Tipping Point New Mexico

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sat down with Rio Rancho Mayor and GOP candidate for Gov. In this discussion Paul and Gregg discuss his major accomplishments as mayor and why those and other experiences in business make him qualified to be New Mexico's next governor. Paul and Gregg also discuss some of the top economic and education policies of the Rio Grande Foundation like the gross receipts tax and school choice and his stances on those critical issues. Tune in!  

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss Paul's recent article highlighting Arizona's superior policies relative to New Mexico's. Matt Mitchell recently gave a talk on economic freedom in NM. Here are his slides and an interview with Bob Clark of KKOB. Social Security could have been solvent with private accounts full of cash if Congress had followed George W. Bush-style reforms 20 years ago.  MLG wants to completely delete emails quickly after just 30 days. Albuquerque's Mayoral race is set with 7 candidates. Paul and Wally discuss some best and worst case scenarios. 

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Albuquerque mayoral candidate Mayling Armijo. Armijo has been involved in economic development at various levels of government and has filled out the RGF mayoral candidate survey which highlights her views on economic development. Although new to electoral politics Armijo has plans to bring significant change to Albuquerque. Don't miss this important conversation. 

Paul stopped by the No Kings rally in ABQ on Saturday. He offers a full report.  Route 66 visitors center highlights failure of government. We have received a few candidate surveys back. They can be found at ErrorsofEnchantment.com New Mexico (stupidly) joins California lawsuit over EV mandate repeal. RGF "beats the heat" attending "fiesta" in Albuquerque. New Mexico NPR/PBS stations among the most dependent on federal $$: We talked last week about NM's 50th ranking in Kids Count. This is what the left wing Voices for Children group had to say.

On this week's interview Paul talks to Sarah Smith, an activist in Las Cruces, New Mexico, about some of the most important issues facing her area of the State. Sarah came to prominence during the COVID as a leading opponent of MLG's lockdowns. Sarah is involved with Coalition of Conservatives in Action (a Las Cruces grassroots group), New Mexico Freedoms Alliance (which operates statewide), and  the National Coalition for Health Integrity.  They discuss a recent referendum attempt that was denied by politicians in Las Cruces, plans afoot to ban natural gas in Las Cruces, and broader economic and political issues in the City. Don't miss this conversation! 

On this week's conversation Paul has an update on the heat rule (plus some more information on exactly who is behind it). Another year, another 50th ranking for NM in the Kids Count index. We discuss what is happening and why New Mexico will improve its outcomes only when voters decide they want better.  A bill being considered at City Council would impose stiff new regulations on landlords. RGF has sent out candidate surveys for ABQ Mayoral and Council candidates. NM residents spend 6th most nationally on health care. Trump tariffs WERE overturned by a court, but they are back thanks to a rapid appeal  Howie Morales will NOT run for Gov. after all. 

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Doug Peterson. Doug is principal of Peterson Properties which is a real estate holding and management company based in Albuquerque. Doug and Paul discuss exploding property tax assessments imposed by Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara, the proposed Business Improvement District downtown, and broader issues in New Mexico's commercial real estate sector. You don't want to miss this timely conversation! 

A panel of trade judges just unanimously declared the majority of Trump's tariffs illegal. What does this mean? Another candidate has entered the race for Gov. What does it mean?  Treasurer of New Mexico's Democratic party abruptly resigns 5 weeks into the job. What's going on? The Food Stamp program (SNAP) is being trimmed in the BBB. New Mexico is the number one food stamp recipient state. MLG and other blue state governors respond to the end of California's EV mandates. Recent testimony highlights New Mexico's absurd federal dependency. Paul recently talked to KOAT TV about Albuquerque's shady public campaign financing system.

On this week's interview Paul sits down with New Mexico House Minority Leader Rep. Gail Armstrong. They discuss her rural district and added responsibilities as minority leader. They address the recently-completed legislative session and its challenges. Mostly, Paul and Rep. Armstrong discuss education policy in New Mexico and a recent forum in Albuquerque at which Sen. Mimi Stewart and Armstrong engaged in a discussion over early childhood reading and Mississippi's educational successes. Check out this important conversation! 

