Tipping Point New Mexico

Ben Ray's big dumb idea.

Did you know: NM has money to burn?

Deb Haaland touts left wing policies but makes an admission on the minimum wage.

In the wake of the 2026 legislative session House speaker Javier Martinez says he wants to push for a Universal single-payer healthcare system.

Medical malpractice bill was a major victory, but more is needed.

An audit found New Mexico's child welfare agency did not properly spend $4.2 million from an appropriation intended for behavioral health services. 

ICE could sign a contract with Hobb...

On this week's show Paul interviews Fred Nathan, the founder and leader of Think New Mexico. Fred and his organization played a lead role in achieving medical malpractice reform in the 2026 session along with some other significant victories. Paul and Fred discuss the path of HB 99 (med mal reform) through the legislative process and address what his group (and RGF) have planned next in the area of attracting medical providers to New Mexico. Check this important discussion out! 

With the session over here's what happened and didn't in the recently completed legislative session.   Specifically, Paul believes that the tax hikes this session are an underreported issue. He breaks down the biggest tax hike bill here.   Our Freedom Index site is complete and can be found here.   The Supreme Court overturned Trump's tariffs.Paul provides a detailed breakdown of the organization's reasons for signing on to an amicus brief against the tariffs, why the process is so critical, and why RGF ultimately opposes these tariffs.  

Larry Behrens handles communications for the energy advocacy group Power the Future. He is a return guest to the show. Paul and Larry discuss the Trump Administration's repeal of the "Endangerment finding" at the EPA. They also discuss the net zero bill SB 18 which was narrowly defeated in the New Mexico Legislature, the latest on EV's now that state mandates are no longer in effect, and the plans by radical environmentalists to shift attention to EV buses. Check out this informative conversation! 

On the latest Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss  the latest from the Roundhouse with just a few days to go.    Paul and Wally discuss the gun bill, medical malpractice, the budget, and "free" childcare, the tax bill, and the prospects for each including the fact that pay raises for state government employees have been eliminated in the push for universal "free childcare"    SB 18 the Clear Horizons bill died in a bipartisan Senate vote last week.     NM's House Speaker endorses Cuban health care during hearing over medical malpractice:   Stepping outside Santa Fe Paul and Wally discuss the unveiling of Albuquerque M...

On this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul talks to Rep. Rebecca Dow about issues in the 2026 legislative session. Rebecca and Paul discuss issues in both houses that could have profound impacts on New Mexico's economy and constitutional liberties. You don't want to miss this "insider" perspective on the 2026 session. 

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss numerous important issues in the New Mexico Legislature:

SB 17 the anti-gun bill passes New Mexico's Senate

SB 18 (the attack on energy and New Mexico's economy) awaits a vote on the Senate floor though Sen. Sharer has used a parliamentary procedure to slow debate.   

SB 131 by Sen. Moe Maestas would reform numerous zoning and other housing restrictions. Sadly it was killed in its first committee

Anti-ICE bill HB 9 passes and is signed by MLG.

The Gov.'s free child care plan h...

Paul visits with Albuquerque business owner Doug Turner who is a GOP candidate for Governor of New Mexico.  Doug believes New Mexico is being held back by big government, one-party control, and leaders who have lost sight of who government is supposed to serve.  Learn more about where Doug stands on the issues facing New Mexico in this informative interview.

Medical Malpractice bill altered destroying its purpose .

Climate Change bill to be heard in committee with possible amendment.

HB 9 which will eliminate involvement in ICE facilities passes house

NM is one of 5 states to have lost population last year.

Albuquerque bus ridership rebounds slowly

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Dr. Deane Waldman and Vance Ginn, PhD. They are authors of the new book "Empower Patients: Two Doctors' Cure for Health Care." They discuss the issues facing American health care and then discuss specific issues in New Mexico (Dr. Deane once lived in Albuquerque and served at UNMH). Ultimately, their book and this interview attempts to provide an answer to the question, "How can policymakers at both the state and federal levels solve our crisis in health care?" 

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

MLG's claim in her "State of the State" address that NM is "best state in the union to start a family": It's pretty hard to believe anything else in her speech when she makes such an easily disprovable whopper of a claim. 

Why are physicians leaving NM? A new LFC report highlights why 2/3rds of New Mexico doctors are considering leaving.

MLG has taken a firm stance in favor of Medical Malpractice reform. 

In a bit of good news the physician com...

