I don’t know about you, but I found it very informative this week listening to lawmakers talk about the recently completed special session.  Our thanks go out to Rep. Al Park, Rep. Larry Larranaga, Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, and Senator Dede Feldman.  What was probably most interesting to me, though, was to hear them talk about some of the possibilities for what happens next in the budget process.  Predictions ranged from a line item veto of the 7.6% cut to some state agencies, followed by an executive order limiting those cuts to 4%… to a veto that leads to an extraordinary session as lawmakers work to override that veto. There’s really only one person out there right now that knows how this will actually play out, and that’s Governor Richardson.  And, guess what?  We get to talk to him this coming Tuesday!

That’s right, after months of trying to get an interview with the Governor (he was last on New Mexico in Focus leading up to the 2006 election), the state’s top leader will sit down with us in the Roundhouse to talk about the budget.  We want to find out if he will tip his hat at all on the potential of any line item vetoes.  We also hope to find out the truth about the gloom and doom predictions that have come out of his office since almost the minute the special session ended.  Do you have a question you want us to ask him as well?  Just send us an email at infocus@knme.org, or leave us your question in the comments section here on this blog.  Next week, we’ll also talk with Lt. Governor Diane Denish, who cast an important tie-breaking vote on a capitol outlay amendment.  Let us know what you’d like us to ask her about as well. And, be sure to vote in our poll this week at newmexicoinfocus.org.  The question is whether or not the Governor should use his line item veto at all in the budget fixes just approved by lawmakers.  And, don’t forget, you can always watch this week’s episode again while you’re there on the site.  It was a fascinating conversation with the lawmakers, and well worth a 2nd and 3rd viewing.  We also had a great follow-up segment this week on the giant LAND/ART project going on this fall here in New Mexico.  Artists talked more about the project, as well as the video profile pieces we’ve done on the project here at KNME as part of our Artisode series.

Kevin McDonald

The Public Affairs Team

New Mexico lawmakers have had a busy week, as they strive to balance the budget. I know that the task is daunting and the differences many, but I am still shocked at just how long it is taking to come to an agreement. Especially when you consider the $50,000 a day price tag that accompanies the Special Session. And, especially when you think about how many other cuts will have to happen just because of the length of this session. In all, lawmakers approved $370,000 for a seven day session. And, if that’s not sobering enough, consider this gem that I read on the NMI liveblog yesterday: it costs the state just over $40 per page to print out all the bills that are being considered during the special session. Health care reform advocates talk about how much money electronic records can save; maybe we need to consider the same in terms of legislation. It’s just a thought.

We did our best to cover the Special Session on this week’s show, but given the open-ended nature of the affair, it was difficult. Our thanks to UNM Political Science Professor Timothy Krebs for sharing his thoughts and insights on the session. We didn’t have a whole lot of time to talk to him in the show, but he did stick around a few minutes longer to talk more about the politics at play this week in the Roundhouse. You can watch the continuation of Gene’s interview, by clicking play below:

This week we’re also thrilled to be partnering with the other two PBS stations (KRWG & KENW) to bring your our “New Mexico Making a Difference” initiative.  All three stations aired the special this week in hopes of spotlighting our state’s generous spirit of giving.  We also hope the show empowers people to want to give more.  And, there are plenty of opportunities out there.  If you’re looking for some inspiration, try www.newmexserve.org, or in Albuquerque, the Mayor’s Office of Volunteerism and Engagement at http://www.cabq.gov/move/.

Thanks for all you do New Mexico!  We’ll be back next week with much more analysis and insight about the Special Session, if it ever ends, that is!

Kevin McDonald

Public Affairs Producer