RGFNM

On Tipping Point we regularly cover energy issues, but here and elsewhere the pipelines, power lines, and critical and complicated ways in which energy resources are shipped around the globe and to customers is ignored. On this week's interview Paul talks to Brydon Ross. He heads up the Consumer Energy Alliance's State Affairs Policy groups and manages their Pipelines for America Campaign. Ross is incredibly knowledgeable on infrastructure issues impacting everything from venting and flaring to power lines and the infrastructure necessary to export liquefied natural gas from producing states like New Mexico to customers in Western Europe. Check out this informative conversation!

On this week’s conversation Paul talks to Evan Jones. Evan is on the board of the Foundation and is a realtor in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe markets for Keller Williams. Paul and Evan discuss the crazy housing market right now and the varying factors creating it. They discuss who is coming in and where they are going and why. They also discuss solutions for the seemingly out-of-control housing market pricing situation. Whether you are in the market for a house or just interested in the economic forces affecting our State you don’t want to miss this discussion.

The New Mexico Legislature is in a special session today discussing “rebates” for New Mexicans. States are ending their COVID emergencies, but what about New Mexico? The Pandemic has delayed the social skills of young children. Where’s Deb Haaland hits the “big time” at National Review online. The article is behind a paywall so you can read it here on the RGF website. Searchlight NM has an interesting report that highlights the challenge of keeping the lights and homes warm for poor and fixed income families. Alas, as Paul and Wally discuss, they fail to address the causes of the problem. RGF finally received details on MLG’s travel to Scotland. ABQ City Council fails to cut taxes, passes bill repealing union-giveaway project labor agreements, and overrides Mayor Keller on plastic bags.

On this week's interview Paul interviews Clarence Washington, Sr. A long-time resident of New Mexico, Clarence is the author of a four-part book series (which can be found and purchased here) "Hijacked, How Dr. King's Dream Became a Nightmare." In this conversation Clarence goes into detail about Dr. King's legacy, what went wrong and why, and what can be done to restore race relations in America and improve conditions for black Americans. You don't want to miss this informative conversation.

On this week’s conversation Paul and Wally discuss the upcoming special session of the Legislature. Both agree that the proposed rebates are nice (really), but it is time for New Mexico to really address its poorly-designed tax code. Paul believes that GRT reform is the “low-hanging-fruit” and that it must happen first, but he has the personal income tax in his sights as well. Data highlights the tragedy of MLG’s school shutdowns. The problem with Ketanji Brown Jackson’s answer on “women.” The US and EU have reached a deal on LNG exports, but will it actually do anything if production isn’t ramped up and new facilities aren’t green-lighted? Hot on the heels of the new “Opportunity Scholarship” program (free college) becoming law, UNM and NMSU increase tuition. To be totally fair, the rate of increase is below the current, out-of-control inflation rate; The City of Albuquerque under the Keller Administration has paid out more than $337K regarding open records requests/IPRA violations including $15,000 to the Rio Grande Foundation. Mayor Keller has vetoed repeal of the City’s plastic bag ban. What’s next? ABQ City Council is still discussing reducing GRT. Paul discusses the status of that issue.

Paul visits with Robert McEntyre of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA) about the state of the industry. They discuss domestic oil and gas production issues against the backdrop of international energy price volatility. They address the impact gasoline prices are having in the United States and New Mexico and policy decisions that have hindered domestic oil and gas production.

Where’s Interior Secretary Deb Haaland been hiding? New Mexico Legislature to convene for special session on April 5. Some kind of “relief” for taxpayers and reconsideration of the vetoed “junior” bill will be on the agenda for the session beginning April 5. Looks like the controversial election bill will not be on the agenda (thankfully). If the Legislature were to suspend New Mexico’s 17 cent gas tax, it would save motorists $240 million annually. The ABQ Journal has a three part series on the oil and gas industry and the current energy crunch. They (and the media in general) miss some important points. The “Affordable” Housing fund passed in the Legislature won’t make housing in New Mexico more affordable. Albuquerque City Council passed a vaccine mandate ban and will soon discuss a GRT cut. Paul and Wally discuss the passing of attorney Pat Rogers.