Paul recently sat down with KOAT Channel 7 to discuss New Mexico's $6 billion in unspent capital outlay funds. He discusses why it is an issue and what he believes should be done about it. NPR: left leaning Texans are moving to New Mexico. New Mexico is corrupt, but lack of economic freedom is a primary cause, not the effect. New Mexico's "clean fuel standard" takes another step towards implementation. The US Senate has voted to overturn California's EV mandate (which is what NM is working under). The bill now heads to Trump's desk.  Paul to participate in panel discussion on Trump tax cuts/reform. RGF to host event on decline in NM's economic freedom. Paul and Wally recently watched a video series about New Mexico by a YouTuber named Nick Johnson. The video on Santa Fe is particularly interesting and funny.

On this week's show Paul talks to Senate Minority Leader Bill Sharer of Farmington. Sen. Sharer has been a long-time conservative stalwart in Santa Fe. They discuss some of the Republican successes of the 2025 legislative session and his new role in leading the GOP Senate. During the second half of the interview they focus on the proposed heat regulations which are currently open for public comment. Finally, they discuss the closure of San Juan Generating station and the potential sale of PNM. 

On this week's show Paul and Wally begin by discussing breaking news with the potential sale of PNM. They also discuss former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis and the fact that this diagnosis was likely known for some time. Santa Fe Public Schools' budget is a massive $46,000 per student next year: RGF appeared in National Review recently. An okra farm received $25,000 from New Mexico taxpayers. Then things got even more interesting.  With talks under way in Washington over Medicaid reform New Mexico politicians are "freaking out." Paul and Wally explain why cuts and reforms are long overdue. There has been a spate of issues with air traffic control especially in Newark, Paul has done work on this issue in the past. The solution can be found by looking north to Canada.  There has been a lot of discussion about New Mexico's underfunded pensions recently. What's going on?

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul talks to the legislator who scored the VERY best among all 112 in the Foundation's Freedom Index: Rep. Randy Pettigrew. Pettigrew represents Lea County in the Legislature. He has long been a conservative stalwart in the Legislature. Pettigrew pulls no punches in this frank discussion!  

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss several recent developments relating to New Mexico's political situation.  Skyrocketing costs of New Mexico's pre-K places the State at: $13,227 per child. Where are the results? To their credit the media have started to discuss the APS budget using our approach to overall spending.  House Republicans w/ Democrats including Rep. Vasquez vote to overturn California's EV waiver. One Rep.'s bizarre constituent mail. Do oil and gas "run" New Mexico's Legislature. Trump threatens film tariffs?

On this week's episode Paul talks to local entrepreneur and businessman (and Hillsdale College graduate) Daniel Higbie. They discuss unique cultural obstacles to entrepreneurship in New Mexico and their historical origins. They also discuss specific efforts that he and other business owners have undertaken in order to change New Mexico and its approach to business, wealth, outsiders, and more.   Here are several links to various concepts discussed in the conversation: https://www.praxis.co/redemptive-entrepreneurship https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/ https://www.faithdriveninvestor.org/ https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/find-a-group/

Paul was in Las Cruces recently. He gives a brief report about his efforts there and the latest things happening in the City. Paul and Wally also discuss the City's growth potential and economic challenges.  Las Cruces is coming after natural gas heating and appliances. Paul recently talked to KOAT TV regarding Gov. MLG's contingency fund and questions about its use. Albuquerque City Council recently considered and rejected a gross receipts tax hike. Paul was in attendance. $3.3 million spent by city of ABQ to renovate apartment steps? As prices drop it is worth noting that NM oil production has been rising. Will that continue?  7 years in and we have ANOTHER judge-ordered remedial plan for New Mexico's education system.

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul sits down with Carlos Garcia of Garcia Automotive for an update on New Mexico's electric vehicle situation. What's the latest with the mandate both at the federal and state levels? Did the Legislature do anything? When do 2026 vehicles (43% of which are supposed to be EV's show up on dealer lots?). What's next for EV mandates and car buyers in New Mexico?   Also, Carlos and Paul discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs on the auto industry and Elon Musk's fall from grace (with his best customers). 

NM Democrats pick teachers union official as new state party chairwoman. Paul and Wally discuss the TRUE purpose of NM's government education system. The 2025 legislative session concluded with no action taken on the Gov.'s EV mandates. latest on EV mandates in New Mexico. With the 43% mandate set to kick in soon, what are the latest EV numbers?  Paul will be in Las Cruces for two presentations on May 1/2nd. Proposed New Mexico regulations on working in the heat could have a profound impact on some businesses.  A recent event in Santa Fe put on by the media outlet Axios involved several New Mexico political types. The event was about "renewable energy" but it included discussion of the budgetary impact of renewables when compared with oil and gas that were enlightening.

