Fred Nathan
North London
Comms man. Ex-journo/TV producer/PR agency man/Tesco press officer. Leyton Orient, cricket, 80s music, theatre, comedy. ✡️
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Articles by Fred Nathan
Reform Legislative Ethics Laws to Restore Trust in Government
A 2025 poll by Research & Polling, Inc. for the Albuquerque-based Garrity Group found that only 19% of New Mexico residents trust state government officials, a record low and down from 31% just five years earlier. (National trust in government fell by 10% over the same period.) The good news is that there are commonsense ethics reforms that can help restore New Mexicans’ trust in their government.
Reform legislative ethics laws to restore trust in government
A 2025 poll by Research & Polling, Inc. for the Albuquerque-based Garrity Group found that only 19% of New Mexico residents trust state government officials, a record low and down from 31% just five years earlier. (National trust in government fell by 10% over the same period.) The good news is that there are common sense ethics reforms that can help restore New Mexicans’ trust in their government.
Op-Ed: Reform Legislative Ethics Laws To Restore Trust In Government
By FRED NATHAN, JR., Executive Director of Think New Mexico A 2025 poll by Research & Polling, Inc. for the Albuquerque-based Garrity Group found that only 19% of New Mexico residents trust state government officials, a record low and down from 31% just five years earlier. (National trust in government fell by 10% over the same period.) The good news is that there are commonsense ethics reforms that can help restore New Mexicans’ trust in their government.
Op-Ed: Pass the rest of the health care worker compacts this year
Note: The opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Organ Mountain News. Fred Nathan, Think New Mexico It was a big bipartisan win for New Mexicans when the legislature and governor enacted Senate Bill 1 to bring New Mexico into the interstate licensure compact for doctors.
Pass the rest of the health care worker compacts this year
GUEST COLUMN Think New Mexico It was a big bipartisan win for New Mexicans when the Legislature and governor enacted Senate Bill 1 to bring New Mexico into the interstate licensure compact for doctors. According to the New Mexico Medical Board, joining this compact will result in an increase of 10-15% in the number of doctors applying to practice in New Mexico annually.
Pass the Rest of the Health Care Worker Compacts This Year
It was a big bipartisan win for New Mexicans when the legislature and governor enacted Senate Bill 1 to bring New Mexico into the interstate licensure compact for doctors. According to the New Mexico Medical Board, joining this compact will result in an increase of 10-15% in the number of doctors applying to practice in New Mexico annually.
OPINION: New Mexico should join the rest of the health care worker compacts this year
LOCAL COLUMN It was a big bipartisan win for New Mexicans when the Legislature and governor enacted Senate Bill 1 to bring New Mexico into the interstate licensure compact for doctors. According to the New Mexico Medical Board, joining this compact will result in an increase of 10-15% in the number of doctors applying to practice in New Mexico annually.
Guest Opinion: Why the Health Care Worker Compacts Belong in the Special Session
When the legislature convenes for a special session starting October 1, they should enact a straightforward reform that will immediately increase access to health care providers in New Mexico: join all the interstate compacts for health care workers. These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize professional licenses issued by the other states participating in the compact.
Nathan: Why The Health Care Worker Compacts Belong In The Special Session
By FRED NATHAN Executive Director Think New Mexico When the legislature convenes for a special session starting Oct. 1, it should enact a straightforward reform that will immediately increase access to health care providers in New Mexico: join all the interstate compacts for health care workers. These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize professional licenses issued by the other states participating in the compact.
Health care compacts belong in special session
When the Legislature convenes for a special session starting Oct. 1, they should enact a straightforward reform that will immediately increase access to health care providers in New Mexico: join all the interstate compacts for health care workers. These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize professional licenses issued by the other states participating in the compact.
OPINION: Health care worker compacts belong in the special session
When the Legislature convenes for a special session starting Oct. 1, lawmakers should enact a straightforward reform that will immediately increase access to health care providers in New Mexico: Join all the interstate compacts for health care workers. These interstate compacts are agreements among states to recognize professional licenses issued by the other states participating in the compact.
Majority of NM schools now include financial literacy as graduation requirements
Forty-eight of New Mexico’s 89 school districts, reaching 48.34% of all public school students in the state, have made financial literacy a high school graduation requirement for students entering ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year and thereafter, according to Think New Mexico. Thirty-six of those districts require completion of a year-long financial literacy course, while 12 require at least a semester.
Majority of NM schools now include financial literacy as graduation requirements
Forty-eight of New Mexico’s 89 school districts, reaching 48.34% of all public school students in the state, have made financial literacy a high school graduation requirement for students entering ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year and thereafter, according to Think New Mexico. Thirty-six of those districts require completion of a year-long financial literacy course, while 12 require at least a semester.
