New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

New Mexico is in the process of deciding how to spend billions of dollars in federal infrastructure dollars. It is no secret that the needs stretch far beyond just our urban communities. Host Gene Grant and Pivotal New Mexico CEO Terry Brunner discuss a new report addressing the infrastructure shortcomings in rural communities and the systemic issues that continually stand in our way when securing funding for all New Mexicans.

Until recently, Jeremy Vesbach was vice-chair of the New Mexico State Game Commission. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, he talks about the commission’s roles and responsibilities and about a controversial stream access rule in the state. Vesbach is the second commissioner Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has removed from the commission, which currently only has four of seven seats filled.

New Mexico is caught in the middle of an investigation into the 2020 election, and the January 6th Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Our Line Opinion Panelists react to accusations that several New Mexicans submitted fraudulent electoral college certificates declaring Donald Trump winner, despite Joe Bien receiving the majority of votes in our state. Was this a coordinated effort, and what could it mean for the future of the republican party in New Mexico?

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Laura Paskus

Line Opinion Panelists:

Sophie Martin, attorney

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Ed Perea, attorney

Guests:

Terry Brunner, CEO, Pivotal New Mexico

Jeremy Vesbach, fmr. State game commissioner

For More Information:

Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas Fake Trump Electors in 7 States – Associated Press

Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas 2 Republicans From New Mexico - KOAT

Trump’s Fake Electors – Here's the Full List – Source NM

Rural Infrastructure Report – Pivotal NM

NM Considers Prioritizing Rural Water Projects – Santa Fe New Mexican

Governor Names New State Engineer – Albuquerque Journal

Governor Removes Member from State Game Commission – Albuquerque Journal

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A package of anti-crime initiatives is gaining support in the state Legislature. Our Line panelists break down what’s included in those proposals and debate the potential impacts the bills could have. Plus, how the recent social outcry for police reform factors into this decision-making process.

More than three years after a court ruling mandating change, the state legislature is considering a trio of bills aimed at making education more equitable for all New Mexican Students. Out Line Opinion panelists debate whether the proposals go far enough to help Native American students in response to the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit.

Environment Correspondent Laura Paskus and Capital & Main journalist Jerry Redfern explore what we know about hydrogen power. Redfern has been covering energy issues for years and explains why some environmental groups are apprehensive about New Mexico’s push to become a hub for hydrogen.

Correspondents:

Laura Paskus

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Sophie Martin, attorney

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Ed Perea, attorney

Guest:

Jerry Redfern, reporter, Capital & Main

For More Information:

Three Crime-Related Bills Make it Through Committee – Santa Fe New Mexican

Behavioral Health Bill Advances, Focuses on Crime Prevention - KRQE

Pretrial Detention Bill Clears House Committee Despite Skepticism – Las Vegas Optic

NM Lawmakers Advance Native American Education Bills – Associated Press

Bills to Address Yazzie/Martinez Court Ruling Advance – NM Political Report

Indigenous Educators Urge Lawmakers to Fund a Transformation of Public Schools – Source NM

New Mexico’s Delicate Dance to Become a Center of U.S. Hydrogen Production– Capital & Main

Proposed Hydrogen Hub Generates Controversy – Santa Fe New Mexican

NM Leaders Hanging on to Hydrogen Energy Despite Bill’s Defeat – Carlsbad Current Argus

Lawmakers are considering new legislation that would put New Mexico on a pathway to become a leader in hydrogen energy production. But is there enough science to merit such an investment? Our Line Opinion panelists explore the unknowns of the controversial energy source, and weigh the potential economic consequences for New Mexico if lawmakers hesitate on taking the lead.

Gene Grant sits down with tax expert Richard Anklam to dig through the tax cuts being weighed in the legislature. Are these reforms thorough enough to make a difference for New Mexican families and businesses? Plus, are there risks to making tax cuts right now?

Plus, Lawmakers are firmly focused on completing the obligations of this year’s regular session, but how much does the upcoming midterm election play into their decision making? Our Line Opinion panelists try to identify the motivations of some recent developments in Santa Fe as some lawmakers position themselves for reelection.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Diane Snyder, former state senator

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter & columnist, Las Cruces Sun-News

Guest:

Richard Anklam – Director, New Mexico Tax Research Institute

For More Information:

State Agencies, National Labs Team Up in Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Effort – NM Political Report

New Data Shows Massive Climate-Warming Leaks by NM Oil & Gas Operators – NM Political Report

State & National Laboratories Execute Agreement on Development of Zero-Carbon Hydrogen – Los Alamos Reporter

House Bill 4 – Hydrogen Hub Development Act

New Mexico May Limit of Scrap Tax on Social Security Income – Las Cruces Sun-News

Legislative Updates & Proposed Legislation – Tax.NewMexico.Gov

New Mexico Tax Research Institute

State Republican Party Sues Over Redistricting Map – The Paper

Republican Party Challenges New Mexico Political Maps – Associated Press

Governor Steps in as a Teacher for a Day – Albuquerque Journal

Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks one-on-one with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver about a set of new voting reforms moving through the legislature. The proposed changes are aimed at expanding access and participation in our elections. The Secretary also touches on a recent survey measuring voter confidence in our electoral system.

