 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
During a visit to FLETC-Artesia, Senator Domenici reviewed recent developments at the campus with Asst. Chief Patrol Agent CJ Messer, FLETC-Artesia director Woody Wright and Asst. Director Cynthia Atwood. (Jan 16) |
 |
Senator Domenici received a construction update from Reinhard Hinterreither on the $1.5 billion LES uranium enrichment facility being built near Eunice, N.M. (Jan 17) |
| |
 |
In Carlsbad, Senator Domenici accepts an appreciation plaque from DOE Site manager Dr. Dave Moody, who presented the honor on behalf of employees at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. (Jan. 18) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici visited with Tammy Buckles of Albuquerque, who was in Washington as part of the Emergency Nurses Association. (Jan. 28) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici met with representatives of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico--including Art Schreiber, Greg Trapp, James Babb, and Ray Marshall--to discuss legislative priorities. (Jan. 28)) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici visits with Illinois Senator Barack Obama at the annual pre-State of the Union Address dinner. The two Senators continue to push their bill to expand VA mental health benefits to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Jan. 28) |
| |
 |
Domenici aide Lisa Breeden (back, second from left) was among the representatives hosting a delegation of French officials visiting Sandia National Laboratories to learn more about nanotechnology. (Jan. 30) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici & Governor Bill Richardson took time to pose with staff following a meeting to discuss state priorities that need federal attention. (Jan. 31) |
| |
 |
Senator and Mrs. Domenici saluted Lynden Armstrong, a Ft. Sumner native and NMSU alum who is now chief clerk of the Senate Rules Committee. Armstrong worked 13 years with Domenici, the past 10 years as deputy chief of staff for administration. (Feb. 1) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici acknowledges the crowd following his last address to the New Mexico Legislature as a U.S. Senator. Domenici's first speech to the legislature was on Feb. 25, 1973, just weeks after he began his Senate career. (Feb. 4) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici discussed health care issues with representatives of the Rio Grande Association of Health Underwriters, including Kay Knutson, Anne Sperling, Lori Flint, Cecilia Webb, Jim Gallegos & Leonel Zea. (Feb. 6) |
| |
 |
Senator Domenici conferred with Valles Caldera Trust representatives--Dr. Jeffrey Cross, Bill Keleher, Tracy Hephner and Jim Range--about funding needs after the FY09 budget recommended no money for the Caldera. (Feb. 6) |
 |
Senator Domenici meets with Steve Ceeco and Linda Frisch, both with the New Mexico Association of Mortgage Brokers. They discussed the Senate's economic stimulus plan, which includes some housing provisions. It passed the Senate that day. (Feb. 7) |
 |
Domenici listens to concerns aired by John L. Jones of Tijeras who was among the New Mexico Rural Water Association delegates visiting Washington. (Feb. 7) |
 |
Arts patron Suzanne Poole and Domenici aide Lisa Breeden congratulate Ron Steiner on the kickoff of the second annual Italian Film Festival in Albuquerque, which supports UNM's Children Hospital. It is conducted during St. Valentine’s Day week. (Feb. 9) |
 |
Senator Domenici met with Pete Comstock of Cedar Crest and Larry Blair of Albuquerque, both of whom were representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart. They discussed veterans' benefit funding and legislation of interest to veterans. (Feb. 12) |
 |
Senator Domenici visited with Navajo Agricultural Products Industry board members representatives Edward T. Begay of Gallup, Ervin Chaves and Tsosie Lewis, both of Bloomfield to discuss the outlook for future congressional support. (Feb. 12) |
 |
2008 is moving at a rapid pace, and here in Washington we’ve been busy working on legislation, including a recently enacted economic stimulus package that will provide a needed boost for the U.S. economy. I’m satisfied with the package that contains, among other things, rebate checks to help a large swath of Americans—including disabled veterans and those living on Social Security. Now, we’re turning our attention to the FY2009 budget, a plan the President gave Congress that recommends both good and troubling things for New Mexicans. I recently traveled to Santa Fe to address the State Legislature, and visit with Governor Richardson, during the 2008 legislative session. I first addressed the Legislature in 1973, only a few short weeks after taking office as U.S. Senator, so I appreciated the chance to share my thoughts with them for a final time. I hope you enjoy the February edition of The Domenici Report. As you read, I’ve included information on legislation I have cosponsored to provide American veterans with discount access to National Parks. I also salute several New Mexico communities on their recent Tree City designation, and provide important information concerning the upcoming tax season. I also hope you’ll take a few minutes to peruse the calendar of events to see what’s happening in your area. I hope you’ll continue to contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.
|
| Veterans Deserve Discounted Parks Pass | |
Our National Parks are some of America’s greatest treasures, and I believe they should be enjoyed by all. I’ve cosponsored legislation that would give America’s veterans discounted access to our national park areas. The Veterans Eagle Parks Pass Act (S.617), introduced by Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) this past year, would make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass—which allows unlimited access to National Park areas for a year-long period—available to veterans for a $10 annual rate. The non-discounted rate for the pass is currently $80. Similar discount passes are already available to seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where I am the ranking member, held hearings on S.617 last year. It looks like the Committee might be able to approve this bill soon and pass it on to the full Senate for consideration. I think these passes will provide a small measure of thanks to America’s veterans for their service to our country and help more people enjoy our national parks. |
For more information on the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, visit http://www.nps.gov.
