ResourcesMarch is Women's History Month and I'm proud to recognize the important contributions of women across New Mexico. I'm fortunate to have spent my life surrounded by strong, competent women. First my mother, Lee, and my sisters. Later my wife, Jill, and our daughter, Amanda. They have all done a good job keeping me in line over the years, if they do say so themselves. In addition to keeping me in line, they show me every day that women are the backbone of our families and our communities. It's fitting that this month we also learned that New Mexico is a leader in women-owned businesses. Almost 32 percent of businesses in our state are owned by women - that's the third highest in the nation. In my travels around the state, I've consistently seen innovation and excellence from New Mexico's women in business. While these statistics are promising, I think we can do even better. We need to make sure that all of our young people have the educational resources they need to succeed and opportunities to pursue their dreams. Learn more and see videos and slideshows of how women are leading in New Mexico's small businesses. Improving Helmet Safety for Children
March is also Brain Injury Awareness Month. The risk of brain injury is something many Americans face, often unknowingly. This is particularly the case with young people who are active in sports. Every year, there are up to 3.8 million sports-related concussions -- many of which go undiagnosed. For young people between 15 and 24 years old, playing sports is the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injury, second only to motor vehicle crashes. We must encourage children to be active in sports and other physical activities. In addition, we must also make sure that athletes, coaches and parents are well-informed about the dangers and signs of concussion. A young person who puts on a helmet often thinks they are invincible. The helmet industry has a responsibility to use the best science possible to improve their product's safety standards to address concussions and the needs of younger players. If that is not possible, then companies should not be using potentially misleading safety claims to sell "anti-concussion" helmets to kids. I've introduced legislation to do just that. The Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act would ensure that new and reconditioned football helmets for high school and younger players meet safety standards that address concussion risks and the needs of youth athletes. My bill also increases potential penalties for using false injury prevention claims to sell helmets and other sports equipment. Watch this video and learn more about concussions, children's helmet safety, and the Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act Visiting the Quail Ridge Wildfire Area, Silver City & Lordsburg
Last Friday, I made an important trip to Southwest New Mexico. Sen. Bingaman joined me in Silver City for a tour of the damage caused by the recent Quail Ridge Wildfire. This fire has been devastating for the Silver City community, burning a dozen homes and nearly 1,800 acres. I was proud to have the opportunity to thank our first responders in person for their tireless efforts in fighting the fire and helping those in danger. See photos of my tour of Quail Ridge wildfire damage and economic development events in Silver City and Lordsburg on Facebook. That's it for this Udall Update. Thanks for reading and as always, contact my office if you have any questions.
Tom Udall
NOCSAE Media Monitoring |
