Tipping Point New Mexico

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...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Anastasia Boden.  Boden is Director of Constitutional Scholarship at Pacific Legal Foundation, a non-profit law firm.  Anastasia recently spoke at an RGF luncheon on the US Supreme Court's upcoming decisions. She recently launched a new podcast called "In Dissent." Paul and Anastasia discuss some important dissents offered by the Court as well as some of the Court's most recent decisions and the Court's relationship with President Trump. Check out this important conversation! 

Albuquerque City Council votes to raise the City's minimum wage albeit over three years to $15 an hour instead of right away. Paul and Wally also critique a video put out by Mayor Keller on the issue.   Paul and Wally handicap the Republican and Democrat primaries for governor.    In a bizarre comment MLG tells a group at a public speech that "Democrats don't need men's votes"   ABQ claims the "guaranteed basic income" is a success. What's the real story?   NM's Supreme Court recently ruled that APS had to disclose a big payout to a former superintendent.   What's the federal SPEED Act & why would it...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Reeve Bull of the newly formed Fulcrum Institute. Bull worked for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on regulatory issues and has started Fulcrum Institute to spread some of those successful ideas elsewhere. Paul and Reeve discuss how New Mexico could achieve similar regulatory reforms right here in "Blue" New Mexico.  

CABQ Council proposes $15 an hour minimum wage. Paul and Wally discuss the proposal and issues with minimum wages, especially among cities and how there is no such thing as a "free lunch" in economics.  

Overregulation is among many economic problems facing NM. A report from Cicero Institute highlights the issues and a path forward.

The LFC study released dealing with tax breaks (discussed last week) has been put out. Paul and Wally have further details and thoughts.  

NM is actually ahead of the curve on something!

On this week's Tipping Point NM Paul sits down with former New Mexico Democrat State Senator Jacob Candelaria. Candelaria is the attorney for plaintiffs in the case against Gov. Lujan Grisham's "free" childcare program which was set up by the Gov. without legislative approval on November 1, 2025. Paul and Jacob have a detailed conversation about the case including a thorough analysis of the program's provision of child care funded by New Mexico taxpayers for the benefit of those in the state illegally. 

Additionally, in 2019 Candelaria was the sponsor of New Mexico's Energy Transition Act which Paul calls "the wors...

It's time to vote early in New Mexico. Paul and Wally discuss early voting and some of the issues on the primary ballot.

ABQ spends considerable amounts on the arts. Where does the money go? 

Whatever happened to taxpayer subsidized Unser Crossing.

New Mexico politicians "grapple" with the oil and gas boom.

New Mexico sees limited benefit from tax incentives.

The NY Times highlights NM's lousy education outcomes.

Friend of the show and private sector space analyst Doug Messier calls Virgin Galactic "Zeppelins of Today."

Paul talks with Linda Stover, candidate for Bernilillo County Assessor about the importance of the office and how her planned administration of the position would differ from the current Assessor.  Learn about the importance of this office and the issues that have impacted property owners in Bernalillo County in recent years. 

On this week's Tipping Point conversation New Mexico's Steve Pearce was confirmed to head up Bureau of Land Management on a 46-45 vote. New Mexico Senators Lujan and Heinrich opposed him.

The Santa Fe New Mexican covers   overspending in New Mexico's "free" childcare program. Paul also highlights his recent Tweet on the program. Also, MLG's early childcare claims are without evidence as NM's workforce participation rate has plummeted since November 2025.

Another court rules against Trump's tariffs w/ RGF signed on as an amicus. Wally and Paul discuss the case and why RGF takes issue with the tari...

How dependent is New Mexico on the federal government compared to other states? Paul talks with Mary Connaughton and Liam Day of the Massachusetts based Pioneer Institute regarding their recently released study "Dependency Index – Federal Money to the States."

See how the various states compare using the Dependency Index using the study's interactive web-based data analysis and display tool.

A lawsuit by Gov. candidate Duke Rodriguez voids MLG's "free childcare." What's next?

MLG reinstates restaurant inspections by the NM Environment Department after the Department claimed they didn't have enough money to do them.

Sens. Heinrich & Lujan cosponsor bill to kill federal school choice program.

RGF calls out ABQ turf waste on KOAT 7.

Las Cruces is in a budget deficit. Why? What could be done to improve the financial position of New Mexico cities? 

Ebon Solar pulls plug on a proposed Albuquerque solar panel plant.

Developers overhaul Pro...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with former Albuquerque mayoral candidate Alex Uballez. Despite major ideological differences Paul was impressed by Uballez's communication skills and passion as expressed during his campaign for office. 

Whatever you think of Uballez's approach to the issues there's no question he is a new force to be reckoned with in New Mexico politics. Check out this interesting discussion between two people of differing viewpoints!   

President Trump again faced an assassination attempt. Paul and Wally discuss. . 

MLG unveils State Energy Council. Paul and Wally have thoughts.

NM's social studies standards are as bad as expected according to a new report.

NM climbs ranking for preschool access, but does it really matter?.

San Jon Schools $40 million new school for less than 120 students. This brings up numerous issues around New Mexico's declining student populations. 

Plans for an automotive kill switch generates debate online. Ben Ray Lujan has been a strong supporter of the "kill switch" technology.   

On this week's interview Paul sits down with CD 1 Congressional candidate Didi Okpareke. Didi is running against incumbent Melanie Stansbury. Paul and Didi discuss some of the important issues currently facing Congress in terms of health care, immigration, and the role of Congress in foreign policy. 

Check out this important conversation with a rising star in New Mexico! 