A dark money group is fighting health care reform - why?
Recently the New Mexico Ethics Commission sued a secretive, dark money group calling itself New Mexico Safety Over Profits for violating state laws that require the disclosure of the source of funds used to influence legislation.
Reform the medical malpractice system to address the doctor shortage
New Mexico’s lawyer-centered medical malpractice system, with no statutory caps on attorney’s fees or punitive damages and the lowest standard in the country for awarding punitive damages, is out of balance. It is driving up medical malpractice rates for New Mexico doctors to nearly twice what doctors pay in neighboring states. That in turn is causing doctors to retire early or leave the state.
Reform the medical malpractice system to address the doctor shortage
New Mexico’s lawyer-centered medical malpractice system, with no statutory caps on attorney’s fees or punitive damages and one of the lowest standards in the country for awarding punitive damages, is out of balance. It is driving up medical malpractice rates for New Mexico doctors to nearly twice what doctors pay in neighboring states. That in turn is causing doctors to retire early or leave the state.
Op-Ed: Reform The Medical Malpractice System To Address The Doctor Shortage
By FRED NATHAN Executive Director Think New Mexico New Mexico’s lawyer-centered medical malpractice system, with no statutory caps on attorney’s fees or punitive damages and the lowest standard in the country for awarding punitive damages, is out of balance. It is driving up medical malpractice rates for New Mexico doctors to nearly twice what doctors pay in neighboring states. That in turn is causing doctors to retire early or leave the state.
Reform the medical malpractice system to attract doctors
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Legislation Introduced To Repeal Gross Receipts Tax On Medical Services; Expand Eligibility For The Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit
Two bipartisan bills have been introduced to make New Mexico’s tax policy friendlier for health care workers. Both bills are supported by Think New Mexico, which recommended these reforms in its recent report, ‘How to Solve New Mexico’s Health Care Worker Shortage’. Senate Bill 295, which would repeal New Mexico’s gross receipts tax on medical services, is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Albuquerque); Senate Minority Leader William Sharer (R-Farmington); and 13 other sponsors.
Celebrate Financial Literacy Month by Making it a High School Graduation Requirement
New Mexicans have an opportunity to improve the financial literacy of the next generation by making it a graduation requirement in all 89 of our local school districts. As of April, 25 states have added a standalone course in financial literacy to their high school graduation requirements, reaching 53% of students nationwide, according to the national nonprofit NextGen Personal Finance.
Plentiful credit available without predatory lending
By Fred Nathan, Think New Mexico Last Sunday's Journal (July 23) included an opinion piece by Patrick Brenner, founder and president of the libertarian Southwest Public Policy Institute, expressing regret over New Mexico's recent law ending predatory lending. The Southwest Public Policy Institute has consistently opposed the law, which reduced the maximum annual interest rate on small loans - under $10,000 - from 175% to 36%.
Social Security tax exemption will now keep up with inflation
SANTA FE — As New Mexico seniors file their annual income tax returns, many may be pleasantly surprised to discover that they are no longer paying state taxes on their Social Security income. The 2022 tax year marks the first time Social Security income is exempt from New Mexico income tax since 1990, when the Legislature first began taxing it. That tax was enacted as a single line on the second to last page of a long and complex piece of legislation.
Social Security tax exemption will now keep up with inflation
As New Mexico seniors file their annual income tax returns, many may be pleasantly surprised to discover that they are no longer paying state taxes on their Social Security income. The 2022 tax year marks the first time Social Security income is exempt from New Mexico income tax since 1990, when the legislature first began taxing it. That tax was enacted as a single line on the second to last page of a long and complex piece of legislation.
Social Security Tax Exemption Will Now Keep Up with Inflation
By Fred Nathan, Executive Director, Think New Mexico As New Mexico seniors file their annual income tax returns, many may be pleasantly surprised to discover that they are no longer paying state taxes on their Social Security income. The 2022 tax year marks the first time Social Security income is exempt from New Mexico income tax since 1990, when the legislature first began taxing it. That tax was enacted as a single line on the second to last page of a long and complex piece of legislation.
Better School Board Practices Lead To Better Schools
–GUEST EDITORIAL– School boards are an often undervalued piece of the puzzle in improving New Mexico’s public schools. They play a critically important role in setting the tone, culture, and expectations for the schools they oversee. Last year, Think New Mexico published a report titled: A Roadmap for Rethinking Public Education in New Mexico, which proposed a sweeping ten-point plan with 30 separate legislative recommendations to improve the performance of New Mexico’s public schools.
Letter: Armstrong’s leadership commendable
To the Editor of the El Defensor Chieftain : I am writing to commend Representative Gail Armstrong for her continuing leadership in the effort to repeal the tax on Social Security income. For the last several years, Representative Armstrong has sponsored legislation to fully repeal this burdensome double tax on seniors.
