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Domestic Policy Government Transparency and Accountability Infrastructure & Technology Legal and Judicial New Mexico Political Thought Public Opinion Technology Top Issues Transparency Updates

Transparency and Trust in New Mexico’s Election Technology

New Mexico recently unveiled the Online Candidate Nominating Petition Signature Portal, a digital platform designed to simplify the nomination process for candidates. This initiative, part of a broader movement to enhance electoral accessibility and security, represents a significant leap forward. However, as with any venture into new technological territories, there are bound to be growing […]

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Cybersecurity Data Domestic Policy Government Spending Government Transparency and Accountability Infrastructure & Technology Legal and Judicial New Mexico Political Thought Public Opinion Technology Top Issues Transparency Updates

New Mexico’s Online Candidate Nominating Petition Signature Portal

In 2023, New Mexico took a pioneering step forward in electoral processes. The recent adoption of the Online Candidate Nominating Petition Signature Portal by the Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, marks a significant milestone in modernizing and securing elections within the state. This innovative approach streamlines the candidate nomination process and broadens the horizon […]

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Domestic Policy Economic Opportunity Economy Government Regulation Legal and Judicial Markets and Finance Political Thought Poverty and Inequality Public Opinion Top Issues

The Wells Fargo Flex Loan is Anything But Flexible

Wells Fargo’s Flex Loan program is a labyrinth of unclear eligibility requirements and a baffling case of vanishing funds.

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Courts Crime and Justice Domestic Policy Economy Government Regulation Government Transparency and Accountability Legal and Judicial Markets and Finance Political Thought Public Opinion Top Issues Updates

SPPI Condemns CFPB for Alleged Discrimination Against Black and Hispanic Employees

Rio Rancho, NM – The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) strongly condemns the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for alleged racial discrimination against at least 85 Black and Hispanic employees. This follows news that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has approved a $6 million settlement of class claims of alleged discrimination […]

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Domestic Policy Economic Opportunity Economy Government Regulation Legal and Judicial Markets and Finance New Mexico Political Thought Poverty and Inequality Top Issues

Albuquerque Journal: A public bank could crowd out community-based financial institutions

The 2022 passage of House Bill 132, which set a stringent cap of 36% on interest rates for consumer loans, is having its intended and significant repercussions on New Mexico’s financial landscape. This was no accident: by restricting the interest rates that small-dollar lenders can charge, the rate cap effectively marginalized an entire segment of […]

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Conservatism Domestic Policy Firearms Government Regulation Government Transparency and Accountability Legal and Judicial New Mexico Political Thought Press Progressivism Public Opinion Security The Constitution Top Issues

SPPI Announces Support for Nonpartisan Impeachment Efforts

The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) has announced its support for the impeachment efforts against Governor Lujan Grisham led by Representative Stefani Lord. This nonpartisan movement of Republicans, Democrats, and New Mexicans across the state is seeking to protect the Constitutional rights of all New Mexicans. This emergency order has received stark criticism from across […]

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Domestic Policy Government Transparency and Accountability Legal and Judicial New Mexico Press SPPI v New Mexico Secretary of State Top Issues Transparency Updates

SPPI Expresses Concern Over Delays in Settlement Agreement Finalization

Albuquerque, NM — The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) today expressed its disappointment with the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office over the unexpected delay in finalizing a previously announced settlement agreement. Despite receiving verbal confirmation of a settlement, and a statement from Linda Bachman, Director of Legislative and Executive Affairs for the Secretary of State’s office, […]

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Legal Legal and Judicial New Mexico Press SPPI v Albuquerque City of, et al. Top Issues Updates

SPPI Files Lawsuit Against the Albuquerque Automated Speed Enforcement Citation Program

Albuquerque, NM – The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI), a non-profit organization dedicated to transparency and integrity in public policy, announced today that it has initiated a lawsuit against the City of Albuquerque and Ethan Watson, in his official capacity as the City Clerk, alleging violations of the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act […]

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Domestic Policy Economic Opportunity Economy Government Regulation Legal and Judicial Markets and Finance Political Thought Poverty and Inequality Public Opinion Top Issues Updates

Albuquerque Journal: The myth of big-bank small-dollar loans

In response to Fred Nathan’s (July 30) op-ed praising New Mexico’s efforts to end predatory lending, I must assert that the celebratory tone is premature and misguided. Two significant studies conducted by the Southwest Public Policy Institute — “No Loan For You!” published in March 2023 and “No Loan For You, Too!” published in June […]

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Legal Legal and Judicial New Mexico Press SPPI v New Mexico Secretary of State Top Issues Updates

SPPI Reaches $22,000 Settlement With New Mexico Secretary of State

This announcement is also available as a PDF. Albuquerque, NM – The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) is pleased to announce that it has reached a $22,000 settlement with the New Mexico Secretary of State (NMSOS) in its lawsuit over an improperly denied Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) request. The case, which revolved around […]