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

This entry was posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm and is filed under New Mexico inFocus. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.