'The Rock of Talk' Debate of the Day: Will the Special Session Turn Things Around?
Helicopter money = magic beans?
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Michelle Lujan Grisham has called legislators into special session to “to take up a relief package for New Mexicans who have been affected by the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
MLG wants lawmakers to approve:
* $194 million in direct unemployment assistance
* $100 million for a grant program for New Mexico-owned small businesses
* $15 million to provide for emergency housing assistance
* $5 million for emergency food bank services
* $5 million for direct economic assistance to low-income residents
Is yet more “public investment” — supplied via a national government that is $27.2 trillion in debt — going to reverse New Mexico’s lockdown-induced socioeconomic catastrophe?
One GOOD thing...During the legislature's Special Session today, the Extended Emergency Powers Accountability Act is going to be proposed.
This Act aims to LIMIT THE GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY POWERS. If you're not happy with the ways things are being handled (closure of non-essential businesses, strict business restrictions, online-only school, no singing in church, closure of grocery stores, masks mandated anytime you're not in your house, etc), PLEASE CALL AND EMAIL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR NOW TO ASK THEM TO SUPPORT THE EXTENDED EMERGENCY POWERS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
I have an idea, open fully all businesses, defer all state and local taxes for 6 months, then cut all state payroll by 30%. Oh wait, that would help NM citizens...