Tipping Point New Mexico

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Scott Hindman, Founder and Executive Director of Excellent Schools New Mexico.

Paul and Scott discuss Scott's decision to get involved in New Mexico education policy after being drafted to play Major League Baseball. How his organization works to improve actual schools and their approach to education, and the impacts and benefits of charter schools and how they work in New Mexico and could be improved upon further to benefit New Mexico children. 

RGF participates in debate over Amendment 4.

Albuquerque Public Schools is looking for input on school closures.

$456 MILLION in overruns from various New Mexico IT projects.

Is Voices for Children coming around to our perspective?

Why can't/won't New Mexico Democrats bring prosperity to NM?

Trump touted the benefit of high oil prices (gasoline) over the weekend. Here's why Americans and New Mexicans benefit from lower oil (gasoline) prices.

with Cyndi Bohannon and Dr. Victor Gamiz, two of the volunteers behind an exciting new project called "Judge the Bench." You can find more details at: https://judgethebench.com/

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the number of judges on New Mexico's ballots. If you've ever wished for some objective information about the quality of judicial opinions in New Mexico and especially how they deal with repeat offenders, Judge the Bench is for you. 

This is a new project put together by volunteers using publicly available information along with records requests and using AI technology to...

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss early voting and their voting plans. Both recommend voting in expanded early voting.

There are some Albuquerque local ballot issues that should draw skepticism from voters. Paul and Wally analyze them.

Two Supreme Court justices are up for retention. Our reasons for opposing retention are straightforward.

Paul will be debating Bob Perls on Saturday from 2pm to 4 on whether voters should support or oppose Amendment 4. If you are in Albuquerque you can attend.

New Mexico has a stark choice in this gubernatorial election...

On this week's interview Paul sits down w/ former New Mexico Rep. Bob Perls and current chair of the NM Forward Party for a friendly conversation/debate on Amendment 4 which will be on ballots this November. If passed the amendment would pay legislators an annual salary of approximately $68,000 annually. Bob and Paul agree about many reforms needed for New Mexico's Legislature and electoral system, but disagree on the merits of Amendment 4 and paying legislators. Don't miss this important conversation about one of the most important issues on this fall's ballot!  

On this week's Tipping Point conversation.

Paul and Wally discuss the polling numbers in the Hull/Haaland gubernatorial race. They also discuss the numbers in the Greg Cunningham/Gabe Vazquez numbers from the Albuquerque Journal.

Paul and Wally discuss the Haaland/Hull "debate"

Hull's simple plan for eliminating the personal income tax is eminently reasonable.

The "plan" for this November is for the Legislature to get massive pay raises, but for us to get nothing.

A hilariously bad article in the Santa Fe New Mexican highlights the terrible arguments aga...

On this week's interview episode Paul sits down with former Reps. Janice Arnold Jones and Robert Aragon. Both are longtime Republican activists who have served in many roles over the years and are now on the Executive Committee of the Bernalillo County GOP.

The County Party just released a rather detailed "Affordability Agenda" which includes numerous detailed proposals, mostly relating to taxes and economic policy that could be enacted at the state level. 

Paul and his guests discuss WHY the County party has taken this on and they go through each proposal and discuss their pro...

MLG's "free" childcare program won't be "free" for everyone after all.

Federal school choice regs have been published. MLG is on the clock.

ABQ's electric buses haven't been on the roads since December.

More issues with Amendment 4 on this Fall's ballots.

Paul and Wally take a closer look at the ballot.

The cost of Ozempic for Medicaid patients doubled between 2023 and 2025.

New Mexico Senate Democrats have made a few leadership changes. Linda Trujillo will be the new Senate Majority Leader and Cindy Nava the new majority Whip.<...

This week's interview is with Jonathan Williams, President and Chief Economist of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). They begin with a conversation about the organization's "Rich States, Poor States" report which measures how all 50 states fare on various economic indicators. New Mexico ranks 35th. What would happen if New Mexico eliminated its personal income tax?

In the second part of the interview Paul and Jonathan discuss the federal budget situation and offer some concrete ideas for how to get the federal debt under control.

Slight poverty improvement is hardly an accomplishment.

The most interesting of New Mexico's legislative races this fall is between trial attorney Lisa Curtis and Nicole Chavez.