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Rep. Randall Pettigrew. Pettigrew is a "freshman" member of the New Mexico House from Southeastern New Mexico/Hobbs and Lovington. Pettigrew was the 2nd-highest scoring member of the Legislature in the Rio Grande Foundation's Freedom Index during 2022's session. Paul and Randall discuss the recently-completed session, especially the Gov.'s vetoes and the prospects for a special or extraordinary session that might involve bringing back the voting bill that failed in the 30 day session. Finally, Rep. Pettigrew shares his knowledge of the economy of Southeast New Mexico and the opportunities for further enhancing New Mexico's position as an oil and gas producer IF there is needed leadership from Washington and Santa Fe.

On this week’s conversation Paul and Wally discuss the Gov.’s veto of a capital outlay bill. While the capital outlay process is in dire need of reform, this seems like a dubious way for MLG to make an attempt at fiscal restraint. Will there be a special session to discuss this and/or their voting bill? The Rio Grande Foundation has created a pledge for legislative and gubernatorial candidates to limit executive power in an emergency. Here it is: Our “democracy” pledge: I pledge to protect democracy. Thus, I commit to balancing power in future emergency declarations. This includes: restricting “emergencies” to a fixed period of time, clearly defining “emergency” in statute, and requiring majorities in both houses of the state legislature to approve extensions of any “emergency” declaration. January’s unemployment rate just came out: New Mexico remains at 5.9% w/ highest rate in the nation. New Mexico’s unemployment has ALSO recovered the least among US states since COVID 19 began in March of 2020. According to the US Department of Energy natural gas is the most affordable way to heat your home. New Mexico US Senator Martin Heinrich says cooking on your stove is like letting your babysitter smoke in your house.

On this week’s podcast interview Paul sits down with John Block. John blogs and reports at the Piñon Post. At the Post Block reports and comments on New Mexico politics from the conservative perspective. John and Paul discuss the recent GOP pre-primary convention and highlight some of the candidates running in important races. They also discuss the challenges in voting that occurred and the enthusiasm of the recent convention for big changes to our State. Finally, Paul and John discuss the recently-completed legislative session, especially the “voting” bill which would have led to major issues in New Mexico’s election system. They address other important bills that passed or didn’t pass this session.

On this week’s podcast conversation Paul and Wally begin by discussing the PRC acting quickly to keep the lights on. Does it solve New Mexico’s electrical grid issues? According to Wally and Paul the United States can best help Ukraine by “drill baby drill,” but Sen. Martin Heinrich says we should double down on “green” policies. Now, oil prices have soared to over $100 a barrel. Paul and Wally discuss this at length and offer some specific solutions that President Biden should consider, but likely won’t. NM spent big on ads related to scaring New Mexicans about COVID 19. We have the receipts including exactly how much was spent. A prominent New Mexico political columnist took Florida’s Ron DeSantis and South Dakota’s Kristi Noem to task for their approach to COVID, but now it is clear that “America’s Laziest Governors” had the right approach. Good news as NM’s COVID rate has continued to drop since MLG ended New Mexico’s mask mandate. Rep. Georgene Louis decides not to run again after DUI arrest. Biden picks a liberal for SCOTUS, no surprise there as Paul and Wally discuss a few of the specifics. Masks are now optional for Biden’s SOTU address.

On this week’s podcast discussion Paul sits down with Rep. Stefani Lord to discuss the recently-completed New Mexico legislative session. Stefani, a Republican, represents the East Mountains outside Albuquerque. She was the top performer in the Foundation’s Freedom Index vote tracking site during the 2022 session. Paul and Stefani discuss why she ran for the Legislature in the first place, some of the big news stories (not just legislation) of the session, and then address the most important legislative successes and failures of the recently-completed session. If you want to understand what just happened in Santa Fe and how it impacts you, don’t miss this conversation!