On this week's interview Paul talks to Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez a freshman Republican from Hobbs, NM. Cortez has a unique and compelling story that has led her to the New Mexico Legislature. Paul and Elaine discuss the recent session, some of the bills she sponsored, and her philosophy as a legislator. Sena Cortez is an energetic and exciting person to have in New Mexico's Legislature! 

Whatever you think of the recent Blue Origin flight, the fact is that Bezos' technology is far superior to Virgin Galactic's. Paul recently traveled to Gallup: I-40 is a dangerous embarrassment to NM.  The Albuquerque Public Schools 2025-2026 budget is slated to spend an estimated $35,384 per student. As usual Trever of the Journal nails it with his latest cartoon. 9 candidates have declared for mayor. Paul and Wally discuss the latest details. A big tax hike is quietly moving through ABQ City Council. We can discuss this article which had a different title in print. Regardless, the article and the people quoted completely miss the point.

On this week's interview Paul talks to former Albuquerque Journal opinion editor Jeffery Tucker. They begin by discussing the recently announced plan by the Journal to sell its building and launch into a discussion of the newspaper business. They further discuss the life of an opinion editor, changes to the business over time, and Jeff's numerous jobs in the business over the years.    Finally, they discuss current economic topics including Trump's tariffs.   

The GOP HQ fire bomb suspect appears to have been captured. He looks JUST as you'd expect.  MLG vetoed two bills in the waning hours of her signing period (we agree with her on both). MLG also ripped Democrat leadership in the Legislature saying of the tax bill  “Even more troubling is the fact that what ultimately emerged lack both strategic coherence and fiscal responsibility,” the governor added. “There was no plan and no preparation for how to pay for the tax relief in this bill. She also vetoed a lowrider license plate bill and tortilla as the state's official bread. MLG argued that these bills represent a "misuse of time and priorities"  Paul and Wally discuss the latest political news in Albuquerque's Mayoral race and race for Governor. Specifically Paul and Wally discuss the possible impact of one of the bills the Gov. signed sets up "semi-open primaries" and how it COULD open new strategic voting opportunities.  Freedom Index results are now finalized. How did your legislators do? Also, RGF recently tabulated how the average stacks up relative to other sessions. The Maxeon deal has been changed (downsized) dramatically, yet the Economic Development Department website still touts the original deal. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin recently launched Katy Perry and others to space for 11 minutes. Is Bezos taking Virgin Galactic's market?  MLG sends the National Guard to Albuquerque, but to what end?

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Troy Clark. Troy is head of the New Mexico Hospital Association which represents most hospitals throughout New Mexico. They discuss how hospitals are set up in New Mexico (government, non-profit, and for-profit), but quickly turn to the legislative session and the Gov.'s signing of a bill directly (negatively) impacting hospitals. Finally, the conversation broadens out to the health care provider shortage and what can and should be done to address it. 

MLG has until Friday to sign or veto bills that passed this session. She signed a few on Monday. Paul and Wally discuss some of the bills signed. Many of them were not relevant to RGF, but nonetheless will impact the State in important ways.  Then, Paul and Wally have a lengthy discussion of the most important economic issue facing our nation, the tariff situation. What does it mean, what are the goals, and how might it turn out in the end for New Mexico and the United States? Crude oil prices have dropped significantly for the first time in months.

Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies for the libertarian Cato Institute was in Albuquerque for some talks to RGF and Federalist Society. He sat down with Paul to discuss the medical provider shortage in New Mexico and broader issues in healthcare. Michael especially takes on the issue of Medicaid which is a joint federal/state program to (supposedly) provide Medicaid for the poor and how this program's perverse incentives drive health care costs upward, doctors out of business, and are driving America into a debt crisis. You don't want to miss this timely conversation! 

Someone appears to have committed arson at NM GOP HQ. According to a new Wallethub report, New Mexico is dead last when it comes to the Return on Investment (ROI) for taxpayers And, another new Wallethub report places New Mexico first on "most stressed." The best part of what happened in the session is the death of several bad bills. State data on Albuquerque Public Schools finds the District's performance on education metrics wanting which broadly reflects the recent findings of NAEP.  A travel journalist on Youtube named Nick Johnson recently traveled to Albuquerque's Warzone. He called it: "The Most Frightful Neighborhood In America." New Mexico's film industry is in a "lull" but the state expects to pay out $118 million in tax credits in the current fiscal year, while $117 million was paid out last year and $73 million the year before that. 

