 |
|
Dear Friends,
As most of you probably know, I recently announced my decision not to seek reelection in 2008. This was not a choice that was made easily, but it was made with the long-term interests of New Mexicans at heart.
It was truly an emotional and humbling experience to make this announcement surrounded by my family, supported by my dedicated staff, and before so many of the New Mexicans I’ve been privileged to serve. In the days following my announcement and the reasons surrounding that decision, I have received an overwhelming outpouring of support from friends and constituents that has warmed my heart and further encourages me to spend my final months in the Senate working harder than ever for New Mexico.
And that’s just what I plan to do. There is much work left to be done for New Mexico. I will continue my efforts to bring parity and fairness to mental health coverage. I will focus on other critical health care issues, such as reauthorizing and increasing funding for diabetes research. I will work tirelessly to make sure the laboratories at Los Alamos and Sandia receive the funding they need to continue the work that is so critical to our national security and the livelihood of our state. I will continue to ensure the vitality and future of our state’s military bases. In my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will make sure New Mexico projects are funded as we hammer out the FY2008 funding bills and look toward the FY2009 appropriations process. These are just a few of the important tasks that lie ahead of me as I serve out my term.
Thank you all for the many years you’ve allowed me to serve you. I pledge that I will continue to do so for the remainder of my tenure.
Sincerely,
|
|
An important duty of Congress is to pass annual appropriations bills to fund federal agencies and government operation each fiscal year. Since 1983 I have had the honor of serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which has allowed me to play an important role in this critical process.
The 2007 fiscal year for the federal government ended Sept. 30 and Congress failed to complete any of the twelve annual federal appropriations bills for FY2008. This does not mean that federal agencies cease to be funded or government operations come to a halt. A temporary measure called a
|
Continuing Resolution (CR) has been signed into law, which will allow the government to continue functioning through Nov. 16, while we try to complete the individual funding bills. The CR mandates that government agencies continue to be funded at the FY2007 level.
At this time, it is difficult to know what the end of the FY2008 appropriations process will bring, but be assured that I will work to the best of my ability to preserve New Mexico projects currently in the bills. The Domenici Report will continue to keep you updated.
|
|
What started as a humble train stop in 1907 has grown into an economic hot spot in eastern New Mexico. Over the past 100 years, Clovis has blossomed into a thriving community and a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. It’s hard to say whether the first residents of “Riley’s Switch” knew that their town would one day grow to be the home to over 35,000 people.
The bustling population of Clovis has much to be proud of – strong farming and dairy industries, Clovis Community College, Southwest Cheese Company, and even a zoo! Clovis is also home to Cannon Air Force Base, which just celebrated its new Special Operations Command mission on Oct. 1.
All of these things and more have helped make Clovis the robust community it is today.
|
It has been an honor serving the citizens of Clovis and I look forward to what the future holds for this prosperous community. I believe that the city will continue to grow and flourish for another 100 years and beyond.
For more information on Clovis’s Centennial Celebration, visit: www.clovisnm.org
|
|
With the recent passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the Middle Rio Grande Restoration Project, also known as Bosque Park, stands to be authorized at $25 million to continue restoration projects.
This legislation will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to increase its work to restore Albuquerque’s bosque. The bill authorizes projects including: removing jetty jacks; replacing invasive species like salt cedar with native vegetation such as cottonwoods; and creating paths, viewing areas and
|
other educational and recreational opportunities throughout the Middle Rio Grande.
This bill has been in development for years and its authorizations will be critical to maintaining Army Corps involvement in the middle Rio Grande. WRDA, which passed through the House and Senate, has now been sent to the President to be signed into law. I hope the President will give this bill its due consideration.
The New Mexico projects in this bill will help us provide the federal funds we need to make our bosque healthier and improve public safety and health by controlling flooding threats.
The bosque, as a natural green belt through the city, is a unique asset for Albuquerque, not unlike Central Park in New York or the Rock Creek Park in Washington. My goal continues to be to restore the bosque and make it a more open and attractive place for people to enjoy.
|
|
This year the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be conducting the 2007 Census of Agriculture. The census is conducted every five years and is a complete count of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The census will also look at many different characteristics of the U.S agriculture industry.
I am sure most New Mexicans are aware agriculture is very important to our state and for this reason I encourage all of New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers and dairy producers to participate in the census.
The information they contribute will influence decisions about such issues as competitive market pricing,
|
farm services, and environmental and conservation issues. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be mailing out census forms late in December to collect data for the 2007 calendar year.
For more information New Mexicans can
visit the NASS website at
www.nass.usda.gov .
|
|
When Juana Torres relocated to Roswell from Colorado about four years ago, she wanted a fresh start on life. Though she struggled with depression as a victim of domestic violence, Ms. Torres was determined to turn her life around and find a steady job. Working as a night-shift janitor at Leprino Foods, Ms. Torres began to rebuild self-respect, courage, and a sense of personal strength.
