Days remaining in session: 8

Blow that whistle: The House voted 67-1 Tuesday to pass a Whistleblower Protection Act. HB 165 would allow government employees to sue their employer if they are retaliated against for reporting government corruption, testifying before a public body or refusing to participate in unlawful activity.

Bill sponsor Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, said, "The overwhelming support for the Whistleblower Protection Act reflects our commitment to protect public employees who come forward and disclose unlawful conduct in state government or who refuse to join that unlawful activity. These reforms prohibit retaliation against those who report government corruption, and protect those who see government service as a public trust."

Under the measure, a public employer is prohibited from taking retaliatory action against a public employee who discloses or threatens to disclose wrongdoing.

The bill goes on to the Senate.

Bill would hike public employee pension contribution: A measure (SB 246) by Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, would increase the amount public employees would pay into their pensions by 2.64 percent. At the same time, the state would decrease its contributions by the same amount, saving the state $72 million.

The shift would be only be for the 2011 fiscal year and would apply to the Educational Retirement Board and various plans in the Public Employees Retirement Association, Ingle's office said.

Under the measure, employees who earn $55,000 a year would pay $1,000 more into their PERA plan for the 2011 fiscal year.

House webcasts now online: It took a while, but the House finally caught up with the Senate in terms of putting its proceedings online for the world to see. As of Tuesday, computer users can log onto www.nmlegis.gov and look for the webcasting link to catch meetings of the full House — and Senate, as well as certain committee hearings.

Meanwhile, the Senate is set to debate a measure (HJM 15) that would also put interim committee hearings — held around the state during the summer — online as well.

Support your local dealer: Lawmakers have approved a proposal to provide financial protections to New Mexico automobile dealers if a car manufacturer terminates their franchise.

The legislation came in response to General Motors and Chrysler dropping dealerships last year as part of a restructuring of the financially troubled auto industry.

The House and Senate unanimously passed separate bills Tuesday that will require auto manufacturers to buy back a dealer's inventory of vehicles, signs and special equipment if a franchise is canceled. Dealers also will receive compensation for idled buildings and property.

Before the legislation is sent to the governor, the House or Senate must approve a bill passed by the other chamber.

The auto dealership bills are HB 93 and SB 58.

The New Math: High school students could take a financial literacy class to help meet mathematics requirements for graduation under legislation approved by the House.

Supporters of the legislation contend it will provide students with more options for meeting their high school math requirements. The financial literacy classes can help students learn about investments, mortgages and balancing their bank accounts.

Opponents say the proposal will undermine the state's efforts to improve student performance in math. State law was changed in 2007 to require an extra math class to graduate from high school.

The bill passed the House Tuesday on a 46-22 vote and goes to the Senate for consideration.

The financial literacy bill is HB 5.

Quote of the day: "If it wasn't for the Senate, they wouldn't have any news worth reporting."

Senate President Pro-tem Tim Jennings, referring to reporters during remarks on the Senate floor.




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