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Tego Venturi, a realtor in Albuquerque. He recently won realtor of the year from the National Association of Realtors. Tego and Paul discuss the local housing market and current conditions in the metro area and then move on to talk about housing legislation and whether the bills being passed (or considered in Santa Fe) would address the housing "crisis." Is the Legislature moving in the right direction or do they need to consider other approaches to addressing housing in New Mexico? Paul and Tego may not agree 100% but this is an informational conversation about an important part of New Mexico's economy.   

On this week's Tipping Point NM conversation Paul and Wally discuss three timely events: The end of the 2025 60-day legislative session; The Lobos success and subsequent defeat  The shooting in Las Cruces which (again) involved young people, even teenagers shooting and killing each other.  Much of this episode is dedicated to going through the bills that passed both houses this session. Unfortunately, they are almost universally bad although ONE good bill not only passed both houses, but almost overcame an MLG veto.  Finally, Paul had a chance to testify as an expert witness on Sen. Jay Block's "GATO" bill on rooting out wasteful government spending (SB 484).   You don't want to miss this detailed recap of some of the bills that will likely become new laws in New Mexico.  

On this week's interview Paul talks to Matthew Mitchell. Matt is Senior Fellow in the Centre for Human Freedom at the Canadian Fraser Institute (a free market think tank). But Matthew WAS with the Rio Grande Foundation many years ago. He is a native New Mexican living in Angel Fire. More importantly, he and Paul have co-authored a new report "Economic Freedom in the Land of Enchantment" which Paul considers the most important policy study the Foundation has ever undertaken. The report has loads of useful information but specifically finds that New Mexico is the ONLY state in the nation to lose economic freedom since 1981. 

With less than a week left in the session, Paul and Wally discuss the latest from Santa Fe. Specifically, Paul and Wally discuss SB 176 and the fact that reforms like it to address NM's medical malpractice laws have been slowed thanks to the trial attorneys.  In a huge win for businesses and taxpayers paid leave died over the weekend. HB 14, a mediocre bill goes bad. What's the latest on the Freedom Index? A new report by Rio Grande Foundation and the Fraser Institute finds that New Mexico is the only state in the nation to have seen a decline in economic freedom since 1981. Paul and Wally go into detail on NM's lack of economic freedom.

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Albuquerque mayoral candidate Eddie Varela. RGF hopes to talk to each of the candidates about their visions for Albuquerque's future and how they would address some of the very serious issues facing New Mexico's largest City.    Check out the first of these conversations with Mr. Varela about his personal history and plans. 

Paul and Wally discuss the latest on HB 11, formerly known as Paid Family & Medical Leave. A bill to raise alcohol taxes died in committee (HB 417). Are alcohol taxes dead for the session? Speaking of which, the tax bill is/could be the biggest bill yet to drop this session. It could STILL include this and other tax policies and be rammed through by session end. Democrats in the House Energy Committee rejected another opportunity to reform EV rules by overturning MLG's mandate. Bipartisan support for a Medicaid Trust Fund? What does it mean?  Paul attempted to testify (virtually) against HB 6. Why and what happened?  Today is the 5th anniversary of MLG's first COVID public health emergency. Paul and Wally look at that legacy and the recent NM supreme court decision to ratify it and other emergencies like her anti-gun emergency.  Paul will be in Alamogordo on the day of March 26 and we have an exciting event on New Mexico's medical shortage that evening in ABQ as well: Darren White is the latest addition to the Albuquerque Mayoral race. Can anyone knock off Tim Keller?   

This week's "interview" is a little different. This week Paul and Wally talk taxes. What is their purpose? Why are they such a priority right now for the Rio Grande Foundation? Which taxes do more or less economic harm? Why is the GRT such a "unique" issue here in New Mexico? Paul is doing a more thorough presentation on taxes in New Mexico at an event THIS Saturday. You can find out more here. 

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the latest on the newly renamed paid leave bill and other issues in the Legislature.  How are things looking in terms of the Freedom Index? Paul recently wrote a blog post that was picked up by the Santa Fe New Mexican that the process in Santa Fe stinks. MLG plans a special session to deal with Trump cuts, but Medicaid is in dire need of reform. What does it all mean?: Paul will be discussing tax reform at an event this weekend w/ AFP. If you have a chance to come out on Saturday Paul will talk state taxes and there will be a separate presentation on the Trump tax cuts. 