Neither her hard work, nor her growing self-respect went unnoticed. Three years after beginning with Leprino Foods, the company offered Ms. Torres their entire janitorial account. Faced with a great challenge and opportunity, Ms. Torres sought the assistance of Wesst Corp and received business consultation and a micro loan which enabled her to start her own company.
Ms. Torres is now the proud owner of J&J Janitorial, which has garnered enough business to keep six full-time employees busy.
|
Juana Torres is a wonderful example of the opportunities and success that hard work and determination can yield.
For more information on Wesst Corp, and the many small businesses it has helped, visit: www.wesst.org.
|
|
Many Veterans contact my office with questions or concerns about their disability claims, benefits, medical issues, and their military records. If you have similar issues and would like my assistance, please fill out the privacy release forms on my website and submit them to the nearest field office.
Be sure to include your Social Security number or file number as needed.
My staff will initiate an inquiry with the appropriate agency, such as the Veterans Administration, on your behalf and will notify you of any updates to your case.
This service is certainly not limited to Veterans. If you are currently serving in the military and are in need of assistance, you may also write to me directly or fill out the privacy release form mentioned above.
Please keep in mind, I must hear directly from you before I can make an inquiry.
|
The Military Services do not respond to any inquiries made by family members on behalf of service members.
I am proud of how adept my staff is at helping veterans and those who serve in the Armed Forces.
The forms can be found at: www.domenici.senate.gov
|
|
Building character is the ultimate goal this school year for the Los Lunas Rookie Tiger football team. These young men are great examples that Character Counts both on and off the field!
Team members decided to dedicate their free time to caring for others. The group unanimously agreed to help other young people who are sick or injured and got involved with the Ronald McDonald House.
The Los Lunas Rookie Tiger football team devoted one Sunday last month to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, and in just one afternoon they raised $1,000!
The Ronald McDonald House is a temporary home that opens its doors to out-of-town families with children undergoing hospital treatment in Albuquerque. The 18-bedroom facility is expanding to accommodate 12 more sets of parents, and the capital campaign is underway to pay for the renovation.
|
As a national sponsor of Character Counts and an honorary chair of the New Mexico Ronald McDonald House capital campaign, I am thrilled to report the efforts of these wonderful young New Mexicans to help others and this encouraging demonstration of character.
Be sure to visit the updated Character Counts website and how this program is making a positive impact in New Mexico.
www.charactercountsnm.com
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico, visit: www.rmhc-nm.org.
Zozobra. © 2007, courtesty of Ray Valdez
|
|
Published by the United States General Services Administration, the Consumer Action Handbook is a helpful resource for quickly finding addresses, phone numbers, and other information. The handbook also provides tips and information useful to consumers.
In addition to containing the addresses and phone numbers to many corporate companies, the handbook also has contact information for all local, state, and federal government agencies.
You can access the handbook through the internet in English at www.ConsumerAction.gov or in Spanish at www.consumidor.gov.
You may also order a physical handbook on the website or request your copy by mail. Write: Catalog, Pueblo, CO 81009 for a list of all the free and low cost government publications available to you.
The official web portal to the U.S. Government is www.USA.gov for federal government questions and answers.
|
You may also order a physical handbook on the website or request your copy by mail. Write: Catalog, Pueblo, CO 81009 for a list of all the free and low cost government publications available to you.
The official web portal to the U.S. Government is www.USA.gov for federal government questions and answers.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Last month, Domenici introduced Las Cruces native Kerry Weems at a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. Domenici has thrown his support behind Weems, who has been nominated by President Bush to head the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare.
Domenici visited with the Chavez family of Cleveland, including Geraldine Maes, her grandchildren Dimitry and Diego Chavez, and her daughter Jessica Chavez. During the family’s trip to Washington, Dimitry attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), a leadership development program for junior high students.
Senator Domenici met recently with representatives of the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts. Eddie Vigil of Tularosa, Cherie Lujan of Estancia, and Brent Van Dyke of Hobbs visited Domenici’s Washington D.C. office to discuss legislative issues related to conservation practices and the Senate’s upcoming consideration of the 2007 Farm Bill.
Domenici visited with UNM student Michael Curry of Socorro. Curry, a life-long New Mexico resident, is a junior business major and spent his summer interning at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Washington D.C.
Domenici attended the New Mexico State Society’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on July 18. During the event, he visited with Christopher Maday, Blair Feldman, Greg Collins, Olivia Frary, Kyle Smith, and Mike Rosen.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Former New Mexico State Society President Jamie Estrada visited Senator Domenici at the society’s recent 20th Anniversary Celebration. Estrada is originally from Las Cruces and currently serves at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
|
|
