Roswell Daily Record
INSIDE NEWS
SANTA FE (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers wrapped up their work Saturday by rushing through a lastminute package of business tax cuts supported by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez to encourage economic development.
PURPLE FOR THE REFUGE
Purple bikes are expected to secretly begin rolling into yards across Roswell Monday, as residents wake up to the special calling cards left by the Roswell Refuge, a non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence. “People won’t know (the bikes) are coming,” - PAGE A2
THE VOICE OF THE PECOS VALLEY
Legislature goes down to the wire
Vol. 122, No. 66 75¢ Daily / $1.25 Sunday
By approving the tax measure, the Democraticcontrolled Legislature averted a possible special session later this year. The governor said she would sign the tax cuts as well as a $5.9 billion state budget she previously had threatened to veto.
March 17, 2013
SUNDAY
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the Legislature in the final minute of the session, with the House agreeing to it as time ran out. “It was a dramatic close to the session. It came down to literally the last few seconds, but this was an important victory for all of New Mexico,” Martinez said after the session. The governor made business tax cuts a centerpiece of her legislative agenda and has complained that New Mexico isn’t competitive with neighboring states because of its corporate income tax. The measure will reduce
the state’s corporate income tax rate from 7.6 percent to 5.9 percent over five years and provide a tax break for manufacturers that sell most of their goods or services outside of New Mexico. The legislation will narrow two recently enacted business incentives to limit their cost to the state. It allows cities and counties to raise taxes to offset revenue the state will no longer provide them over 15 years. The measure also includes expanded tax
AP Photo
House Majority Whip Antonio “Moe” Maestas, D-Bernalillo, left, sponsor of the Breaking Bad Bill, debates the bill during the last minutes of the 2013 Legislative Session on Saturday.
Adult Center holds annual cycle, hobby show
The tax measure cleared
See WIRE, Page A3
JILL MCLAUGHLIN RECORD STAFF WRITER
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INSIDE SPORTS
Mark Wilson Photo
Chaves County Sheriff Rob Coon was one of seven first-place winners Saturday at the 12th annual Spring Motorcycle Show, as more than 200 people selected his more than 30-year-old historic bike the best in the lineup. Ron Courts, who started the motorcycle show and continues to organize it, said this year’s turnout was one of the best in a while. “We’ve got probably 30 bikes here today,” Courts said. “It’s just a beautiful day. This is kind of like the spring opener for the guys around here.” Cycle owners pay $5 for each bike entered. Guests vote on six categories, including best cruisers, touring bikes, custom creations, sport bikes, historic bikes and Rat bikes, See BIKES, Page A3
New Mexico seniors play around on NMMI campus Visitors young and old attend the Roswell Adult Center Hobby and Motorcycle Show, Saturday,
NEW MEXICO WINS MOUNTAIN WEST
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Steve Alford still had the net around his neck when the lobbying began for his New Mexico Lobos. No. 1 in the Mountain West Conference, for sure. But how about a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament? - PAGE B1
TODAY’S OBITUARIES
• Vera K. Luginbill • David D. Robinson • Felix Searcy Jr. • Lucile Ford • Ruby Rose Emerson • Johnny Ogden • George Montgomery • John William English • Rosa Lewis • Adele R. Martinez • Marian B. Smith - PAGE B6, B7
HIGH ...84˚ LOW ....48˚
TODAY’S FORECAST
JILL MCLAUGHLIN RECORD STAFF WRITER
Senior competitors traveled from all over New Mexico to compete Saturday at New Mexico Military Institute’s Godfrey Center in the New Mexico Senior Olympics Senior Play Day. The day featured three-on-three basketball, disc golf lessons, pickle ball, line dancing, martial arts, silver sneakers fitness class and enhanced fitness. Some 70 participants joined the games and health promotion events. “This is our first year with our state summer games in Roswell,” said organizer Maegan Sanders. Disc golf will be included as an exhibition sport this year before it becomes part of a regular event next year, Sanders said. Roswell has two courses within the city limits. More than 20 players attended for the basketball. Lee De Gonzalez, a retired Marine, played on the winning basketball team from Albuquerque. The Persian Gulf veteran said he plays to say in shape and get together with his friends.
“We have fun and enjoy playing,” De Gonzalez said. Pickle ball was also a popular event, Sanders said. Pickle ball is a game played on a badminton court. Players use wood or composite paddles and per forated plastic baseballs, which look like whiffle balls. The net is lowered to 34 inches at the center. “It’s just catching on here,” Sanders said. “It’s kind of like tennis.” The play days are to introduce new physical activities and allow seniors time to socialize while exercising. Anyone older than 50 is invited to try any activity. One offering is called Silver Sneakers, which is an aerobics class that includes a chair for balance, range of motion and strength. Yoga is also modified with chairs. “If they didn’t want to go to the gym, they can come here and check it out,” Sanders said. “And the same with disc golf. They have the chance to come and try it out and learn more about the sport.” The event’s name changed this year to Senior Play Day. The event was also moved to Saturday to allow those older than 50 and still
Mark Wilson Photo
Competition was fierce during basketball games at the New Mexico Senior Olympics Senior Play Day at the New Mexico Military Institute Godfrey Center, Saturday.
employed a chance to participate. This summer, Roswell will host the Senior Olympics. The city of Roswell is building horseshoe pits, Sanders said, and other business are “coming around.” “We’re excited to have it here in
Roswell.” Organizers expect 900 participants. They also need some 400 volunteers to help out, Sanders said. To volunteer for the summer games, call 627-5777.
What did the 51st New Mexico Legislature accomplish?
CLASSIFIEDS..........D1 COMICS.................C3 SUNDAY BIZ ..........B8 GENERAL ..............A2 HOROSCOPES ........A8 LOTTERIES ............A2 OPINION ................A4 SPORTS ................B1 WEATHER ..............A8
INDEX
AP Photo
Gov. Susana Martinez holds a press conference at her office to address the end of the 2013 Legislative Session, Saturday.
SANTA FE (AP) — Highlights of the outcome of major proposals in the 51st New Mexico Legislature that adjourned Saturday. BILLS PASSED AND SENT TO GOVERNOR Budget and Finance •A $5.9 billion budget for education and general government programs in fiscal year starting July 1; nearly $274 million in capital improvements, including in the home areas of legislators, mostly paid for with bonds backed by severance taxes; increase tax incen-
tives for certain television and film projects; require report to assess effectiveness of tax deductions and incentives. •A $274 million capital outlay bill to fund project that range from stateowned building upgrades and school equipment to improving local athletic fields. •Require the Senate to confirm the appointment of the state investment officer, who manages state permanent funds. Education
•Provide high school students more options to demonstrate competency in math, reading and other subjects in order to graduate starting in the next school year. Scores on college entrance exams or end-of-course tests could be used rather than the current standardized testing requirement •Prohibit charter public schools from contracting with private companies to manage or administer the See 51st, Page A2