RGF opinion piece in ABQ Journal: Amendment 4 is a cash grab, not reform.

Guest column: gluttony thy name is NM pension plan.

Poll: New Mexicans overwhelmingly support school choice.

Free Childcare will soon require copays for some.

NM education department asks for a record $5.9 billion for fiscal year 2028, a 2.9% increase from the year prior (despite dropping enrollment).

A federal f...

There have been bills introduced and ample discussion in the media over the possibility of some kind of takeover of the utility known as PNM by the State of New Mexico. Shanley is sympathetic to the idea and certainly opposed to Blackstone as the next potential owner. Paul and Jaemes have a cordial but pointed conversation about these plans.

Deb Haaland proposes a data center moratorium while taking $87,000 from folks behind Project Jupiter. Hull has received nothing.

NM's Supreme Court has allowed Project Jupiter permitting to continue. Did they dodge the environmental groups' best shot?

Deb Haaland has seemingly backed out of the October 8 KOB TV debate. What's next? 

Paul sat down w/ KOAT Channel 7 to discuss our opposition to Amendment 4 (paying legislators).

Also, if adopted the amendment would allow APS employees like former Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton to triple dip.

Paul recently sat down w/ Daniel Chacon of...

Paul talks with Peter Rice, editor of Downtown Albuquerque News, about the challenges and issues facing the area's businesses and residents.  They also address proposed projects including the Rail Trail and the Rail Yard.  

Gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull was recently criticized (unfairly) for his remarks, but Paul believes Hull is 100% correct on NM's dependency problem.

The Tax Foundation recently ranked New Mexico 7th highest for tax collections. It's new information, but the data is from four years ago (FY 2023). New Mexico is likely close to number 1 now. 

Trump's plan to give every adult American $5,000 IF he and Republicans get elected in both houses is not a good one. 

Land Commissioner Garcia Richard bans uranium mining on state lands. Paul and Wally discuss what it means to be a fi...

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul sits down with Stephanie Slade. Slade is a journalist and author who works for Reason, a libertarian publication. Slade discusses her new book "Fusionism: Liberty, Virtue, and the Future of the American Right" which highlights the need for virtue and liberty. 

Stephanie was recently in Albuquerque for a Rio Grande Foundation sponsored event. 

Trump floats changing New Mexico's name to "New America."

A business poll shows how businesses feel about gross receipts tax (they really don't like it). 

ABQ Journal polling finds plurality of New Mexicans support paying legislators.

New Mexicans don't think the economy is very good.

Inflation, cost of living, are top concerns for New Mexicans.

Overwhelmingly New Mexicans support a data center moratorium.

Haaland finally agrees to debate Hull on October 8.

National report says New Mexico teachers have 2nd-highest morale in the nation.

Pa...

Paul interviews Larry Marker, a candidate for a United States Senate seat representing New Mexico.  Larry answers a series of tough questions related to the problems he will address if elected to the Senate. 

According to the Albuquerque Journal's poll by Brian Sanderoff gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull is within 6 points of Haaland. What are the implications? What does Hull need to do to win? 

As expected New Mexico has nearly $1 billion in unexpected money. Paul believes that figure will rise to over a billion by the time the session rolls around. Despite the oil and gas boom New Mexico's economy isn't particularly strong which highlights the failure of MLG and the Democrats' policies. 

New Mexico is a big spender on K-12 education with more $$ per student than the national averag...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Bob Perls. Perls is a former Democrat state legislator and also ran  New Mexico Open Elections, and the current chair and a candidate for US Senate from the New Mexico Forward Party. Paul and Bob discuss semi-open primaries along with a wide variety of election issues facing New Mexico. Check it out!  

Paul is at the State Policy Network meeting in Orlando. What is going on there? Virgin Galactic slashes payments to Spaceport. NM Supreme Court puts permits on hold for Project Jupiter. San Juan County is "open" for data centers though. DeSantis calls for end to Congressional pensions (maybe for the Legislature as well?). Will Buc-ee's ever come to New Mexico? Not based on these comments. New Mexico to pay for gender transition surgery with Medicaid pulling back. The US is levying 50% tariffs on Canada and Canada will retaliate?