LETTER: Sen. Diamond fought for New Mexico schools
To the Editor: Think New Mexico commends Senator Crystal Diamond for her leadership in helping to pass Senate Joint Memorial 14, which creates a process to identify and eliminate nonessential, redundant and unnecessarily burdensome reporting requirements on school districts, with a goal of reducing the number of state reports by at least 25 percent.
Letter: Kudos to Jaramillo
Editor: Kudos to Representative Tara Jaramillo for her leadership in sponsoring House Bill 460 to improve the quality of the state’s colleges of education! House Bill 460 proposed to convert the final year of a four-year teacher training program into a teacher residency, a paid year-long experience in a classroom alongside an experienced teacher. Teachers who participate in residencies are better prepared and are much less likely to leave the profession.
Better school board practices will mean better schools
School boards are an often undervalued piece of the puzzle in improving New Mexico’s public schools. They play a critically important role in setting the tone, culture and expectations for the schools they oversee. Last year, Think New Mexico published a report titled “A Roadmap for Rethinking Public Education in New Mexico,” which proposed a sweeping 10-point plan with 30 separate legislative recommendations to improve the performance of New Mexico’s public schools.
Better School Board Practices Lead to Better Schools
By Fred Nathan, Executive Director, Think New Mexico School boards are an often-undervalued piece of the puzzle in improving New Mexico's public schools. They play a critically important role in setting the tone, culture, and expectations for the schools they oversee.
Nathan: Better Board Practices Lead To Better Schools
By FRED NATHAN Executive Director Think New Mexico School boards are an often undervalued piece of the puzzle in improving New Mexico’s public schools. They play a critically important role in setting the tone, culture, and expectations for the schools they oversee.
Better School Board Practices Lead to Better Schools
School boards are an often undervalued piece of the puzzle in improving New Mexico’s public schools. They play a critically important role in setting the tone, culture, and expectations for the schools they oversee. Last year, Think New Mexico published a report titled: A Roadmap for Rethinking Public Education in New Mexico, which proposed a sweeping ten-point plan with 30 separate legislative recommendations to improve the performance of New Mexico’s public schools.
Better school board practices will lead to better schools
School boards are an often undervalued piece of the puzzle in improving New Mexico’s public schools. They play a critically important role in setting the tone, culture and expectations for the schools they oversee. Last year, Think New Mexico published a report titled A Roadmap for Rethinking Public Education in New Mexico, which proposed a sweeping 10-point plan with 30 separate legislative recommendations to improve the performance of New Mexico’s public schools.
Middle Class Wins With Senate Social Security Tax Compromise
The compromise reached by Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham and Senate democrats to remove the tax on Social Security income for all lower and middle-income seniors – with incomes up to $100,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples – represents a reasonable compromise among proponents and opponents of a full repeal. The state’s tax on Social Security has been in effect since 1990, when the legislature passed a complex tax bill that buried the provision on a single line on the second to last page.
Thank You, Rep. Herrera
I am writing to commend State Rep. Susan Herrera, D-Embudo, for her leadership and perseverance in the successful effort to end predatory lending in New Mexico. Rep. Herrera was the lead sponsor of House Bill 132, which will reduce the maximum annual interest rate on small loans from 175 percent, one of the highest rates allowed anywhere in the nation, to 36 percent. The bill was opposed by an army of lobbyists for the predatory lending industry who went all out to stop it and Rep.
Middle class wins with Senate Social Security tax compromise
The compromise reached by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Democrats to remove the tax on Social Security income for all lower and middle income seniors — with incomes up to $100,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples — represents a reasonable compromise among proponents and opponents of a full repeal. The state’s tax on Social Security has been in effect since 1990, when the Legislature passed a complex tax bill that buried the provision on a single line on the second to last page.
Middle class wins with Senate Social Security tax compromise
The compromise reached by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Democrats to remove the tax on Social Security income for all lower and middle income seniors — with incomes up to $100,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples — represents a reasonable compromise among proponents and opponents of a full repeal. The state’s tax on Social Security has been in effect since 1990, when the Legislature passed a complex tax bill that buried the provision on a single line on the second to last page.
Middle class wins with Senate Social Security tax compromise
The compromise reached by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senate Democrats to remove the tax on Social Security income for all lower and middle income seniors — with incomes up to $100,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples — represents a reasonable compromise among proponents and opponents of a full repeal. The state’s tax on Social Security has been in effect since 1990, when the Legislature passed a complex tax bill that buried the provision on a single line on the second to last page.