|
| Go Red in February | |
Although February is the month of Valentine’s Day, it also marks the American Heart Association’s National Heart Month. The annual event focuses on raising national awareness of cardiovascular disease and the steps each of us can take to live a healthy heart lifestyle. As part of annual events, this year featured the fifth annual National Wear Red Day. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 460,000 women die every year from cardiovascular illness. Although Wear Red Day took place on Feb. 1, the American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to plan their own Wear Red Day event to improve public knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its effects among women. |
I know many of you have either been directly affected by, or know someone who has heart disease. I hope you’ll take advantage of this public declaration of education and consciousness by wearing red, and encouraging your neighbors to do likewise. If you’re looking for advice on improving your own heart health, or simply looking for ways to get involved, visit www.goredforwomen.org or www.americanheart.org. |
| New Mexico Tree Cities | |
Nine New Mexico communities have been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as “Tree Cities” for their ongoing commitment to improving the environment during 2007. Tree City USA collaborates with individual state foresters and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program to encourage, recognize, and provide resources for communities looking to create a more sustainable environment for residents and wildlife.
|
Clovis’ Ned Houk Park (pictured here) is one reason it was again selected for this designation. It and the following New Mexico communities, all of which have received prior Tree City designation, were recognized for their work in 2007:
Congratulations to each of these communities for the example they set in their dedication to protecting and preserving our environment. For more information on the Tree City USA program please visit: http://www.arborday.org |
| Anthony, N.M.: The Leap Year Capital of the World | |
“Leap Year Babies,” who only celebrate their birthdays once every four years will converge on Anthony, N.M. later this month for a grand celebration. That’s because this small town, which lies in both New Mexico and Texas, holds the title of “Leap Year Capital of the World!” In 1988, Anthony Chamber of Commerce member and leap year baby Mary Ann Brown, discovered she and her neighbor shared the same unique birthday. To celebrate, they created the Worldwide Leap Year Birthday Club, which now boasts at least 500 people. They also established the Worldwide Leap Year Festival, hosted by the city of Anthony every four years, to celebrate with all those lucky individuals who share the same unusual birthday.
|
This year’s Sixth Quadrennial Celebration will be held Feb. 28 – March 2, and will include a parade, golf tournament, birthday cake, and much more. Serving as marshal of this year’s parade will be Josephine Abeita who was born in 1908 and is celebrating her 100th birthday. A special Happy “Leap Year” Birthday to all my New Mexico friends born on Feb. 29! For more information on Anthony, N.M. and this year’s events visit: http://www.leapyearcapital.com |
| Need Help Fast: 2007 Tax Credits | |
It’s almost time to file your taxes. Don’t miss out on some of these valuable credits for which you and your family may qualify: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Keep in mind that New Mexico offers a similar state tax credit. For more information, contact the New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue at (505) 827-0827.
|
Child Tax Credit Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses |
| Reminder: New Passport Fees | |
Passport fee increases took effect Feb. 1. Individuals must now pay the following:
|
For more information on securing your passport, visit http://travel.state.gov. |
| Small Business Spotlight: Office Connections | |
More and more people are looking to make their homes in the natural beauty of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, but they still must maintain their business, home office, and school supply needs. Tony and Robyn Scott have found their niche by supplying these basics through their Tijeras-based business, Office Connections.
|
The Scotts launched Office Connections last year with help from ACCION New Mexico a non-profit organization that provides business assistance to budding New Mexico entrepreneurs. Today, the Scotts have a full-service printing and copying center; business and school supplies that you’d find in a bigger city; plus promotional items, as well as a wall advertising other Tijeras-area firms. While you wait for your copies, be sure to check out the handmade crafts, art and other items the Scotts offer from regional artisans. Visit Office Connections on Highway 337 in Tijeras, just south of I-40, or call them at (505) 281-6332. |
| Traveling Through New Mexico: Rio Grande Valley State Park | |
Rio Grande Valley State Park provides an oasis in the urban Albuquerque area where you can walk the dog, air out the horses, hike, bike, or even go fishing. The park stretches over 4,300 acres along the bosque, from the Sandia Pueblo in the north to Isleta Pueblo on the south. Most days you’ll see ducks, geese and turtles—and maybe even a snake or two—in this unique habitat shaded by cottonwood and willow forests. |
As part of the Water Resources Development Act enacted last year, Senator Domenici gained a $25 million authorization to preserve the Rio Grande bosque in this region and to develop an urban greenbelt that even more people can enjoy. For more information on the Rio Grande Valley State Park, visit www.cabq.gov. |
 |
 |
| Looking Forward To… | |
Just a few of New Mexico’s local events. No Drama Days with Twin Tip Nation Dog Canyon Trail Hike 25th Annual Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon Sierra County Longhorn Show Jeep Terrain Park Challenge Lunar Eclipse Event Battles for Socorro Civil War Re-Enactment Bike and Car Show
|
Historic Forts Day Cuchillo Pecan Festival Annual Gathering of Quilts New Mexico Agricultural Trade Show Ranch House Hike 14th Annual Go Fly a Kite Day Camp Furlong Day Cavern City Woodcarver’s Show
|
