Unemployment numbers sent out by the New Mexico Department of Workforce show a healthy improvement for Eddy County. According to estimates, Eddy County’s unemployment (as of August) now stands at 5.3%, down from 6.8% in July and much lower than the 8.8 percent reported last year. Chaves County now stands at 6.3% and Lea County is at 8.6%. New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.2% in August. Statewide, nonagricultural payroll employment grew by 32,800 jobs, or 4.2 percent over the past year.
While the decline in unemployment in Eddy County is a cause for celebration, there’s a new concern on the horizon in the form of a new series of state rules aimed at restricting emissions. According to a press release, NMED’s proposed rule aims to reduce ozone emissions and methane emissions. The issue is being discussed in a week long hearing process going on right now.
Senator Gay Kernan expressed her concern to the Current Argus this week that the state’s proposal, as written, could cost thousands of jobs and disrupt the entire economy. A study commissioned by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association estimated that the proposed regulation could cost state and local governments up to $730 million, and that doesn’t even cover the impact to individuals.
For more information on these ongoing hearings, please visit https://www.env.nm.gov/opf/docketed-matters/
We received some positive news today about Carlsbad LifeHouse – the nonprofit treatment facility recently received a donation from TDS. TDS issues a statement supporting LIfeHouse’s efforts to help recovering addicts move on with their life. LifeHouse, who accomplished an amazing list of tasks this year, will also be holding its annual benefit dinner on Oct. 2 at the Pecos River Village Conference Center. Thank you to everyone who supports this excellent nonprofit.
We also recently received an update from Belinda Lopez and the Southeast New Mexico Community Action Center, who handles the meal site and meal delivery program to seniors. Every day, hundreds of seniors in Carlsbad receive meals through this program. This has been especially difficult in the COVID-19 era. Belinda and the staff also go through the extra mile in preparing special birthday presentations for seniors, or bringing them extra crossword puzzles. This is another organization that benefits greatly from donations and additional volunteers. For more information, please visit https://www.snmcac.com/get-involved/.
Trevor Rogers struck out ten batters in 5.1 innings on Tuesday, but he didn’t receive a whole lot of offensive help. The Marlins went on to lose the game, 7-1. It was Trevor’s longest stint on the mound in several months, and a career high in strikeouts. He only was credited with one earned run – two errors in the sixth inning sealed the deal. Trevor still has a low 2.67 ERA, 151 strikeouts and 24 starts.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway