Real Progress for Regular People

I just watched Gov. Bill Richardson's recent visit to New Hampshire on C-SPAN. He did a great job. I like his theme of the Do Nothing Republican White House and Congress. He kept reiterating that the work of real progress for regular people has taken place at the state level like New Mexico. Richardson has secured a budget surplus and on top of that has lowered taxes for those who need it. His theme of real progress has legs. Governor Richardson has a proven track record and personality. He seemed relaxed and at ease while campaigning. I am assured once again he's the Democrats' answer in 2008.

Also, I found an interesting Q&A with the Sun-Sentinel in Florida and Richardson.

Whittled down to just one

Recently at the Washington Press Corps Gridiron Roast, Governor Bill Richardson compared the Bush's administration's treatment of US allies over the Iraq war to the NCAA basketball tournament. "Sixty-four teams start and they're whittled down to just one. Kind of reminds me of what we've done with our allies." President George W. Bush followed by calling Richardson and Chuck Hagel as "a couple of independent thinkers, which in my book is a negative."

Here's Steve Young's take on the event.

Richardson balances a responsible budget, unlike George W. Bush

Yesterday, Senate Republicans voted to increase the limit on the national debt by $781 billion. The federal debt is now nearly $9 trillion. It is the fourth largest debt increase in history. The Bush Administration has now increased the federal debt limit by 53%, $3 trillion, since 2001. By 2011, the President's budget would increase the debt to $11.8 trillion.

President George W. Bush rather pass on the national debt to future generations and continue giving tax cuts to the rich. On the flip side, Governor Bill Richardson has successfully found a formula to provide tax cuts, invest in the future and secure budget surpluses.

Last week, Governor Richardson signed a $5.1 billion budget after taking fiscally responsible steps to restore the state’s budget surplus to a more prudent level. Governor Richardson also signed capital spending bills that invest more than $840 million in economic development, water, education and health care.

“I came into this session vowing to make bold investments – with a focus on children, and we did that,” Governor Richardson said. “I signed bills that increase children’s access to health care, build modern new schools in high-growth communities, create more opportunities to attend Pre-Kindergarten, ensure healthy breakfasts and quality physical education in elementary schools and protect kids against the ravages of meth.

In order to balance the budget and get reserves to 10 percent, Governor Richardson vetoed $268 million from all three spending bills. Of that, the Governor vetoed $52.8 million dollars in capital funding. Those vetoes were spread among all legislative districts. The Governor vetoed about $2 million of his own projects to help balance the budget and increase reserve levels.

“I was forced to make tough decisions to reach those goals because the Legislature overspent, leaving our reserves at barely 5 percent,” Governor Richardson said. “As a result, using my veto pen, I have saved taxpayers $268 million dollars and pared back spending to responsible levels, leaving a balanced budget and a budget surplus of more than $500 million dollars. Our fiscal house is in order.

“I said before the session, after the session, and I’m saying today – we can invest in children, invest in our future and still be fiscally responsible,” Governor Richardson said. “That’s why I insisted on keeping at least 10 percent of taxpayer’s money in the bank.

Richardson blocks access to meth

On March 1 Gov. Bill Richardson signed two bills that give the state new tools to block access to meth and crack down on meth dealers.

Gov. Richardson signed House Bill 211, which helps limit access to one of the major building blocks to "cook" meth. The bill makes psuedoephedrine - a common ingredient in cold medicine - a controlled substance that can be legally distributed only by a licensed pharmacist.

"Today New Mexico joins more than 30 states that have restricted the sale of cold medicines used to make methamphetamine," Gov. Bill Richardson said. "This legislation supports my Keeping Kids Safe agenda during this Year of the Child."

Missouri is considered the meth capital of the nation and has taken similar steps. It's reassuring Richardson understands the growing problem of this destructive drug.

Gov. Richardson also signed House Bill 179, which increases penalties on meth dealers. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Cervantes, increases the penalty for the sale of meth or possession of meth with the intent to sell. Meth will now carry the same penalties that are applied to heroin and cocaine dealers.

"These bills - along with the nearly $800,000 we are spending on meth treatment - show that New Mexico is committed to cracking down on those who manufacture and deal meth," Gov. Bill Richardson said.

Richardson ensures every vote counts

Governor Bill Richardson today signed a key piece of legislation passed during the recently completed legislative session. Senate Bill 295, the New Mexico Make Every Vote Count Act, moves the state to a single paper ballot system, makes New Mexico’s elections system more transparent and helps guarantee that every New Mexican’s ballot will be counted.

Missouri has received federal funding to replace punch-card ballot machines, but has not opted to establish a state-wide uniform voting system. Jurisdictions that wish to participate in the punch card buyout will receive an estimated $3200 per qualifying precinct. The Republican controlled governor's mansion, state house and senate has instead worked to make voting more difficult by enacting legislation requiring photo identification.

“Today we are moving New Mexico from a hodge-podge of varied voting systems to one, simple, statewide, all paper-ballot system using optical scanners to count the vote – a system that provides uniform accountability and an absolute paper trail should there be any questions regarding the legitimacy of our vote,” said Governor Richardson. “With this step we will guarantee fair and accurate elections, insure accessibility for voters who are disabled and restore faith in our electoral process.”

This bill includes the input of legislators, concerned citizens and representatives from the state’s disabled community. It builds upon the improvements that the Richardson Administration has already made to New Mexico’s elections system. This includes improved training for poll workers, establishing statewide standards for provisional ballots, and simplified absentee voting. Penalties against state officials who violate the public trust have also been strengthened and tougher enforcement powers for the Secretary of State enacted.

“Paper ballots are the least expensive, most secure form of voting available,” said Governor Richardson. “These paper ballots will be the ultimate back-up for our elections – and will provide us with the level of security that New Mexicans deserve.”

Bill Richardson for President

Missouri for Bill Richardson is a blog community devoted to electing Gov. Bill Richardson the next president of the United States. He has what it takes to win and we're going to ensure people learn about his common-sense plan to move America forward.

Richardson is the governor of New Mexico, a former congressman, energy secretary and United Nations ambassador. Richardson enables Democrats to break through in the electorally significant Southwest and tap into the growing Hispanic vote. He has international and domestic experience unmatched and the ability to win.

The 2008 presidential election is just around the corner so please tell your friends about Bill. Also, if you're interested in helping out please contact me. His common-sense approach is appealing to all regions of the United States including the critical Midwest and Southwest.