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss:   New Mexico expected to see dramatic declines in K-12 enrollment.   In a bit of breaking news Rep. Rebecca Dow has been restored to the ballot by New Mexico's Supreme Court.   In other news relating to NM's Supreme Court the Court unanimously allowed Otero County ICE Contract to move forward.   Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara seems to be selling himself w/ our tax dollars.   New Mexico ranks 35th in Rich States Poor States. What does this ranking include? How does NM's current 35th ranking compare with past editions of this report?    Virgin Galactic says they...

On this week's show Paul sits down with activist and independent candidate for Gov. Jacob Smith. Jacob was active in fighting anti-gun legislation (SB 17) in the 2026 legislative session. We discuss his activism, his plans for New Mexico, and why he's running as an independent. Check out this great conversation! 

Find Jacob's campaign website here. You can find his Twitter account here.

The worst article you'll see today was written by a New Mexico state Rep.

A new report finds that New Mexico is a disaster for families.

UNM offering a class on the fashion of singer "Bad Bunny."

Paul and Wally take a "deep dive" look at 10 realities on taxes.

New Mexico ranked 4th heaviest in a Wallethub Tax burden report.

The Mayor of Albuquqerque says his proposed budget is being cut. Here are further details along with comments from Councilor Dan Lewis. 

On this week's interview Paul talks to Neeraja Deshpande, policy analyst at Independent Women. Among other things they discuss her latest op-ed on the New Mexico education crisis in The Daily Wire. The piece comes on the heels of Independent Women's Features documentary: Give Teachers a Break: The Hidden Crisis Inside New Mexico's Classrooms. In the documentary, a veteran school teacher gives a breakdown on just how bad it has gotten: chronic absenteeism, affirming gender ideology to kids as young as five, and deep-seated behavioral issues are just the tip of the iceberg.

Neeraja Deshpande...

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discussed the defeat of ranked choice voting at Albuquerque City Council the evening before and the role RGF played in the victory.

Recently we discussed the fact that Javier Martinez is planning to push single payer health care, not surprisingly he's working with Deb Haaland to push it as well.

In this week's Tipping Point interview Paul talks to Ramona Goolsby who is running as a Republican to be New Mexico's next Secretary of State (SoS). What is the job of the SoS? How does she plan to use the role to address election issues in New Mexico like voter ID and the State's voter rolls? Are New Mexico elections really "corrupt" as President Trump says? What is the economic role of the Secretary in regulating New Mexico businesses? How does Ramona believe that can be improved? Find out more about Ramona and her campaign here.

The idea of SE NM counties leaving New Mexico has continued to make waves in the media. Here's the latest.

The editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican wants El Paso to come to NM. Would that be an even switch?

New Mexico's taxpayer ROI is the worst in the nation. Why?

MLG (in office for over 7 years) says: The Status Quo isn't working for New Mexico Families.

Plummeting student populations in Albuquerque Public Schools and statewide should be a warning to NM policymakers.

A recently-passed Albuquerque immigration bill con...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Kerry Baldwin, the principal educator at "Vita Nova" a micro high school based in Albuquerque.

Vita Nova Academy works to spark curiosity and build real-world skills in a small, supportive community. As an alternative high school in Albuquerque, we provide mastery-based education for teens in small cohorts, blending Socratic discussions with project-based learning to foster independent thinkers. As a member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, we focus on what you truly master, not just grades.

On this week's Tipping Point NM conversation Paul and Wally discuss the latest on the State Fairgrounds.

A heavily watched video by a left wing group makes several claims about the Blackstone merger with PNM and data Centers. Paul and Wally correct the record.

Is New Mexico suffering from the "Curley Effect?" This isn't about Larry and Moe, but sometimes it seems our elected officials are related to them. 

Two of MLG's big economic development "wins" have been abandoned.

Community Solar is yet another subsidized boondoggle.

Is NM an "Oba...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Jose Orozco. Jose is running for Congressional District 2 which is currently occupied by Rep. Gabe Vazquez.  Paul and Jose discuss Jose's background and why he is running. They also spend a good deal of time talking about issues including immigration and the "affordability issues" facing everyday New Mexicans. Orozco has a primary in June. This is a critical race for a toss-up Congressional seat. Don't miss this conversation! Check out Orozco's website here.

Last night the City Council in Albuquerque rejected a massive gross receipts tax proposal that RGF worked very hard to stop. Paul and Wally discuss that, the latest on ranked choice voting, and the passage of a bill to make ABQ a sanctuary city.  

Does a UNM branch campus really make sense downtown?

Here's one California policy we can get behind. 

MLG's free childcare is already running a big deficit.

Washington State went ahead and passed an income tax. Guess what happened next? 

Should Medicaid cover obesity treatments? Some advocate...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Greg Cunningam. Greg is running for Congressional District 2 which is currently occupied by Rep. Gabe Vazquez.  Paul and Greg discuss Greg's background and why he is running. They also spend a good deal of time talking about issues including immigration and the "affordability issues" facing everyday New Mexicans. Cunningham has a primary in June. This is a critical race for a toss-up Congressional seat. Don't miss this conversation! Check out Cunningham's website here.

Albuquerque City Council considering a big tax hike. Act now to stop it!

Also, a plan to institute "ranked choice voting" is making its way through Council.

MLG signs medical malpractice bill. Worth noting is the fact that SHE and legislative Democrats created the problem in the first place.

New Mexico is now sitting on $70 billion in its permanent fund.

Paul will be speaking at an Americans For Prosperity event about the recent legislative session alongside Sen. Jay Block. 

Paul and Wally discuss the impact of Iran War on NM...