PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2009    CONTACT:  Representative Nathan Cote, (575) 373-0902

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Legislative Council approved a request by the newly created interim legislative Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee for a two-day meeting in southern New Mexico.  The committee was created by statute during the first session of the 49th Legislature to conduct hearings relating to military issues and veterans' issues and report back to the New Mexico Legislature, the Congress, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense with recommendations. 

Representative Cote said, "The Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee has the important task of assessing the missions and operations of the military installations in New Mexico, the quality of life of our military at these installations and the treatment of our veterans."  Representative Cote is a voting member on the committee, which is composed of 18 members of the Legislature.  The committee was originally scheduled for only one meeting day in the southern part of the state; however, Representative Cote advocated for an additional meeting day.  "There are two very large and distinct military installations serving our communities in the southern part of the state.  They deserve two days of committee hearings — one full day for each military installation and its respective community," said Representative Cote. 

With the approval of the Legislative Council, the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee is now scheduled for two days of hearings instead of one.  "I am very proud that the committee will now meet on October 15 in Las Cruces to focus on the needs of that community and White Sands Missile Range, and will also meet in Alamogordo on October 16 to focus on the needs of that community and Holloman Air Force Base," said Representative Cote.