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| | Is New Mexico Ready for an AI Classroom Revolution? | | |
When ChatGPT appeared my senior year of high school, I joined my teachers in calling it a plagiarism machine. Two years later, that AI’s older sibling drafts my emails, helps me strategize for meetings, and gives me back hours.
AI is scary, but we’ve done new tech, fast before. Twenty years ago the Laptop Learning Initiative put computers into New Mexico classrooms ahead of the curve. Artificial intelligence is the next leap, and this time the barrier is human know-how. For the cost of a haircut, we can give every worker and student access to world-class AI tools.
While the Laptop Learning Initiative cost $1,300 per person in 2004, a digital AI education pilot could cost $32 per person, according to my budget analysis.
Imagine a fifth-grade classroom five years from now. Instead of learning fractions and long division by paper, they’re learning algebra and trigonometry with AI.
Now imagine a high school classroom where teachers don’t waste time enforcing grammar and spelling—because AI ensures quality every time.
And imagine college students, who can build anything from budgets to study schedules, from meal-prep menus to exercise plans, with AI at their fingertips. At every level, kids learn faster and our tax dollars stretch further.
I know. Cheating is the elephant in the classroom.
But the solution is through the problem, not around it.
Teacher training is essential to AI education—guiding students toward ethical uses and catching unethical ones. Ask yourself: how can young people be ready for the real world if they don’t learn the skills our workforce already uses?
Now if a free website can rescue a once-skeptical student and young entrepreneur from pointless busywork—imagine how the same tech, taught for ten hours, could boost 25,000 New Mexicans and, once proven, strengthen the entire state.
From conversations with Bernalillo County legislators and Democratic Party leaders, it seems to me that this initiative would have wheels in the state legislature. And given the impact an AI-education pilot program could have for New Mexicans, why wouldn’t state legislators back a pilot project?
And this is only the beginning—AI in New Mexico classrooms could also close rural tech gaps, strengthen bilingual learning, protect tribal data sovereignty, and boost our economy.
In a $10 billion budget, $800,000 is a rounding error—but this pilot could mark a shift. With a bit of focused effort we can give 25,000 New Mexicans a head start in the AI economy. Let’s not wait for other states to lead. If we move now—with courage, equity, and common sense—New Mexico can set the standard for ethical and transformative AI education. Ask your legislators to back the pilot. The future won’t wait—and neither should we.
| | DPBC RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 | | by Jane Yee, DPBC Resolutions Chair | | |
The Bernalillo County Resolutions Committee will meet on this Thursday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m. via zoom conference call:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82886422696
The County Resolutions Committee will vote on three resolutions, two addressing healthcare access and the third, a state public transit fund. A dedicated and knowledgeable healthcare subcommittee has been developing resolutions to address the twin crises of lack of access and poor quality of care since February. The Environmental Justice Caucus, Transportation and Housing Work Group, has been working on public transit and other issues in 2025. Now is the time, though, to prepare for the upcoming county and state party fall meetings and, importantly, for the 2026 New Mexico Legislature.
In addition, the Committee will discuss two new resolutions, one on “stopping big money” in state Democratic Party primaries and the other on supporting a transition from investor-owned electric utilities to ones that are publicly owned and controlled. In considering the resolution on primary campaign reform, New Mexico Democrats join a groundswell of progressives around the country, beginning in neighboring Arizona, who are speaking out forcibly against the outsized influence of corporate money in Democratic Party primaries. Democratizing energy is another important movement here in New Mexico and in other states, too.
The county resolutions committees are the voice of the grassroots of the Party. They do the important work of identifying, from the grassroots, the public policies that will alleviate in meaningful ways the severe injustices and hardships faced by working people, including people of color in their everyday lives.
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DPNM EJC GENERAL MEETINGS – JOIN US
TO LEARN & TAKE ACTION!
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“Don’t mourn, organize!” The Environmental Justice Caucus Executive Committee has organized a schedule of general meetings so that you can both learn about the latest environmental injustices harming our communities, but, as importantly, you can join your colleagues and friends in taking action, too! Through this ambitious meeting schedule, the EJC demystifies seemingly complex issues and maps out pathways for collective action.
At the next general membership meeting, Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m. (meet/greet at 6:30p.m.), the EJC will host Brandi Thompson, Strong Towns, a national organization, getting its start in ABQ late last year. Strong Towns works on revitalizing our cities, making them safer and more fiscally responsible, by pushing for denser housing development and effective transit systems. Representative Kathleen Cates will also join us to share some of the housing bills she has promoted and to strategize with the EJC for future initiatives. Denser housing and public transit have proved to be the most effective ways to mitigate the effects of the leading cause of global warming, that is, transportation.
