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Issues

Issues

Progressive Champion for Albuquerque's West Side

As your dedicated State Senator I am deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges here on the west side and seizing the many opportunities within our vibrant community. My tenure in the State House & Senate has been marked by a steadfast dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents, driven by a belief in equitable education, robust economic development, and comprehensive public safety strategies. In my 18 years in the House & Senate I have been one of the most successful and accomplished lawmakers in the Legislature.
 
At the heart of our legislative efforts lies the promise of a brighter future for Albuquerque — from pioneering early childhood education initiatives to fostering an environment where small businesses and local entrepreneurs can thrive. We’ve made significant strides in criminal justice reform, ensuring that our approach not only enhances community safety but also upholds the principles of rehabilitation and fairness. As we look ahead, my focus remains on building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous West Side, where every voice is heard, and every family can flourish.

Early Childhood Education

I was the prime sponsor on the historic effort to tap the permanent fund fo early childhood education and basically making it a Constitutional right. After a decade long struggle to pass HJR-1, the constitutional amendment was approved by 70% of the voters. I advocated relentlessly for these constitutional changes to invest more annually from our state’s $30 billion Permanent School Fund in early childhood education, underscoring my commitment to educational excellence and equity.

In the heart of our legislative efforts lies the promise of a brighter future for Albuquerque— from pioneering early childhood education initiatives too fostering an environment where small businesses and local entrepreneurs can thrive. We’ve made significant strides in criminal justice reform, ensuring that our approach not only enhances community safety but also upholds the principles of rehabilitation and fairness. As we look ahead, my focus remains on building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous West Side, where every voice is heard, and every family can flourish.

 

Education

My focus remains steadfast on enhancing the educational framework within New Mexico, acknowledging our young people as the imminent architects and guardians of our state. My legislative journey has been marked by key initiatives: the integration of financial literacy courses (HB 1205) in our high schools, championing school based health clinics (HB 173) back in 2014, the introduction of media literacy classes (HB 342). These efforts symbolize my dedication to equipping our students with the necessary tools to navigate an intricate world. From empowering students financially to nurturing their ability to critically engage with digital media, these measures are pillars of my approach to education, aiming to unlock the immense potential of our youth. As your Senator, I am committed to pursuing educational reforms that foster inclusivity, innovation, and a prosperous future for every New Mexican.

Westside Day at the Capital

As the founder of Westside Day at the capital I am incredibly grateful to the many volunteers, teachers, parents & students who have made this program such a huge success. The 15th Annual Westside day was help this past session included 731 students from 31 schools. Since its inception, we have hosted over 10,000 west side students, many of whom are now adults thriving and contributing in our community.​

Civil-Rights & Human Rights

My advocacy for justice and civil rights has been a lifelong commitment, deeply influenced by my early experiences at El Centro de la Raza in Seattle. As a community organizer I marched with Boeing workers in the rain and farm workers who suffered under blistering conditions in the Yakima Valley. I learned firsthand how to organize, build coalitions, lead non-violent protests, and put pressure on the powers that be to protect civil and human rights. I was on the frontlines in the legislature defending reproductive rights, ensuring that every woman in New Mexico will have access to safe reproductive healthcare. I was one of the very first lawmakers to take a hardline stand for our LGBTQ community and their right to marry and love whomever they choose. I have been a staunch supporter of collective bargaining rights for our labor unions and workers. I was also an unwavering advocate for human rights and dignity when anti-immigrant forces tried to criminalize our immigrant communities.

Jobs & The Economy

I am proud of my role in boosting New Mexico’s economy and job market, notably through the sponsorship of the “Breaking Bad” bill in the 2013 Legislative Session. This bill, aimed at increasing the Film Production Tax Credit to attract television productions like “Breaking Bad” and create jobs for New Mexicans, initially faced a veto but was successfully passed in a major tax reform package, HB 641, after persistent negotiations and compromise. I took on the powerful liquor lobby in passing HB 255 (2021) which allows local restaurants to compete with national chains.This legislative success exemplifies my commitment to supporting working families and balancing diverse interests to stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities in our state, showcasing my dedication to fostering a thriving economic environment for all New Mexicans.

Public Safety

With a background as a former prosecutor and now a criminal defense attorney, I am profoundly committed to criminal justice reform in New Mexico. I am proud to have been at the forefront in ratcheting back the failed war on drugs, seeking treatment options and other alternatives to incarceration. I have passed numerous bills into law including; Constitutional Amendment creating an Independent Law Office of the Public Defender; the Criminal Record Expungement Act; and the 2019 Criminal Justice Reform Crime package. I Co-Chaired the bi-partisan Criminal Justice Reform Sub-committee and am Co-Counsel for the Community Coalition Amici in the DOJ vs. APD lawsuit. I received the “Excellence in Advocacy” award from a national bipartisan advocacy group – the Coalition for Public Safety, and the “Advocacy in Action” award from the New Mexico Crime Victim’s Reparations Commission.

New Mexico Athletics

I am dedicated to enhancing our state’s athletics, a vital sector for talent development, community unity, and overall well-being. My legislative achievements, including reinvigorating the Sports Authority Division (SB 389) in 2023 and legalization of NIL for Student Athletes (SB 94) in 2021, demonstrate my commitment to supporting our UNM Lobos & NMSU Aggies and fostering community spirit. I appropriated the seed money for Nusenda Community Football Stadium as well as the initial funding for the infrastructure surrounding the impending United Stadium, highlighting our focus on sports as a catalyst for economic development and community engagement. My ongoing efforts aim to not just develop athletic talent but also to cultivate a healthy, connected, and vibrant community in New Mexico, reinforcing my commitment to enhancing our athletic programs and creating a dynamic, inclusive environment for all New Mexicans.

Moe was Prime Sponsor on these Impactful Bills

  • Early Childhood Education, CA (2021)
  • Breaking Bad Bill (2013)
  • Liquor License Reform (2021)
  • Medical Cannabis Legalization (2007)
  • 2019 Crime Package (2019)
  • Preventative Detention, CA (2016)
  • Prescription Medications for Cancer Patients (2024)
  • Public Defender Commission, CA (2012)
  • Expungement Act (2019)
  • Financial Literacy in High Schools (2007)
  • Restricting Solitary Confinement in Prisons & Jails (2019)
  • Sex Offender Registration (2013)
  • Industrial Hemp Legalization (2017)
  • NIL for College Athletes (2021)
  • Police Reform & Training (2023)