The Line Opinion panel reacts to our interview with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and weighs in on the proposed voting reforms introduced to the legislature. Our panelists debate the merits of the proposals to remove barriers to absentee voting, extend opportunities for early voting, and to lower the voting age to 16.

Correspondent:

Gwyneth Doland

Guest:

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver – New Mexico (D)

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Diane Snyder, former state senator

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter & columnist, Las Cruces Sun-News

More Information

Survey Finds Faith in Elections Faltering in New Mexico – Santa Fe New Mexican

2020 NM Election Administration, Voter Security & Election Reform Report

Gov., Secretary of Secretary of State Announce Voting Reform Plan – Gov. Office

Environment Report Laura Paskus is joined by Michael Dax, Western Program Director for Wildlands Network, to talk about a draft Wildlife Corridors Action Plan from the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

The plan comes out of the Wildlife Corridors Act of 2019 and identifies 11 priority safe passage projects to protect wildlife and drivers. These include underpasses and overpasses throughout New Mexico.

In 2018, the Our Land team covered this issue in an episode about the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Project, from NMDGF and NMDOT. You can watch that here.

More Information:

Wildlife Corridors Action Plan: https://wildlifeactionplan.nmdotprojects.org/

2019 Wildlife Corridors Act: https://wildlifeactionplan.nmdotprojects.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/39/2021/04/New-Mexico-Wildlife-Corridors-Act-2019.pdf

Wildlands Network: https://wildlandsnetwork.org/

This week on New Mexico in Focus, Gene and the Line Opinion Panel dig into Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 2022 State of the State Address, analyzing the Governor’s stated priorities, and what she may have left out. Now that the state has a significant budget surplus, the Governor is calling for aggressive action on several fronts, including teacher pay, tax issues and job growth. Our panelists address those priorities and detail any potential issues that could arise in the legislature. Governor Lujan Grisham is also proposing a major funding boost to public safety, but is it enough to fill the growing number of vacancies at police departments around the state? Plus, a deeper look at the Governor’s plan to strengthen healthcare, and support home caregivers in the age of COVID-19.

If you want to watch the full State of the State Address, you can do that here. Also included is some immediate reaction to the speech and an annotated written version with contextual footnotes from New Mexico Journalists. 

Guest:

Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), New Mexico Governor

The Line opinion panel:

Julie Ann Grimm – editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter

Kristelle Siarza - owner and CEO, Siarza Social Digital

Adrian Hedden – reporter, Carlsbad Current-Argus

This show is part of our #YourNMGov project, in collaboration with KUNM radio. Support for public media provided by the Thornburg Foundation.

COVID-19 cases are surging since the introduction of the new Omicron variant. Officials from UNM Hospital and Presbyterian Medical Services update the public on the impacts of Omicron on their daily operations and specifically Emergency Rooms. Our Line panelists also react to those warnings about longer wait times for minor health issues and the growing issues individuals are having when trying to get tested for the virus.

Plus, Our Line Panelists share their opinion on a study to determine the feasibility of publicly owned utility companies. Are they more accountable to their customers than private electric companies? And what does the changing composition of the Public Regulations Commission mean for energy oversight in the future?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Michael Bird, former President, American Public Health Association

Tom Garrity, Garrity Public Relations Group

Martha Burk, Political Psychologist and Author

For More Information:

Omicron’s Impact on Hospitals & Wait Times (VIDEO) - NMiF YouTube

New Mexico Hospitals Warn of Wait Times for the Less Sick - Associated Press

COVID-19 Dashboard - NMDOH

Vaccine Signup - NMDOH

NM Utility Regulators Skeptical of Study on Publicly Owned Electric Power – Santa Fe New Mexican

Group of Legislators Request Study About Creating Government-Run Electric Utilities – NM Political Report

PRC Asked by Legislators to Consider Public Utilities as Option for NM– Santa Fe New Mexican

Political correspondent Gwyneth Doland previews the upcoming legislative session with Senate President Pro Tem, Mimi Stewart. Senator Stewart lays out the Democratic agenda and gives background on some of the key issues scheduled to come up starting January 18th. Host Gene Grant also catches up with former State Rep. Alonzo Baldonado after his recent resignation. Baldonado shares his thought process behind stepping down from the legislature, and looks back at his proudest accomplishments, and the issues he wishes he could have done more on. Baldonado also shares his perspective ahead of the return to regular session, explaining the priorities he thinks lawmakers should be focused on starting January 18th.