Finally, Alex Applegate, the Transportation and Housing Work Group Coordinator, will explain the EJC’s resolution and draft legislation to create a New Mexico State Transit Fund. If enacted, cities, towns and counties would use the State Transit Fund to expand and adequately staff their public transit systems. The EJC pursued these processes to promote bicyclist safety, first, through its advocacy of a DPNM resolution, then legislation (SB73) for the adoption of the “Idaho Stop” in the 2025 legislature.
You are welcome to join this initiative for the creation of a State Transit Fund. This is the “call to action.” It is important to learn with each other in our diverse, complex communities and then unite in taking action to make those communities more sustainable, more affordable, and more just! Please link here to see a complete list of EJC General Meeting Agendas and Related Issues Campaigns.
| | 5 Things, August 11th Edition | | |
We're always on the lookout for articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, and other pieces of media to help engage local Democrats. If there's something you read, watched, or listened to this week that impacted you, email us at info@bernalillodems.org with a link and a quick note about why you want to share it.
1. Trump's Tariffs Spark Inflation Concerns: Link: NPR
President Trump's newly implemented tariffs on imports, including a 10% tax on nearly everything the U.S. brings in, are raising alarms about escalating prices and economic strain, particularly for low-income families who bear the brunt of higher costs for essentials like food and clothing. Critics argue this policy exacerbates inequality by protecting domestic industries at the expense of consumers and global trade partners, potentially slowing economic growth amid already weakening job reports.
2. Cuts to Birth Control Access Under Trump: Link: NPR
The Trump administration's decision to withhold funding from a long-standing program aimed at providing affordable birth control is threatening access for millions of women, especially in underserved communities, rolling back progress on reproductive rights established decades ago. This move is seen by advocates as part of a broader conservative agenda that prioritizes ideological restrictions over public health and gender equality, potentially leading to increased unintended pregnancies and healthcare disparities.
3. Firing of Labor Official After Weak Jobs Report: Link: APNews
Following a disappointing July jobs report showing slowed hiring, President Trump ordered the removal of the head of the agency responsible for producing employment data, a move decried as an attack on independent economic reporting and an attempt to suppress unfavorable information. Progressives view this as emblematic of authoritarian tendencies that undermine transparency and worker protections, especially as it coincides with policies like tariffs that may contribute to economic uncertainty for working-class Americans.
4. Republican Push for Gerrymandering Ahead of 2026: Link: Washington Post
Republicans are aggressively pursuing redistricting efforts in states like Texas and California to fortify their House majority, drawing criticism for manipulating electoral maps to dilute minority votes and entrench power despite shifting demographics. This tactic is highlighted by left-leaning groups as a threat to democratic fairness and representation, potentially disenfranchising progressive voters and communities of color in upcoming elections.
5. Protests Greet Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk in Albuquerque: Link KRQE
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's appearance at a local church in Albuquerque drew thousands of supporters but also sparked significant protests from progressive groups opposing his views on issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting community divisions in New Mexico. The demonstrations underscore a left-leaning pushback against far-right rhetoric, emphasizing calls for inclusivity and social justice in a state with diverse populations increasingly vocal about equality and human rights.
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Candidate Corner
This is a section where candidates can submit articles or media for inclusion. By posting their articles, DPBC is not endorsing or supporting the specific candidate message--just creating a place for more information. If you are a candidate or campaign staffer, and would like to include an article or media, please email Chair@BernalilloDems.org. DPBC makes no profit from candidates included.
Isaac Flores for APS School Board District 3
"The upcoming APS District 3 school board election isn’t just another local race, it’s a decision that will shape the future of our students for years to come.
The Martinez and Yazzi court rulings were a wake-up call: New Mexico is failing its most vulnerable students, including Native American children, English language learners, and those living in poverty. In APS, instead of moving forward, too many of these students are slipping further behind. That’s not just disappointing it’s unacceptable.
At the same time, public education is facing attacks at the national level, with policies and rhetoric that threaten funding, teacher support, and local control. We need leaders who understand the stakes because they’ve lived them, leaders with on the ground experience within these broken systems, systems that are the direct result of a lack of equity, leaders who can fight to repair the damage and make real change happen.
As a former APS student, I’ve seen both the challenges and the potential of our schools. I know what it’s like to be in a classroom where resources are scarce and students feel overlooked. That’s why this race matters so much.
District 3 has the opportunity to choose bold, fresh leadership with the courage to address tough issues head-on. This election is about more than one seat it’s about the kind of district, and the kind of future we want to build. The stakes have never been higher. And that’s why I decided to run for APS District 3."
| | Tim Eichenberg for AMAFCA | | |
Democrats, we encourage you to submit your events!
Events and community announcements are displayed in chronological order with no preference in a Democratic primary.
Note that as of this issue we are dividing the announcements into three sections, This Week's One-Time Events; Recurring Campaign Events; and Other Recurring Events.
