Tipping Point New Mexico

On this week's show Paul talks to Jeff Apodaca. Jeff ran for governor in the Democratic Party primary in 2018 and comes from a political New Mexico family. Jeff is also a businessman and political activist. Paul and Jeff discuss the latest political issues in New Mexico and some of the forces shaping the 2026 elections, but they also talk about the accumulation of massive amounts of money in New Mexico's permanent funds and what should be done with that money (and in tax policy more generally) to get New Mexico out of last place in so many metrics. 

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss Paul's recent work trip to New Orleans. The trip coincided with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Paul also bumped into former NM PED secretary Hanna Skaandera.

Santa Fe looks to raise its already high minimum wage due to cost increases in the City Different. What could go wrong?  

The athletic directors of UNM/NMSU look for additional funding from the Legislature for student athletes. Paul and Wally discuss potential issues. 

New Mexico has the highest percentage of people on welfare of any state:

On this week's interview Paul talks to Dr. Deane Waldman. Deane was a pediatric cardiologist at University of New Mexico Hospital. He also served on the board of Rio Grande Foundation before moving to Texas. He now works to advance the "Empower Patients Initiative" with economist Vance Ginn. You can read more about that here.

Deane and Paul discuss the health care situation in the US as a whole and New Mexico's acute medical shortage. Deane has some important ideas for reforming health care at the national and state levels here in New Mexico as well as ad...

New Mexico $485 million in new money next session.

RGF in National Review.

PNM merger details revealed.

There is a new executive building on tap for Santa Fe to add even more office space for government.

On this week's show Paul sits down with Albuquerque mayoral candidate Darren White. Darren has had a long track record in New Mexico politics and law enforcement and they discuss some of that history as well as Darren's plans to address public safety, homelessness, and the local economy. You don't want to miss this important conversation! 

On this week's Tipping Point NM Paul and Wally discuss the fact that New Mexico is now sitting on $64 billion while the NY Times calls New Mexico "poor." 

Further details on New Mexico's massive sovereign wealth fund and the inability to use it effectively can be found here.

EV market share plunged in Q1 of 2025 including here in NM despite the continuation of state and federal subsidies. Paul and Wally discuss what may be happening.

A national housing expert says New Mexico has done nothing to address the housing shortage.

What's the...

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul interviewed rancher and president of NM Cattle Growers, Bronson Corn. They primarily discussed a proposed power line through Eastern New Mexico that could wind up involving use of eminent domain and taking land up to 15 miles wide. Why does this project require so much land? Where is this electricity going? 

Also, Paul and Bronson discuss New Mexico's proposed "heat rule." The rule which is still being considered would have massive negative impacts on ranchers and would be completely unrealistic for many rural employers. Check out this conversation now!  

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss how New Mexico's health care crisis and education crisis (along with other problems facing the state) share similar patterns and how/why the politicians have failed to address things for their own self-interest. 

Environmental groups say New Mexico's clean fuel standard could worsen environmental issues.

Paul and Wally discuss how the situation in Santa Fe highlights problems with NM's capital outlay process.

Deb Haaland (or her campaign) had another interesting tweet this week in which she seemingly called out Gov. Lujan Grisham.

Channel 7 KOA...

On this week's Tipping Point Paul interviews Marcos Gonzales who heads up economic development efforts for Bernalillo County. Marcos and his team are currently hosting a series of public meetings across the county.

Paul and Marcos discuss those meetings, the economic development situation and programs within the State and County, and some of the challenges facing the County when it comes to attracting business. You don't want to miss this conversation from an insider's perspective on economic development in New Mexico's most populous county!  

On this week's podcast Paul and Wally take a closer look at the Gov.'s comments on Face the Nation. MLG rarely gives televised interviews to the NM media, so each conversation with the national media is worth scrutinizing. Even when she says factual things her remarks often make us wonder what about her statements and their accuracy and intent. 

Paul's opinion piece on New Mexico's film industry and the recession/depression facing it ran in the ABQ Journal recently. 

Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland uses some imprecise language to attack "millionaires and billionaires" in a rece...