On this week's interview Paul sits down with attorney, activist, and author Ilya Shapiro. Shapiro worked at the libertarian Cato Institute for more than a decade and attempted a career change to Georgetown Law School. Sadly, a factually accurate but "controversial" post on social media got him into hot water and caused nationwide controversy including at Georgetown Law. The dustup caused Ilya to look elsewhere for employment and also resulted in his new book "Lawless: The Miseducation of America's Elites." You don't want to miss this informative conversation!  

Paul and Wally share the latest from the Roundhouse. Paid Family Leave is revised and heading for the House floor. HB 417 a revised alcohol tax of 6% has passed through the House Tax Committee on partisan lines.  Free speech is under attack in Santa Fe: https://errorsofenchantment.com/new-mexico-s-b-85-a-legally-dubious-speech-chilling-proposal/ In a bit of good news SB 4 (net zero) was tabled in the Senate Finance Committee.  RGF's president had an article in National Review about the disaster that would be Deb Haaland as Gov. of New Mexico. Former Las Cruces Mayor may run for Gov. He says he's "do things 90% differently than MLG." Will changes to New Mexico voting law impact this race? Paul and Wally discuss.  Despite numerous dire challenges facing New Mexico the Legislature has no solutions besides shoveling money into various "permanent funds." New Mexico now has $61 billion under SIC control. Another fabulous Trever cartoon highlights (just some) of the good bills that get no love from the hyper "progressives" in Santa Fe. Sadly, plenty of bad bills ARE moving quickly.

Paul recently sat down with Americans for Prosperity's new state director for New Mexico Sarah Hetemi.They discuss what AFP does and is doing here in New Mexico especially during the ongoing legislative session (and how you can help) as well as what their plans are nationally in terms of issues like the Trump tax cuts and education choice. Paul and Sarah then move on to discuss Sarah's personal journey from Norway to Alaska and now to New Mexico.  AFP is one of the Rio Grande Foundation's most important partner organizations. You don't want to miss this conversation! 

I testified yesterday on a bill that would eliminate New Mexico's income tax. Here's what I said and here's what happened. Speaking of zero income tax states, IN & OUT burger chain moves to Tennessee from California.  PFML will finally be considered in its 2nd committee on Wednesday. Paul and Wally discuss what that means.  NM Democrats seem to have settled on a plan to raise alcohol taxes. SB 139 which would have eliminated MLG's EV mandate was defeated in its first committee on partisan lines. A "study" claims UNM athletics creates a big economic benefit for New Mexico. We appreciate collegiate sports but take the study with a big grain of salt. How's the NM "Portfolio" doing? We have an update. New Mexicans spend 6th most on groceries as a percent of income according to a new report.

On this week's interview Paul talks to return guest, author, and commentator Philip K. Howard about DOGE. For advocates of limited government DOGE is the most exciting effort to cut wasteful spending and bring functionality to the federal government that we have seen since at least the Grace Commission during the Reagan Administration. Howard and Gessing have a robust discussion of DOGE and numerous aspects of its mission and activities so far. They address whether Congress will go along with DOGE, whether there are more effective potential ways to streamline government, and whether this effort will ultimately succeed. More information about Philip K. Howard's work can be found at his Common Good website and at his recent Manhattan Institute paper. 

Super Bowl: game wasn't so great, but great to see America celebrated and Trump cheered.  A bill relating to expanding Medicaid is moving through the session. This is madness!  Now MLG is the education reformer? This one is a doozie!  I went on KOAT 7 to discuss a crazy bill that would hand our tax dollars to UNM and NMSU to pay athletes.  HB 11 PFML remains bottled up in committee. Some lawmakers even blame us for "bullying." A bill to increase royalties (taxes paid on oil and gas) is moving through the Legislature. A recent op-ed running across New Mexico by our policy analyst Carter Swanson ran in the ABQ Journal last week.

Paul talks with Representative Rebecca Dow about good and bad legislation that is being considered at the 2025 Regular Session of the New Mexico Legislature. They also discuss issues facing education and whether the legislature is considering items that improve New Mexico's low performance.  Don't miss this informative discussion.

