November 11, 2011 505-934-5681

DPNM Chairman Recognizes Sacrifice of Veterans; Observes Veteran’s Day

(Albuquerque, NM) – Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier M. Gonzales released the following statement in observance of Veteran’s Day:

“This Friday, November 11 marks the 92nd time that members of the military have been honored, appreciated and remembered for their service on Veteran's Day,” said Gonzales.

“Whether Air Force or Marines, Army, Navy or Coast Guard, New Mexico veterans all share one common aspect – courage. Courage to join in the name of freedom, courage to fulfill their duties or die doing so, and courage to continue life after all they have seen and experienced.”

“The Democratic Party of New Mexico is proud of and supports every U.S. Armed Forces member, old and young, who has served, is serving or has made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. This Veteran’s Day please take time to recognize the selfless acts of these brave men and women and thank them for the sacrifices they have made out of love of our country.”

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For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

October 11, 2011 505-934-5681

Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales Released the Following Statement on the Senate's Vote on the American Jobs Act Today

Albuquerque, NM—With the United States Senate set to vote on the American Jobs Act today, New Mexico State Party Chair Javier Gonzales released the following statement:

“President Obama sent Congress the fully-paid for American Jobs Act that will get more Americans working and put more money back into the pockets of middle class families and small business. Today's vote in the Senate is a critical step forward. The American Jobs Act will help middle class families get ahead, keep teachers in the classroom and police and firefighters on the beat, and it will put construction workers on the job rebuilding America’s crumbling schools, bridges, and roads.

“The American people have sent a message to Washington: it’s time for Congress to vote for what’s best for the country, not their political party. Republicans in the Senate should vote for this legislation, and the Republican-led House of Representatives, including Steve Pearce, should follow the lead of the Senate and vote on the American Jobs Act. It's time for Republicans in Washington and the GOP presidential candidates to support this important legislation that will help middle class families and our economy. Republicans don't have a plan of their own that would create jobs now. They should support President Obama's plan that will provide immediate action on jobs. For Americans looking for work, for teachers who want to stay in their classroom, and for police and firefighters who want to protect their communities, there is no time for delay.”

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For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

October 7, 2011 505-934-5691

Albuquerque, NM - Today Susana Martinez vetoed fair, legal maps drawn by democratically elected representatives of the people. The last time Republican Governor Gary Johnson vetoed the maps that were passed by a majority of democratically elected legislators it cost NM taxpayers $3.6 million.

Below is a statement from DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales:

"It should come as no surprise to New Mexicans that Susana Martinez is playing politics, as she has continued to do so over her first 9 months in office. Ultimately her continued political games will be corrected by the courts as they've done at least four times before. Democrats will take their fight to court where they will fight for "One person, One Vote," and ensure all minorities’ voters’ rights are protected.

Democrat legislators refused to rig the next decade of elections in Republicans favor, and that's not what Susana Martinez wanted, so now she is sending us into an unnecessary court battle costing taxpayers millions of dollars. New Mexicans have larger issues to devote their attention then Susana's usual political games like jobs, education, and healthcare.

Make no mistake, with this veto, Susana Martinez is sending fair and legal maps, and drawn by democratically elected representatives of the people to court and wasting taxpayers millions of dollars."

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Albuquerque, N M –Susana Martinez’s lap dog Bryan Watkins once again demonstrated the politics of personal and political attacks with any individual who disagree's with the Governor.  Senator Mary Jane Garcia couragesly pointed out to all New Mexicans yesterday at the Governor’s press conference that she had a change of heart and was listening to her constituents who voted her into office. 

The following is a statement from Scott Forrester, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of NM:

“Instead of focusing on the task at hand, which is redistricting, Susana Martinez and her attack dogs are interested in one thing, their divisive political agenda and how they can get re-elected," said Scott Forrester of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.  It is a shame that Susana and Watkins don’t take a page from Senator Garica and listening to the real concerns of New Mexicans.”

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

August 5, 2011 505 --934-5681

Chairman Javier Gonzales Requests Commissioner Jerome Block Jr.’s Resignation

Albuquerque, NM - Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales released the following statement in light of the search of a state vehicle used by PRC Commissioner Jerome Block, Jr. and the reinstatement of charges that he misused public campaign funds:

"Today I am asking PRC Commissioner Jerome Block, Jr. to step down from his position as PRC Commissioner in light of the newest allegations of misuse of public dollars. The constant controversy from the Commissioner has become a distraction for New Mexicans. The Democratic Party strives to be a voice for transparency and integrity, and the resignation of Commissioner Block will help to usher in a way forward for New Mexico that is consistent with those ideals. "

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Below is the full text of the letter sent to Jerome Block, Jr.:

August 5, 2011

Commissioner Jerome Block, Jr.
11 Private Road 1138
Espanola, NM 87532

Commissioner Block:

In light of the newest allegations regarding your conduct in office, and on behalf of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, I ask you to resign your position as PRC District 3 Commissioner.

The continued distraction created by your conduct is a black eye to all Democratic officeholders and a disservice to your constituents.

The Democratic Party strives to be a voice for transparency, honesty and integrity, and your resignation will help to move forward for New Mexico in a way that is consistent with those ideals.

Again, I ask you to serve your Party in this last request and initiate the healing process which can begin immediately upon your resignation.

Sincerely,

Javier Gonzales
Chairman
DPNM