On this week's interview Paul talks to former Cuba Schools teacher and author of an impactful op-ed Blake Gumprecht. You can read his opinion piece from the Albuquerque Journal here in which he decried the pressure he and other teachers experienced to pass unprepared students along. He also had concerns about the vast gulf between student achievement and graduation rates. 

Gumprecht and Gessing certainly agree that what is happening in Santa Fe regarding education is unacceptable but don't necessarily agree on solutions. Check out this impactful conversation! 

A UNM professor recently spoke to a business group and called New Mexico an emerging economy. What's that supposed to mean?

Santa Fe Studios recently was put up for sale amidst a depression in Hollywood filmmaking. What's the deal?

NM's new automatic voter registration law will create big problems.

The East Central Ave. rework isn't going to solve our pedestrian death issues.

I have it on good authority that MLG is going to have a special session in September to discuss health care issues. Also, the Albuquerque Journal editorial page was...

On the latest Tipping Point NM Paul talks to Carter Swanson. Carter has been an intern with the Rio Grande Foundation for over a year. He is heading to Australia to study abroad. Paul and Carter discuss what "the kids" in New Mexico think of free markets and freedom, his educational and career aspirations, and more. If you are concerned about the next generation this episode may alleviate your concerns! 

New Mexico's impending demographic disaster.   State Sen. Harold Pope is running for Lt. Gov., but all he can talk about is Trump.   Surprising absolutely no one, a Wallethub report finds New Mexico dead last in education.   Trump cancels $4 billion in federal funding for CA high speed rail.

RIP Ed Fuelner of Heritage Foundation.

Paul discusses his family vacation to DC, Philly, and NYC.

There are many factors that make Gallup a unique place to do business.  Paul visits with Bill Lee of the Gallup Chamber of Commerce about the challenges and opportunities that businesses face.

According to CNBC's "Best States for Business" 2025 report New Mexico is among worst states. That's troubling, but what is really concerning is how fast it has fallen in the report over the past decade.

The US Supreme Court lets Trump fire Education Department employees. Is it finally the end for USDOE?

The recent Ruidoso flooding is yet another blow to one of New Mexico's prettiest communities. Paul and Wally discuss.  

Santa Fe tops Travel & Leisure list. Wally and Paul explain why Santa Fe performs well on tourism lists, but not in the data WE car...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Connor Boyak. Connor is founder and president of the Utah-based state think tank Libertas Institute (now the Libertas Network). Though Libertas works on a wide variety of issues Connor is the author of dozens of books and  targeted at bringing the ideas of liberty to the next generation. These, particularly the Tuttle Twins series, have been extremely popular including with Paul's own daughters. Conner and Paul discuss these and other ways to reach the youth and ensure that the ideas of liberty do not die with the current generation. Check out this imp...

On this week's Tipping Point NM conversation Paul is on vacation in the Washington, DC area with his family, but Paul and Wally discuss the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill and what it really means for New Mexicans. They also discuss the broader policies contained in the bill especially the many conservative policy successes.    Of course, environmental groups and the wind/solar lobby are upset about eliminating green subsidies. But they also claim to be the cheapest source of electricity. Paul and Wally discuss the reality of the situation.    MLG and other New Mexico Democrats are upset about the BB...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Albuquerque Mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez. Chavez owns a company that manages parking lots, so Paul and Daniel discuss some of the issues facing that industry. Then they discuss the issues Chavez plans to take on in his campaign including permitting, crime, homelessness, and other critical issues facing the City. Don't miss this important conversation!   

As the BBB moves through Congress it is worth noting that even Joe Biden thought provider taxes are a scam.

Paul and Wally discuss an evergreen headline in New Mexico.

And another one! 

To top it all off New Mexico is looking to add subsidies for illegal immigrants to taxpayer-subsidized ObamaCare policies.

What to think of Zohran Mamdami (and his importance to New Mexico).

The messy Sawmill subsidies.

State Investment Council sends $2 billion out of State.

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sat down with Rio Rancho Mayor and GOP candidate for Gov. In this discussion Paul and Gregg discuss his major accomplishments as mayor and why those and other experiences in business make him qualified to be New Mexico's next governor. Paul and Gregg also discuss some of the top economic and education policies of the Rio Grande Foundation like the gross receipts tax and school choice and his stances on those critical issues. Tune in!  

