Enchantment State News

If New Mexico residents are bewildered by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s revised Public Health Order, they can hardly be blamed as there seems to be no reason nor rhyme to the decision-making process, only confusion.

In a press release, the state GOP is curious to understand the criteria and science behind reopening restaurants with a capacity of 25% as the COVID-19 numbers continue to fall in dramatic fashion. The effort fails to address the economic struggles state eateries have suffered. Yet, the governor still prohibits mass gatherings of more than 10 people. By the same token, you have people crowded elbow-to-elbow in box stores. There is clearly no science being applied to the rules set in place as the governor presents rules that are unwarranted and unjust, according to state Republicans.

Houses of worship also remain under restriction with an increase to 40% occupancy from 25%, the press release reported, despite no medical or scientific justification.

“Gov. Lujan Grisham doesn’t get it. She doesn’t understand that her confusing and arbitrary actions are destroying our state,” Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce said in the press release. “She’s been pushing the envelope on what’s legal and constitutional throughout this economic crisis, and her decrees have devastated our economy and damaged livelihoods. There’s never been a sound strategy, and the governor has failed to steadily guide New Mexico through these difficult times. And it’s sad to see New Mexico drowning under her watch as state coffers remain awash in a sea of red.”

Meanwhile the governor is failing in the battle for hearts and minds, publicly denouncing the City of Española after she said she drove through the city with a population of 10,000 and failed to see anyone wearing a mask. The state party called out the governor in a press release, pointing out while she may have seen a handful of residents not wearing a mask, it was not representative of the whole community nor was it reason to shame the city.

“The whole City of Española cannot be blamed and shamed like this when it’s likely most people in that great community cover up. Out of 10,000 people, the governor attacks the city because a few are seen this way? Every New Mexico community is working to comply with the governor’s mask decree, but no one can be expected to don one every minute of the day. Española is like any other community—masks are worn, but sometimes it doesn’t happen. This is everywhere,” the press release said.

It also added the Republican Party is promoting the idea of Respect New Mexico, not Offend New Mexico and the governor should know better than to offend her constituents.