Tuesday morning briefing: From double-dippers to Clovis school board

Good morning. Welcome to Freedom New Mexico’s Tuesday morning briefing.

Double-dippers in spotlight

Looking for ways to trim New Mexico’s burgeoning budget, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has set up a hotline for the public.

The resounding same complaint?

More than 100 calls about double-dippers, according to Denish.

The Washington Independent newspaper reports since 2004 public employees have been able to legally retire after putting in the required 20-25 years (depending on the job), then return to work with the state.

In other words, they collect both a salary and a pension.

About 9 percent of the state pension program’s retirees have gone back to work, The Associated Press reported earlier this year. That’s about 2,200 retirees.

Lawmakers this year tried to change requirements for double dipping, but Gov. Bill Richardson vetoed the plan.

Denish’s efficiency hotline is 505-750-4684.

School board meets tonight:

The Clovis Municipal Schools Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting to discuss budget cuts and it wants to hear from parents and community members.

The meeting is set to begin at 5:30 tonight in the Central Office board room.

Visit http://www.clovis-schools.org to see the cuts suggested by Superintendent Rhonda Seidenwurm.

Web site of the day:

This is a MySpace page for gay members of the Clovis community to socialize and network. The profile is set to private, but users may request access:

http://www.myspace.com/clovisgaypride

Question of the day:

Should the state change its rules that allow retired employees to return to work, therefore drawing a salary as well as a pension?

Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Today’s weather:

For Tuesday, Accuweather forecasts plenty of sunshine for the Clovis/Portales area with a high of 74 and low of 40.

During the day, the National Weather Service predicts an east wind of 5 to 15 mph that changes to south wind. Tuesday night will feel a southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph, according to the NWS.

— by Argen Duncan