Both Candidates Agree: New Mexico Should Stop Taxing Social Security Income
–GUEST EDITORIAL– As the special election to fill New Mexico’s First Congressional District heats up, an important area of bipartisan common ground has emerged: both Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury and Republican Senator Mark Moores are emphasizing their support for repealing New Mexico’s tax on Social Security income. During the last two legislative sessions, nine bills were introduced to repeal this tax, sponsored by lawmakers from across the political spectrum.
Candidates agree: New Mexico should stop taxing Social Security income
As the special election to fill New Mexico’s First Congressional District heats up, an important area of bipartisan common ground has emerged: both Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Republican Sen. Mark Moores are emphasizing their support for repealing New Mexico’s tax on Social Security income. During the last two legislative sessions, nine bills were introduced to repeal this tax, sponsored by lawmakers from across the political spectrum.
Opinion: House Bill 98 will permanently end taxation of delivered groceries
A year ago, as New Mexicans began staying at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, a disturbing fact came to light: some grocery stores, particularly large chains, were charging tax on the food they delivered to New Mexicans. New Mexico was one of the last states to repeal its food tax, back in 2004. At that time, nine states still fully taxed the sale of groceries; today, the number has shrunk to just Mississippi and Alabama.
House Bill 98 will end taxation of delivered groceries
A year ago, as New Mexicans began staying at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, a disturbing fact came to light: some grocery stores, particularly large chains, were charging tax on the food they delivered to New Mexicans. New Mexico was one of the last states to repeal its food tax, back in 2004. At that time, nine states still fully taxed the sale of groceries; today, the number has shrunk to just Mississippi and Alabama.
House Bill 98 will end taxation of delivered groceries
A year ago, as New Mexicans began staying at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, a disturbing fact came to light: some grocery stores, particularly large chains, were charging tax on the food they delivered to New Mexicans. New Mexico was one of the last states to repeal its food tax, back in 2004. At that time, nine states still fully taxed the sale of groceries; today, the number has shrunk to just Mississippi and Alabama.
House Bill 98 will end taxation of delivered groceries
A year ago, as New Mexicans began staying at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, a disturbing fact came to light: some grocery stores, particularly large chains, were charging tax on the food they delivered to New Mexicans. New Mexico was one of the last states to repeal its food tax, back in 2004. At that time, nine states still fully taxed the sale of groceries; today, the number has shrunk to just Mississippi and Alabama.
Letter to the Editor: Commending Representative Gail Armstrong
Editor: I am writing to commend Representative Gail Armstrong for her outstanding leadership on many important issues in the state legislature. During this year’s legislative session, Representative Armstrong co-sponsored bills to end predatory lending by capping the rates of small loans at 36%; to make financial literacy a graduation requirement for New Mexico’s high school students; and to repeal the state’s double tax on Social Security income, among other reforms.
All of New Mexico’s Students Should Learn Financial Literacy
One important reform that has quietly advanced during this year’s legislative session is House Bill 163, which would make a one-semester course in financial literacy a graduation requirement for New Mexico’s high school students. The bill is being co-sponsored by Representatives Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque), Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque), Willie Madrid (D-Chaparral), Jane Powdrell-Culbert (R-Albuquerque), and Melanie Stansbury (D-Albuquerque).
Finally time for capital outlay transparency
For the first time in more than four decades, House Bill 55 is poised to make New Mexico’s public infrastructure funding process transparent. House Bill 55 is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Reps. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), Kelly Fajardo (R-Los Lunas) and Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque), Sens. Bill Tallman (D-Albuquerque) and Steven Neville (R-Aztec).
OPINION | If PRC amendment's so good, why are backers hiding?
By Fred Nathan / Founder And Executive Director, Think New Mexico Saturday, October 31st, 2020 at 12:02am .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The Albuquerque Journal has a well-deserved reputation for being a strong proponent of the public’s right to know and fierce opponent of government secrecy.
Avert the looming retirement crisis: Pass the New Mexico Work & Save Act
Fred Nathan & Kristina G. Fisher, Your view Published 1:57 a.m. MT Feb. 16, 2020 A crisis is quietly growing in New Mexico. In 2018, researchers at the University of New Mexico released a report showing that nearly 80% of New Mexicans working in the private sector have less than $10,000 saved for retirement. About two-thirds have nothing saved. When these New Mexicans are no longer able to continue working, they will depend entirely on Social Security benefits.
Avert the looming retirement crisis: Pass the New Mexico Work & Save Act
Fred Nathan, Kristina G. Fisher, Think New Mexico Published 10:16 a.m. MT Feb. 12, 2020 A crisis is quietly growing in New Mexico. In 2018, researchers at the University of New Mexico released a report showing that nearly 80% of New Mexicans working in the private sector have less than $10,000 saved for retirement. About two-thirds have nothing saved. When these New Mexicans are no longer able to continue working, they will depend entirely on Social Security benefits.
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