New Mexico adds least-restrictive COVID-19 tier
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is revising its color-coded risk system by adding a new color that signifies when counties can ease even more pandemic-related restrictions. The red-yellow-green system now includes turquoise. State health officials said Wednesday that counties reach that category by meeting certain health criteria for four consecutive weeks. It allows for expanded indoor dining and the operation of entertainment venues like theaters, bars and clubs. All but four of the state's 33 counties already have seen test positivity and new case rates decline and have emerged from the strictest lockdowns — earning favorable yellow, green and now turquoise ratings on the color-coded map.
AP-US-BIDEN-CABINET-INTERIOR
Manchin says he'll vote for Haaland for interior secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin says he will vote in favor of New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland to serve as interior secretary, clearing the way for likely approval of her nomination as the first Native American to head a Cabinet agency. Manchin is the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He had been publicly undecided through two days of hearings on Haaland's nomination by President Joe Biden. Manchin caused a political uproar last week by announcing plans to oppose Biden's choice for budget director, Neera Tanden, a crucial defection that could sink her nomination in the evenly divided Senate.
STATE BUDGET-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico legislators push for more spending, business aid
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Democrat-led state House of Representatives has voted to increase state spending on public education, health care and relief to businesses in efforts to chart a financial path out of the coronavirus pandemic. The House endorsed Wednesday a $7.39 billion general fund spending plan for the fiscal year that begins on July 1 on a 60-10 vote with some Republicans in opposition. The budget bill would increase annual general fund spending by $332 million, or nearly 5% of current spending obligations. It now moves to the Senate for consideration and possible amendments. State government income is surging on a rebound in oil prices and increased production.
BETTER CALL SAUL-PRODUCTION
'Better Call Saul' to film final season soon in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — "Better Call Saul," the prequel spinoff to the hugely successful series "Breaking Bad," will begin production in New Mexico on its sixth and final season beginning in March. White Turtle Casting officials told the Albuquerque Journal that production will begin in the second week of March, and the agency is looking for stand-ins for the series. Pre-production is currently underway, and the crew is being quarantined and tested for the upcoming start. Production originally was set for March 2020, but it was moved due to the pandemic. There will be 13 episodes in the final season although no air date has been confirmed. "Better Call Saul" has been shot in New Mexico since 2015.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-EDUCATION TESTING
Education officials seek flexibility on student testing
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Education officials in New Mexico want flexibility in federal testing requirements for students. The U.S. Department of Education said it won't exempt states from testing students, as it did last spring. But it said it would consider allowing tests to be shorter, done remotely and carried out as late as the fall. New Mexico's head of public education says he will likely ask to test fewer students in a representative sample that can be reliable for parents and policymakers. The challenge will be to include students who haven't engaged in virtual learning and may not take tests remotely.
PANDEMIC RELIEF-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Legislature approves tax holiday for restaurants
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill is on its way to the governor that would provide a four-month tax holiday to restaurants and a $600 rebate to low-income workers. The state House gave final approval Wednesday to a pandemic economic relief bill on a 66-1 vote. The bill calls for a $600 tax credit or rebate for people earning about $15 an hour and works as a rebate to those who owe less than $600 in taxes. The tax holiday on gross receipts taxes applies to restaurants, bars, food trucks, small breweries and more.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Nation reports 25 new COVID-19 cases, but no deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation health officials on Wednesday reported 25 new confirmed COVID-19 cases with no additional deaths. The latest numbers bring the total number of cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to 29,602 since the pandemic began. There have been 1,152 reported deaths that were related to COVID-19. The Navajo Department of Health on Monday identified 21 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Feb. 5-18. That's an increase from last week's 15 communities, but down from 75 communities with uncontrolled coronavirus spread last month.
AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-THINGS-TO-KNOW
Things to Know: States push their own relief packages
States are not willing to wait for more federal help and have been moving ahead with their own coronavirus relief packages. Maryland and California recently approved help for small businesses, the poor, the jobless and those needing child care. New Mexico and Pennsylvania are funneling grants directly to cash-starved businesses. The spending shows that many states have proved unexpectedly resilient during the pandemic. And it has provided fuel for critics who say they don't need another massive infusion of cash from Congress. The Biden administration's $1.9 trillion relief plan would send hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments.