Tipping Point New Mexico Paul Gessing

On this Tipping Point interview Paul talks to Sam LeDoux. Sam is a recently elected member of the City of Española council. Sam, a longtime political activist with a long track record in politics is a Hispano Republican. Paul and Sam discuss how Republicans can win in northern New Mexico and what Sam believes are some of the issues/people holding them back. They also discuss the issues facing Española and what can (and can't) be done to turn things around.     

On the latest Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss Gov. MLG caught on tape speaking to top Homeland Security staff. She certainly sounds more concerned about NM's marijuana industry than fentanyl and the border. She's "cranky" with the Secretary and holding the press "at bay". 
APS school hosts a drag queen at an Albuquerque high school's prom. 
53 New Mexico school districts have sued MLG over her 5 day school week mandate. The latest regulation being pushed by MLG's education department is totally nuts. 
NM is ranked 31st among states to retire. 
According to CNN, Ford lost $132,000 per EV sold in the first quarter of 2024 despite all the subsidies and mandates. UPS and FedEx run into troubles as they transition from gas to EV vans.
The US birth rate is declining, but those declines are not even across states. We look at where birth rates are highest and lowest among US states. 

On this week's interview Paul sits down with UNM Finance Professor Reilly White to discuss issues in New Mexico's "Energy Transition" relating to electricity. While the transition was touted as zero cost or even a financial benefit for ratepayers. White believes that the transition will cost real money and will have some profound impacts on ratepayers and the future of PNM as an independent company alike.   

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss:
MLG calls a special session starting July 18. We don't have an exact agenda, but initial statements seem to point to some actual crime reforms, not gun grabs. Time will tell.  RGF publishes a report on "The Viscolli Gun Loophole" Some friends of Michelle seem to receive preferential treatment. 
A new federal education report highlights the need for dramatic improvements (even from the Federal Government's perspective. 
New Mexico has seen an uptick in preschool attendance, but no word on results.
NM has had some level of state support for pre-K in place since 2005.
Our politicians are betting on economic losers including Virgin Galactic and Maxeon Solar. 
Wallethub: NM employers face 4th biggest challenge finding workers. Meanwhile the LFC tackles workforce participation issues (again): 
Paul's op-ed on Biden's horrible LNG policies hits papers over the weekend

On this week's interview Paul talks to Johnny Johnson, executive director of the New Mexico Trucking Association. Like the auto industry truckers are also being forced by government policymakers to embrace electric vehicles. Find out more about that here. Paul and Johnny also talk about the importance of the trucking industry and the prospects of self-driving trucks. 
Truckers are an underappreciated but critical force in both the US and New Mexico economies.

Paul and Wally discuss the potential impact of the new Israel/Iran conflict. The good news is that America's relative oil independence has not caused oil prices to skyrocket. Also, will this change Congress' approach to the stalled aid bills?  
Biden's permitting ban on LNG exports is a loser across the spectrum.
A former NPR executive recently said there's bias at NPR. Here's our story about NPR in New Mexico.
NM is the only state in US to see a drop in immigrant numbers from 10 years ago.
NM a mediocre 38th in Rich States, Poor States.
A security firm "fires" their Albuquerque client due to danger of working in "International District." 
NY Times: Film subsidies are money losers.
A taxpayer-funded Southern NM abortion clinic location is still TBD.