On this week's interview Paul sits down with economist and Texas-based free market policy consultant Vance Ginn. They discuss the importance of eliminating New Mexico's personal income tax. They then discuss the political and policy situation in Texas. Gov. Abbott recently issued a moratorium on data centers. Will a hard-left "progressive" be able to win the Senate seat? Finally, states are considering reforming or eliminating property taxes. What is the right approach? Check out this important conversation! 

Former Democrat House Majority Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton convicted on all counts. She was paid by APS while in the Legislature illegally in addition to her corruption.

There are two big problems with Democrats' primary plans.

Paying the Legislature isn't a bad idea, but the ballot measure on this fall's ballots is.

Welcome to NM job creators, get lost! 

Rep. Stansburty has some "interesting" takes on NM economy/policy.

John Lonergan is a Santa Fe-based entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a long track record of successes. He is also a job creator and investor.  His current work is as Chairman of American Fertilizer.   He attempted to build a fertilizer plant in New Mexico (near Hobbs) but was thwarted at every turn by the State's political class. Ultimately he shifted the plant to business-friendly Wyoming.   Paul and John discuss the challenge of entrepreneurship and job creation in New Mexico and why hostility toward entrepreneurs holds New Mexico back.

Two big wins for RGF on local taxes and no public financing of county elections.  

The stunning conclusion of "hoodie-gate".

How could New Mexicans benefit from the federal school choice tax credit? 

Is demography New Mexico's biggest problem? 

Alternative licensing for attorneys is a winner for New Mexico. Perhaps the Legislature will take notice? 

A response to Stephanie Schardin Clarke on income taxes.

The RailRunner costs $150 per rider and it isn't even "green".

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Vern Lund, the CEO of Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC). You may have never heard of NTEC, but it is a big deal both in New Mexico's energy sector as well as economically on the Navajo Nation.

What is NTEC and what does it do? What is its involvement in the Four Corners Power Plant (a coal power plant) and other current and future energy projects? If you care about energy (and if you have been using your AC this summer, you should) this conversation is worth it! 

On this week's Tipping Point NM Paul and Wally discuss numerous issues facing New Mexicans.

Starting off, while RGF was "wrong" that ABQ City Councilor Bassan would make a third push for her massive GRT increase to put it on this fall's ballot, in reality fellow Councilor Klarissa Peña is introducing the exact same plan. 

NM Dems are shifting their primary, but who pays the bill? There are numerous additional logistical challenges. 

In the spirit of a David Letterman Paul and Wally go through the Top Ten reasons to eliminate NM's personal incom...

On this week's episode Paul sits down with Democrat Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas. Olivas is the sponsor of a plan that would move the County towards public campaign financing.

Commissioner Olivas and Paul also discuss economic development including a major solar facility that will likely receive generous subsidies from the County. Finally, they discuss the County's economic development rubric.

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss:

ABQ City Councilor Brook Bassan plans to (yet again) bring her half-cent gross receipts tax increase up before City Council. Meanwhile, RGF has it on good authority that  https://errorsofenchantment.com/abq-councilor-brook-bassan-plans-to-bring-her-tax-hike-back-yet-again/ 

New Mexico's Supreme Court ratifies MLG's "free" childcare overreach w/o so much as a hearing.

NM an island of outmigration in the fast growing southwest.

NM school enrollment decline driven by plummeting births.

According to the Wall Street Journal Albuquerque's child population dropped third most among major cities betw...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull. They discuss efforts around rebates, eliminating the personal income tax, and other aspects of tax reform. They also discuss data centers and other hot button issues in the 2026 campaign for governor.    

On this week's Tipping Point conversation. Paul and Wally discuss the fact that Bernalillo County WILL consider public campaign financing at August 11 meeting (a vote will be held that night although if adopted it will wind up on local ballots in November). 

Football stadiums are good enough for the world cup, but not NM United and Lobos.

LNG exports are bringing trillions of dollars to US economy (as we predicted).

RGF has provided and encourages YOU to provide public comment against the current, arbitrary Chaco Canyon buffer.

Trump plans to impose 50% tarif...

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Erica Ramirez, New Mexico native and Independent Women spokeswoman. They discuss  the crisis in New Mexico's schools—especially the issue of pushing gender ideology on kids, why the organization is active in New Mexico, a recent Supreme Court decision on the issue, and more.