At long last, New Mexico’s mask mandate has finally been lifted. Most, but not all schools and school districts have also ended their mandates although UNM and CNM have not. Here are some things that STILL need to be done to restore freedom in New Mexico. The unions have also changed their position on masks while ALSO acknowledging that masking kids had a negative impact on learning. While she will tout the amount of money she and the Legislature will spend on education, no amount of money can save MLG’s awful education track record. Another Democrat lawmaker behaved badly recently. Rep. Georgene Louis was arrested for DUI and also facing charges of speeding and failing to show her vehicle registration and proof of insurance, according to jail records. House Speaker Egolf announced after the session that he is leaving the Legislature. His chief of staff will run for his seat. Paul offers his take on the most important bills that passed or did not pass in the recently-completed session. SB 14 Clean Fuel Standard, SB 8 (SB 144), HB 6 (Net-Zero), HB 163 (tax cuts), and HB 132 (interest rate limit). Track how your legislators performed on the Rio Grande Foundation’s Freedom Index. How did your legislators vote? Finally, Paul and Wally discuss the numerous bills and developments regarding utility reliability in New Mexico. What happened during the session and what’s next? Will we have electricity in July and August?

Dem. State Rep. Georgene Louis was arrested for DUI and also facing charges of speeding and failing to show her vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Super Bowl fans and celebrities attend the game (largely indoors) sans masks despite being in LA County. Kids in California (and New Mexico) continue to attend school in masks. Numerous (blue) states continue to drop masks both indoors and in schools. New Mexico has not and will likely be among the last to do so. More coverage on PNM in New Mexico media. Where’s discussion on the Energy Transition Act? What will happen next? The GOP introduced a bill to allow natural gas plants to be considered “renewable” and extend the life of San Juan. HB 220 Sierra Club opposed. Have you noticed the sudden increase in gas prices? We have. Here’s how the Biden Administration has contributed and here’s what the Legislature is doing to increase them: New Mexico’s AG Balderas signs NM onto anti-natural gas brief pushed by city of Berkeley, CA natural gas ban case. As the 30-day Legislative session hurtles to a close, we discuss the dysfunctional Legislature and where things stand at this point. Freedom Index votes are being tallied in real time at the Rio Grande Foundation’s website. How are your legislators voting? The new City of Albuquerque Council is starting to discuss numerous important issues. Efforts are underway to repeal the plastic bag ban, reduce taxes, remove emergency powers, ban vaccine mandates.

On this week’s podcast conversation Paul discusses New Mexico’s election system with former Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones. During her tenure in the Legislature Arnold-Jones was known for her work on government transparency. She has been working hard to educate voters on SB 6 and SB 8, two election bills moving forward in the current legislative session. While concerned about SB 6, Arnold-Jones has dire concerns about SB 8. Paul and Janice discuss both as well as the current state of New Mexico’s election law.

Is PNM looking for last-minute legislation to keep San Juan Generating Station open? Senator Ben Ray Lujan’s stroke (at age 49, no less) creates issues for Washington Democrats. MLG extends New Mexico’s health order to March 4, by which time we’ll have been in a COVID “emergency” for 2 years (technically March 11). Unfortunately, bills limiting the Governor’s powers in an emergency have gone nowhere. Several “blue” states have taken major steps towards ending mask mandates for adults and children. In addition to Delaware, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Oregon and California have changed course. A John Hopkins. working paper says “COVID-19 lockdowns imposed by a variety of governments worldwide had “little to no effect” on COVID-19 mortality. But, they “imposed enormous economic and social costs.” Georgia Governor candidate Stacey Abrams disregards Georgia mask mandate as masked school kids look on. Here are some of the worst bills moving in Santa Fe. Unfortunately only “progressive” bills are seeing the light of day with the Gov.’s move to the center having failed (so far) to move the needle. Egolf mangles process in search of a legislative win.

On this week’s podcast Paul interviews Fred Nathan. Fred is the founder of Think New Mexico which describes itself as a “results oriented think tank.” Rio Grande Foundation and Think New Mexico are both working on Social Security tax elimination this session. Fred’s organization is working on several other issues that the Rio Grande Foundation is generally in alignment with, but we disagree on the issue of state regulations on loan interest rates. If you care about what is happening in the Legislature, be sure to check this conversation out.

The media is saying it has been a tough start for MLG this session (hydrogen hub, GRT bill, Social Security tax). NM’s current public health order expires on February 4. We know it will be renewed which will take us to the 2 year anniversary of COVID. Gov. Newsom and numerous Hollywood stars attended the LA Rams game mask free. The Super Bowl which is ALSO in Los Angeles is a masked event. Canadian truckers are having a massive convoy to protest vaccine mandates. One bill restraining the Gov. ‘s emergency powers stalled in committee, but a new bill, SB 196 limiting those powers in an emergency has been introduced in the Senate. HB 75, the public banking act was tabled, SB 8 voting bill is bad and a top priority of MLG and the Legislature. Here’s what it would do. PNM is now saying it expects power outages this summer. A new study attacks natural gas appliances in homes, but we have an article debunking it. Another new study finds pre-K programs can actually have a negative impact on children.