The Line Opinion Panel analyzes budget proposals from both the Governor and the Legislative Finance Committee ahead of the start of regular session. Panelists break down the spending priorities of each plan, while giving their perspective on the potential effectiveness of the proposed investments.

New Mexicans already face the impacts of climate change, including uncertain water supplies for irrigation, dry riverbeds, forest dieoffs, and wildfires. When it comes to climate change and climate action, what lessons do communities of faith hold for people both religious and secular? How do people grieve the loss of species and ecosystems? And how has white supremacy shaped both the climate—and Christian theology? On this month’s Our Land, correspondent Laura Paskus and Larry Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary, dive into all these topics.

Correspondent:

Gwyneth Doland

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Mimi Stewart (D), NM Senate President Pro Tem

Larry Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary

Line Opinion Panelists:

Michael Bird, former President, American Public Health Association

Tom Garrity, Garrity Public Relations Group

Martha Burk, Political Psychologist and Author

For More Information:

Legislature ‘Awash in Money’ as it Convenes Jan. 18 for 2022 Regular Session – Las Cruces Bulletin

Upcoming Legislative Session Could See Bills on Child Care, Economic Recovery and Tax Reform - KRQE

St. Sen. Mimi Stewart Bio – NM Legislature

State Spending Could Soar Under Dueling Budget Plans – Albuquerque Journal

State Rep. Alonzo Baldonado Resigns - KRQE

State Rep. Alonzo Baldonado Stepping Down From House – Albuquerque Journal

Earth Honoring Faith Book

Religion and Views on Climate and Energy Issues – Pew Research Institute

Faith groups increasingly join fight against climate change – ABC News

Parker Williams is a bioclimatologist who studies drought and wildfire in the western United States. He spoke with correspondent Laura Paskus about today’s ongoing drought and how it compares and contrasts with droughts in the ancient past. The two also talked about wildfire in the West and how climate change and warmer temperatures affect fire season and landscapes. Williams is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at UCLA.

Plus, we bring you a powerful interview from a recent Facebook Live with host Gene Grant. He's joined by Bernalillo County Undersheriff and Pilot Larry Koren, Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Joses Waller, and UNM Mountain Medicine Rescue Specialist Drew Harrell to discuss the New Year’s Day rescue on the Sandia Tram Line

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Parker Williams, associate professor, Department of Geography, UCLA

Larry Koren, Bernalillo County Undersheriff and Pilot

Joses Waller, Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist

Drew Harrell, UNM Mountain Medicine Rescue Specialist

For More Information:

All 21 people who were trapped in New Mexico tramway overnight have been rescued - CNN

How severe is the megadrought in the West – The Hill

2021 Forest Service/USDA Memo

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication September Report

Park Williams & HyFiVeS Research Group website

The Line Panel reacts to the most recent updates from the Department of Health on the Omicron variant. Early data seems to suggest it is a milder version of the virus, but spreads at more than 3-times the rate of the Delta variant. As we wait for more data to give us more information, how should the public react?

State lawmakers are getting set to take on crime during the 2022 Legislative session. But will tightening laws and lengthening sentences work as an effective deterrent? Our panelists share their opinions on this one as well, and give other ideas that could help bolster our state’s criminal justice system in the long term.

The State Ethics Commission is calling for stricter disclosure rules when it comes to state lawmakers’ income and business interests. We detail the proposed changes and ask our panelists: is this a reasonable burden for unpaid, part-time legislators? Is it time to reconsider our state’s citizen-legislature, or is there no hope keeping special interests out of the roundhouse?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Serge Martinez, UNM Law School

Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

Rebeca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

For More Information:

Amid Omicron, NM Urges Exposure Notifications – Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard – NMDOH Website

Vaccine Appointments – VaccineNM.org

New Mexico Department of Health Briefings - Facebook

NM Legislature Gearing Up to Crack Down on Crime – Santa Fe New Mexican

Albuquerque Shatters Homicide Record by 46% - Associated Press

Editorial: ABQ Has to Handle Crime in New Year – Albuquerque Journal

When you add more police to a city, what happens? - NPR: Planet Money

Ethics Agency Calls for Firmer Disclosure Laws – Albuquerque Journal

Financial Disclosure Rules – NM Secretary of State

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The segment on disclosure rules is part of our #YourNMGov project, in collaboration with KUNM radio. Support for public media provided by the Thornburg Foundation.