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss:

Paul's  family vacation in Florida including a trip to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center where he "met" a famous New Mexican.

The Rail Runner turns 20 years old today. 

What's the latest on $250 refunds? Will MLG call a special session or not? 

Sen. Munoz writes an article endorsing elimination of New Mexico's personal income tax.

Paul applauds New Mexico politicians for speaking about the "abundance mindset" but explains why it shouldn't just be about government.

NM's next...

On this week's interview and in honor of America's 250th birthday, Paul sat down with Tim Sandefur. Tim is Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Goldwater Institute, the free market think tank based in Arizona. Tim is also author of the new book, Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence. Tim was recently in Albuquerque for a book event put on by the Rio Grande Foundation and New Mexico Federalist Society. Don't miss this important and inspirational discussion of the importance and creation of America's founding document. 

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss MLG's sudden call for $250 taxpayer rebates. Paul welcomes the news since RGF is the ONLY organization in New Mexico to have argued in favor of them. $250 is on the low side. Sen. Munoz says he wants to reduce income taxes, but where's he been?    Another story (this one from KRQE) details the decline of NM's film industry.   NM government: spend more money, fail, wash, rinse, repeat.   MLG's emergencies are expensive in many ways, not just her COVID destruction.   Voices for Children (as usual) gets it completely wrong on NM's economic incentives, specifically the L...

On this week's Tipping Point Paul sits down with Carol Wight, Executive Director of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Carol recently announced that she'd be retiring from the Association at years' end. Paul and Carol discuss some of the numerous ways they've worked together over the years as well as more recently. They also discuss the state of the industry and her plans and reasons for moving to Arizona in the near future. 

RGF won BIG for taxpayers last week in Albuquerque's City Council defeating Councilor Bassan's proposed gross receipts tax hike (again). 

Paul recently traveled around Southeast New Mexico. Here's what he heard and said.

Democrat Lt. Gov candidate Maggie Toulouse Oliver drops out of race. What's next? 

Sen. Peter Wirth announced that he won't run again and won't stand for Senate Majority Leader in 2027. Paul has thoughts.

UNM's Law School dean is under fire for lack of diversity. Paul believes the dean's opponents should join him in opposing state spending for the La...

In this week's interview Paul sits down with Matthew Monte, formerly of Monte's Cigar Shop in Albuquerque. The business was a family enterprise. Paul and Matt have worked together over the years on issues in the Legislature (tobacco and otherwise). Monte recently told Paul that he had sold his shop and was leaving New Mexico and heading to Fort Worth, Texas where he plans to start a "state of the art" tobacco shop. Monte and Paul discuss New Mexico's difficult business climate and the challenges facing his business due to policies of the City of Albuquerque. Check this important c...

Trump and Iran have agreed to end the Iran War.  Is it real this time? What will it do to oil prices? What are the benefits and drawbacks of cheaper gasoline? 

Appeals Court Judge Elaine Lujan rules "free childcare" adopted by MLG on her own without legislative approval is fine. 

The national group Independent Women's Forum launches an ad campaign on NM schools. 

The Social Security retirement fund is projected to become insolvent by 2032. This will trigger an automatic, across-the-board benefit cut of roughly 22% for all retirees unless Congress acts.  

Paul and Wall...

On this week's show Paul talks to Mackenzie Bishop. Mackenzie is a home builder and owns Abrazo Homes which works throughout the central New Mexico region. Paul and Mackenzie discuss the New Mexico housing market/shortage and latest dynamics with regard to housing. What are the challenges for affordable housing especially in central New Mexico in terms of land use, taxes, and other economic policies? What is the Legislature doing on these issues?    If you care about housing in New Mexico or the State's economic condition don't miss this conversation! 

NM manages to squeak out a gain to 49th in Kids Count. Paul and Wally discuss the latest numbers.

NM has an $850 million oil and gas windfall, but New Mexicans won't see any of that.

MLG is proud of our higher education ranking?

Bernalillo County is looking to offer $1.2 billion in IRB's for a massive West Side solar facility.  

New Mexico's Chamber of Commerce issued a report that provides sound ideas for economic reform.

ABQ City Council to reconsider a gross receipts tax hike for a swimming pool and poss...