On this week’s interview, Paul sits down with Albuquerque Public Schools board member Peggy Muller Aragon. Peggy has been a lone conservative voice on the APS school board, but recently gained some support from a group of more conservative/parent-focused board members. Paul and Peggy talk mask mandates and the latest round of restrictions being imposed on students through the Public Education Department. They discuss what the Board can do about it and what Paul WANTS the Board to do which is to reject ALL forms of masks and “social distancing” immediately. The two go on to discuss the Sheryl Williams Stapleton situation, new social studies standards, and the use of National Guard (and the Gov. herself) as substitute teachers at this time of need. You don’t want to miss this important conversation.

Gov. Lujan Grisham endorses Social Security tax elimination. Can abolition of Social Security taxation pass this session (without revenue offsets)? Also, MLG gives her State of the State address which Paul thought was well-done given the circumstances; Paul headed to Santa Fe for the session last week. The Legislature’s approach to COVID is a farce. Enhanced COVID policies have been implemented administratively at APS. Subsequent changes have been made, but Paul and Wally discuss the need for the new Board to be involved. New Mexico OFFICIALLY has a higher death rate from COVID than either Florida or South Dakota. RGF files ethics complaint against a state representative. Here is a list of some of the Foundation’s best bills this session, so far. Albuquerque bus ridership continues to plummet as “free” bus fares come into effect. RGF abandons censorious GoDaddy web hosting.

On this week’s podcast interview Paul sits down with Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis. They discuss the big changes that happened last election and what it means for Albuquerque. They talk about some of the major issues facing New Mexico’s largest city including crime, homelessness, and the need to lower taxes and make the City a better place to do business. Changes are coming to Albuquerque and Councilor Lewis explains how he and the new more conservative majority are going to work to improve the City.

On this week’s podcast Paul and Wally begin by noting that the Foundation’s recent interview with Dr. Deane Waldman was censored by Youtube. The Foundation is currently working to find another video hosting site to host interviews and discussions. A new report from Yahoo News via the London Telegraph indicates COVID was both man-made AND leaked from a lab and Fauci lied about it. MLG Cancels MLK parade due to COVID, but Comicon goes on as scheduled at the ABQ Convention Center. Local Christian (private) school, Hope Christian, fined $5,000 by NM PED for not enforcing masks on students. Novak Djokovic story just keeps getting more bizarre: he won’t play in Australian Open and has been deported. Now a new law in France may keep him out of the French Open: SCOTUS denies Biden’s sweeping vaccine mandate on businesses (6-3), but the court allowed a more limited mandate requiring health care workers at facilities receiving federal money to be vaccinated. The vote in the employer mandate case was 6 to 3, with the liberal justices in dissent. The vote in the health care case was 5 to 4, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh joins the liberal justices to form a majority. Despite far more restrictive policies New Mexico now exceeds both South Dakota AND (soon) Florida on COVID deaths per population. Here is the latest tally from World o Meters. Albuquerque Public Schools cancels classes due to a cyberattack. Another bad look for APS. Will APS get back to school on Tuesday? Bernalillo County ALSO suffered from a major cyber-attack recently and Santa Fe Public Schools have canceled in-person learning for the time being. Councilor Dan Lewis proposes cutting Albuquerque GRT. That’s triple the tax cut proposed by MLG. Eliminate New Mexico’s Social Security tax, don’t shift the burden. Paul has put together an early list of the worst bills. These were pre-filed in the 2022 session.

On this week’s podcast, Paul sits down with Dr. Deane Waldman. Deane is a former pediatric cardiologist at UNMH in Albuquerque. In addition to practicing as a medical doctor, he has an MBA and writes regularly on health care issues on his website. Paul and Dr. Deane talk extensively about COVID and how the medical establishment failed over the last two years. Deane and Paul leave no stones unturned in this thought-provoking and informative conversation.