Event submission deadline: Events submitted after 5 p.m. Friday will not appear in the following Tuesday's Blue Review."
Bookmark our new calendar: https://events.bernalillodems.org/
Be sure to check it for the most up-to-date information.
| | Sam Bregman for Governor Office Opening | | |
We’re opening our Albuquerque office!
Join Team Bregman on Friday, August 15 at 5:30 PM to meet Sam Bregman and learn more about his vision for New Mexico.
📍 5323 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque
💬 Questions or RSVPs: Delilah@bregmanform.com
| | All democrats are welcome at the WSD Picnic. Enjoy a summer day with friends, office holders, candidates, and like minded people. | | DPBC August General Meeting | | With a ton of events on August 23rd, including the Indivisible Statewide Conference, we have decided to push back our meeting by one week. See you all 8/30! | | Recurring Campaign Events | | Let’s Get Moving for Melaní: Saturday Door Knocking! | | |
Saturday Morning Door Knocking for Melaní
Melaní Buchanan Farmer is running for Albuquerque City Council in District 9, challenging Republican Renee Grout to bring strong, community-focused leadership to the Southeast Heights and Foothills.
We’ve got 12 weeks to connect with as many voters as possible—and every conversation counts. Join us to knock doors this Saturday, or take a walk packet to talk to neighbors on your own schedule.
Where: Melaní's home, 1012 Matia Ct NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
When: 10 AM-1 PM
📧 Email Chase at melaniforcitycouncil@gmail.com
📞 Call or text 505-627-4375
How to Help Now:
✅ Live in District 9? Check the map: melaniforcitycouncil.com/district-9
🚪 Knock doors for Melaní this Saturday (contact Chase to confirm!)
💬 Share Melani’s campaign with friends & neighbors
Let’s do this—together!
| | Canvass for Athenea – Let’s Flip District 5! | | |
Join us for a canvass to help elect Athenea Allen, the only Democrat running for Albuquerque City Council District 5. This is a winnable race — District 5 went to Kamala Harris in 2024, and every overlapping State House seat is already held by a Democratic woman. But we can’t do it alone. We need all hands on deck to defeat a well-funded Republican incumbent and bring real leadership to the Westside.
Canvasses are held Wednesdays from 5:30PM–8PM and Saturdays from 10AM–1PM.
Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided. Bring a friend and let’s flip this seat together!
📍 RSVP or get more info: volsatheneaforabq@gmail.com
Paid for by Athenea for ABQ
10415 Venticello Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
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Join DPBC Executive Officers on a weekly zoom! We will be on to answer questions, listen to concerns, or just chat about how we can best help each other!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82503528315
Meeting ID: 825 0352 8315
| | Calling Out the Chaos —DPBC Weekly Phonebank | | |
Republicans are pushing a dangerous agenda—and we’re pushing back. Join the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County to call voters across the country, share what’s at stake, and demand action from elected officials.
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Join DPBC Executive Officers on a weekly zoom! We will be on to answer questions, listen to concerns, or just chat about how we can best help each other!
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PEOPLE AGAINST TYRANNY
Join us every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to Noon protesting the chaos, divisiveness and cruelty of Donny-2-Dolls' wreckage! We're in the NE Heights on the corners of Montgomery and Juan Tabo. Plenty of parking in the shopping centers on each corner! Bring your signs on any subject, your voices, noisemakers, bodies and souls, and your friends!
Do not engage with hecklers (we've haven't had many) and allow pedestrians to get through.
LET'S MAKE SOME GOOD TROUBLE!
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Join Indivisible Albuquerque for a regularly scheduled resistance Rally at 4th and Lomas at 9-10 AM (summer hours) every Tuesday.
Bring your own sign and be ready to chant.
We stand on all four corners and wave at drivers urging them to resist the tyranny that is coming from Washington.
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Protesting Tesla is stopping Musk. Stopping Musk will save lives and our democracy. The stakes couldn't be higher. But no one is coming to save us.
We need you!! Join us and protest all that the Trump administration has done and continues to do to hurt people and our country.
We are out there every single Saturday protesting in front of the Tesla Dealership. The more the merrier!
The dealership is on Indian land and we do not have permission to go on the property. Instead we gather at the huge intersection of Hwys 550 and 528 across from the Tesla Showroom in Bernalillo.
You may have heard that Elon said he is “stepping back” from DOGE to get back to the business of Tesla. Don’t believe it for a minute. We can’t let up now because
- his people are still installed across the government
- he’s already done enormous damage
- he’ll continue using Tesla stock to fund assaults on democracy
- other billionaires are watching closely to see what happens
We MUST double down on protests, pull more people in, and keep up the heat. See you Saturdays!!
This event is endorsed by Rio Grande Indivisible, Albuquerque Indivisible and Sandoval Indivisible.
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