• "Halfway through the session: Alcohol tax, immigration bill, and Santa Fe weekend events"

  • Feb 21 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

"Halfway through the session: Alcohol tax, immigration bill, and Santa Fe weekend events"

  • Summary

  • Good morning, this is your Santa Fe Local Frequency for Friday, February 21, 2025. We're halfway through the legislative session, and there's a lot to catch up on. The New Mexico legislature has been busy, with several key bills making their way through the process. One of the most notable is House Bill 417, a proposed tax hike on alcohol that passed its first hurdle this week. The bill aims to generate extra revenue, which would be used to support behavioral health services and other community programs. Democratic Rep. Cristina Parajón, one of the bill's sponsors, discussed the proposal with New Mexico in Focus, highlighting how the additional funds would be allocated and the potential benefits for the state.

    In other legislative news, Senate Bill 36, which aims to protect undocumented immigrants by prohibiting the state from releasing certain personal information to enforce federal civil immigration law, has been met with opposition from Republican senators. Despite warnings that the bill could jeopardize federal funds, it passed the Senate on a party-line vote. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, emphasized the importance of ensuring all New Mexicans feel protected when sharing sensitive information with state agencies.

    On a lighter note, there's plenty to do in Santa Fe this weekend. The Santa Fe Film Festival is in full swing, featuring a new wave of independent films, documentaries, and shorts, along with Q&As, panels, and workshops. If you're looking for something more musical, the Bluebird Cafe X Bishop's Lodge event is happening on February 21 and 22, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and shows starting at 6 p.m.

    For those interested in exploring the local art scene, the Last Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Railyard Plaza is a must-visit. Every last Friday of the month, from 5 to 7 p.m., you can experience world-class contemporary art. And if you're in the mood for some jazz, don't miss the upcoming Diana Krall concert at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, though tickets are on sale now for the May event.

    In community news, the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico held its 20th annual Sweetheart Auction on February 8, raising critical funds to support cancer patients in Northern New Mexico. And if you're looking for a unique dining experience, the Santa Fe Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering a variety of local produce and artisanal goods.

    Finally, a reminder that the legislative session has 30 days remaining, and lawmakers are working diligently to pass key bills. We'll continue to keep you updated on the latest developments.

    This has been Santa Fe Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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