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss Paul's recent article highlighting Arizona's superior policies relative to New Mexico's.

Matt Mitchell recently gave a talk on economic freedom in NM. Here are his slides and an interview with Bob Clark of KKOB.

Social Security could have been solvent with private accounts full of cash if Congress had followed George W. Bush-style reforms 20 years ago. 

MLG wants to completely delete emails quickly after just 30 days.

Albuquerque's Mayoral race is set with 7 candidates. Paul and Wally discuss some best and worst case scenarios. 

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Albuquerque mayoral candidate Mayling Armijo. Armijo has been involved in economic development at various levels of government and has filled out the RGF mayoral candidate survey which highlights her views on economic development. Although new to electoral politics Armijo has plans to bring significant change to Albuquerque. Don't miss this important conversation. 

Paul stopped by the No Kings rally in ABQ on Saturday. He offers a full report. 

Route 66 visitors center highlights failure of government.

We have received a few candidate surveys back. They can be found at ErrorsofEnchantment.com

New Mexico (stupidly) joins California lawsuit over EV mandate repeal.

RGF "beats the heat" attending "fiesta" in Albuquerque.

New Mexico NPR/PBS stations among the most dependent on federal $$:

We talked last week about NM's 50th ranking in Kids Count. This is what the left wing Voices for Children gr...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Sarah Smith, an activist in Las Cruces, New Mexico, about some of the most important issues facing her area of the State. Sarah came to prominence during the COVID as a leading opponent of MLG's lockdowns.

Sarah is involved with Coalition of Conservatives in Action (a Las Cruces grassroots group), New Mexico Freedoms Alliance (which operates statewide), and  the National Coalition for Health Integrity. 

They discuss a recent referendum attempt that was denied by politicians in Las Cruces, plans afoot to ban natural gas in Las Cruces, and bro...

On this week's conversation Paul has an update on the heat rule (plus some more information on exactly who is behind it).

Another year, another 50th ranking for NM in the Kids Count index. We discuss what is happening and why New Mexico will improve its outcomes only when voters decide they want better. 

A bill being considered at City Council would impose stiff new regulations on landlords.

RGF has sent out candidate surveys for ABQ Mayoral and Council candidates.

NM residents spend 6th most nationally on health care.

Trum...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Doug Peterson. Doug is principal of Peterson Properties which is a real estate holding and management company based in Albuquerque. Doug and Paul discuss exploding property tax assessments imposed by Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara, the proposed Business Improvement District downtown, and broader issues in New Mexico's commercial real estate sector. You don't want to miss this timely conversation! 

A panel of trade judges just unanimously declared the majority of Trump's tariffs illegal. What does this mean?

Another candidate has entered the race for Gov. What does it mean? 

Treasurer of New Mexico's Democratic party abruptly resigns 5 weeks into the job. What's going on?

The Food Stamp program (SNAP) is being trimmed in the BBB. New Mexico is the number one food stamp recipient state.

MLG and other blue state governors respond to the end of California's EV mandates.

Recent testimony highlights New Mexico's absurd federal dependency.

...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with New Mexico House Minority Leader Rep. Gail Armstrong. They discuss her rural district and added responsibilities as minority leader. They address the recently-completed legislative session and its challenges. Mostly, Paul and Rep. Armstrong discuss education policy in New Mexico and a recent forum in Albuquerque at which Sen. Mimi Stewart and Armstrong engaged in a discussion over early childhood reading and Mississippi's educational successes. Check out this important conversation! 

Paul recently sat down with KOAT Channel 7 to discuss New Mexico's $6 billion in unspent capital outlay funds. He discusses why it is an issue and what he believes should be done about it.

NPR: left leaning Texans are moving to New Mexico.

New Mexico is corrupt, but lack of economic freedom is a primary cause, not the effect.

New Mexico's "clean fuel standard" takes another step towards implementation.

The US Senate has voted to overturn California's EV mandate (which is what NM is working under). The bill now heads to Trump's des...