A judge has ruled that MLG overreached in attempting to force districts to adopt 5 day school weeks.  Paul and Wally discuss the latest from the Roundhouse.  National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores came out last week. New Mexico again brings up the rear.  Tennessee becomes 13th state in US to adopt universal school choice. According to the latest EV sales numbers New Mexico is nowhere near the mark.  SB 139 introduced this session would overturn the Gov.'s EV mandates. Surprisingly New Mexico is not ranked very highly as a retirement destination. Ilya Shapiro will be speaking at an RGF event on Feb. 21.

On this week's interview Paul talks to Andrew Handel of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) about the new 2025 Education Freedom Index which he authored and his organization published. New Mexico ranked a poor 44th in the latest version of this index.  

It's been a week since the Legislature began. Paul has been to Santa Fe twice and discusses what is happening.  SB4 (net zero) is one of the craziest bills that will be moving this week. MLG gave her State of the State address. We have some thoughts. The Santa Fe New Mexican did a fact check of the address. RGF is part of a coalition working to defeat Paid Family Leave. Find out more here. Paul had an opinion piece in several media outlets on alcohol taxes and why raising them is unnecessary.  New Mexico has the lowest median pay in America: DC workers now make nearly two and a half times as much as the average New Mexico resident. ABQ bus ridership continues to slowly rebound post-COVID. Mayor Keller's latest scheme in downtown Albuquerque is particularly dumb. The WNMU situation keeps getting worse.

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Zach Fort. Fort, a return guest on Tipping Point NM, handles legislative affairs for the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association. They discuss threats to gun rights, crime and whether genuine efforts to fight it will come about it in the the 2025 legislative session as well as Gov. Lujan Grisham's status as the most anti-gun governor in the entire country. 

Donald Trump was (again) inaugurated president of the United States on Monday. Paul and Wally discuss and address issues w/ Biden's presidency.  Biden issued more pardons on his way out the door including for Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, and several family members. More pardons have been issued by Biden than any other president in American history. Biden even attempted to declare the Equal Rights Amendment the 28th amendment to the US Constitution. The LFC budget (like MLG's) is ALSO a dud for New Mexico taxpayers. Yes, New Mexico could/should eliminate NM's personal income tax. NM Women's Specialists to stop delivering babies at Presbyterian citing New Mexico's tax, malpractice, and Medicaid. Also, NM House Dems outline their health care plans for session (which don't do anything for the doctor shortage).  Paul has been watching the TV show Landman. He recommends this short, profanity laced talk by actor Billy Bob Thornton about the importance of oil and gas. 

On this week's interview Paul talks to Jim Winchester. Jim is the Executive Director of the Independent Oil Producers of New Mexico (IPANM). IPANM is the voice of "small" oil in New Mexico. As small businesses their views tend to align with those of the Rio Grande Foundation. Thus, RGF works closely with Jim and his group on a variety of issues. Find out what is coming during the 2025 legislative session in this important interview.  

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the closure of the Amador Entertainment District in Las Cruces and the owner's eye opening comments.  RGF helped the national Free Speech Coalition win a big victory w/ Meta/Facebook.  New Mexico ranks last in Wallethub's best states for families. Albuquerque City Council takes one step forward, one back. RGF was in the National Review recently.  Paul has a few thoughts on California fires.  With the presidential inauguration and New Mexico Legislative session coming early next week we are excited to keep our listeners updated on developments in Washington and Santa Fe. 

Paul talks with Representative John Block about the upcoming legislative session.  They discuss issues that will likely be addressed and the Republican's ability to shape what passes and what does not pass.

New Mexico remains a slow growth state when it comes to population. Tax changes took effect at the New Year. Here's what they mean. New Mexico's Environment Department releases a draft "clean fuel standard." New Mexico's RailRunner ridership rises slightly in 2024. The Administration of ABQ Mayor Tim Keller was found to have misused federal COVID $$ to give raises to top officials. Bills are being introduced in the 2025 legislative session.  In a win for freedom Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as Canada's prime minister.  Biden is locking up large tracts of offshore resources in his waning days in office. 

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with regular guest Carol Wight Executive Director of the NM Restaurant Association. Paul and Carol begin by discussing issues with the City of Albuquerque over the City's incorrect (by admission) calculation of its minimum wage law. Carol explains why this is not "restaurant greed," but actually an issue of fairness between front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house workers.  They discuss issues in the upcoming 2025 legislative session, most especially paid family leave. They address other issues in the upcoming legislative session as well including New Mexico's generally anti-business political climate. Check out this interview, the last of 2024!