On this week's show Paul talks to Senate Minority Leader Bill Sharer of Farmington. Sen. Sharer has been a long-time conservative stalwart in Santa Fe. They discuss some of the Republican successes of the 2025 legislative session and his new role in leading the GOP Senate. During the second half of the interview they focus on the proposed heat regulations which are currently open for public comment. Finally, they discuss the closure of San Juan Generating station and the potential sale of PNM. 

On this week's show Paul and Wally begin by discussing breaking news with the potential sale of PNM.

They also discuss former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis and the fact that this diagnosis was likely known for some time.

Santa Fe Public Schools' budget is a massive $46,000 per student next year:

RGF appeared in National Review recently.

An okra farm received $25,000 from New Mexico taxpayers. Then things got even more interesting. 

With talks under way in Washington over Medicaid reform New Mexico politicians are "freaking out." Paul and Wally expl...

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul talks to the legislator who scored the VERY best among all 112 in the Foundation's Freedom Index: Rep. Randy Pettigrew. Pettigrew represents Lea County in the Legislature. He has long been a conservative stalwart in the Legislature. Pettigrew pulls no punches in this frank discussion!  

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss several recent developments relating to New Mexico's political situation. 

Skyrocketing costs of New Mexico's pre-K places the State at: $13,227 per child. Where are the results?

To their credit the media have started to discuss the APS budget using our approach to overall spending. 

House Republicans w/ Democrats including Rep. Vasquez vote to overturn California's EV waiver.

One Rep.'s bizarre constituent mail.

Do oil and gas "run" New Mexico's Legislature.

Trump threatens film tariffs?

On this week's episode Paul talks to local entrepreneur and businessman (and Hillsdale College graduate) Daniel Higbie. They discuss unique cultural obstacles to entrepreneurship in New Mexico and their historical origins. They also discuss specific efforts that he and other business owners have undertaken in order to change New Mexico and its approach to business, wealth, outsiders, and more.   Here are several links to various concepts discussed in the conversation:

https://www.praxis.co/redemptive-entrepreneurship

https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/

https://www.faithdriveninvestor.org/

https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/find-a-group/

Paul was in Las Cruces recently. He gives a brief report about his efforts there and the latest things happening in the City. Paul and Wally also discuss the City's growth potential and economic challenges. 

Las Cruces is coming after natural gas heating and appliances.

Paul recently talked to KOAT TV regarding Gov. MLG's contingency fund and questions about its use.

Albuquerque City Council recently considered and rejected a gross receipts tax hike. Paul was in attendance.

$3.3 million spent by city of ABQ to renovate apartment steps?

As prices drop...

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul sits down with Carlos Garcia of Garcia Automotive for an update on New Mexico's electric vehicle situation. What's the latest with the mandate both at the federal and state levels? Did the Legislature do anything? When do 2026 vehicles (43% of which are supposed to be EV's show up on dealer lots?). What's next for EV mandates and car buyers in New Mexico?  

Also, Carlos and Paul discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs on the auto industry and Elon Musk's fall from grace (with his best customers). 

NM Democrats pick teachers union official as new state party chairwoman. Paul and Wally discuss the TRUE purpose of NM's government education system.

The 2025 legislative session concluded with no action taken on the Gov.'s EV mandates. latest on EV mandates in New Mexico. With the 43% mandate set to kick in soon, what are the latest EV numbers? 

Paul will be in Las Cruces for two presentations on May 1/2nd.

Proposed New Mexico regulations on working in the heat could have a profound impact on some businesses. 

A recent event in Sant...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez a freshman Republican from Hobbs, NM. Cortez has a unique and compelling story that has led her to the New Mexico Legislature. Paul and Elaine discuss the recent session, some of the bills she sponsored, and her philosophy as a legislator. Sena Cortez is an energetic and exciting person to have in New Mexico's Legislature! 

Whatever you think of the recent Blue Origin flight, the fact is that Bezos' technology is far superior to Virgin Galactic's.

Paul recently traveled to Gallup: I-40 is a dangerous embarrassment to NM. 

The Albuquerque Public Schools 2025-2026 budget is slated to spend an estimated $35,384 per student. As usual Trever of the Journal nails it with his latest cartoon.

9 candidates have declared for mayor. Paul and Wally discuss the latest details.

A big tax hike is quietly moving through ABQ City Council.

We can discuss this article which had a di...