On this week's interview Paul talks to David Abbey the long time director of New Mexico's Legislative Finance Committee. Abbey has a new book "Forty Years in the New Mexico Roundhouse" in which he provides details on his time providing the Legislature's most important economic policy analyses. Paul and David discuss numerous economic issues, David's favorite people he's worked with over the years, and some of the policies and issues that he's both most proud of and frustrated by over the years. Don't miss this important conversation with insights into the current 30-day session and the inner workings of...

On this week's show Paul and Wally discuss Paul's recent travels to Tucson, AZ for his daughter's volleyball tournament and the condition of roads/construction on the trip. Roads are a top priority for the Rio Grande Foundation in the upcoming legislative session. 

The City of ABQ ethics board dismissed the Keller campaign's frivolous ethics complaint last week. What does the future hold?  

New Mexico was ranked dead last as a place for raising families by Wallethub. We look at why that was the case and why RGF's economic ideas hold the key to improving family...

On this week's interview Paul talks to House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong about the upcoming legislative session. The two discuss a number of important issues facing New Mexico's Legislature in the upcoming session including: free childcare, the medical provider shortage, and more. 

We discuss a lot of important issues in this episode!  

The Legislature put out their own budget. It is better than MLG's (including not funding universal free childcare): https://errorsofenchantment.com/a-few-positives-relative-to-mlgs-in-the-lfc-budget/

More detail on plans for free child care scandal in MN (Biden rule change allowed reimbursement based on "enrollment" as opposed to actual attendance): https://errorsofenchantment.com/mlgs-plans-for-free-childcare-plus-a-biden-era-rule-allowed-child-care-centers-to-be-paid-on-enrollment-not-attendance/

MLG and the Legislature are spending $30 million on a "literacy center" in ABQ: https://errorsofenchantment.com/mlg-when-in-doubt-spend-more-money/

New Mexico was named the worst state in the nation to raise a family by Wallethub: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-raise-a-family/31065

Rail Runner ridership r...

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Republican Commissioner of Public Lands candidate Michael Perry. You can find out more about Michael and his candidacy here. 

Paul asks Michael about his background in land management and what qualifies him for the position, the role of the Land Commissioner and how he would handle that responsibility, and what the current occupant of the office has gotten wrong (and right). Land Commissioner is one of the most powerful and important offices in New Mexico. You definitely want to hear this important conversation! 

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally reconvene after the New Year and discuss some of their own activities over the break. They then discuss some of the biggest news items over the last two weeks:

Trump takes out Venezuela's Maduro. What does it mean for New Mexico?

A federally-funded child care scandal has been exposed in Minnesota. With MLG pushing for "free" universal child care this scandal has significant implications for New Mexico: 

Also, Tim Walz drops out of Minnesota Gov.'s race.

The ABQ Journal has gotten int...

Paul talks with former New Mexican Congressman, Steve Pearce about his new book "You Had a Good Home, But you Left… " The book is the saga of Congressman Steve Pearce's solo flight around the world and how it became a pilgrimage to honor fallen service members, weaving together aviation adventure and reflections on sacrifice.

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss MLG's National Guard deployment in ABQ as they depart. MLG expresses disappointment while Paul's views are more nuanced.

Inflation is actually much better under President Trump than under Biden.

A graphic highlights much of what we say about New Mexico.

Paul and Wally review 2025

On this week's interview Paul sits down with businessman and former HHS Secretary during the Gary Johnson Administration, Duke Rodriguez. Duke recently announced that he's running for Governor of New Mexico as a Republican. Paul and Duke discuss his background, his involvement in the marijuana industry, and his views on a variety of important public policy issues. Don't miss this important conversation! 

Keller wins unprecedented 3rd term, city council moves left. What does it mean?

ABQ Journal editorializes in support of RGF in hoodie-gate. RGF will be working with local attorney Blair Dunn to fight Keller's ethics violation. 

MLG rips the GOP for expiring ACA subsidies while failing to address numerous issues here in NM.

Environmental groups take aim at MLG's data center driven economic development plans.

New Mexico revenue remains strong, tax cuts won't happen, but what does it mean for MLG's free childcare plans? 

According to the LFC the cost...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with New Mexico State Senator Steve Lanier. Lanier, a Republican from the Four Corners, is running for Governor of New Mexico in the GOP primary. He and Paul discuss Lanier's personal story which includes varied experiences in business and as a teacher. Who is Lanier? Why is he running for Gov.? Find out more: Check out this conversation! 

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss the latest on "hoodie gate" including an ethics complaint from Mayor Keller. 

New Mexico's political leadership is refusing to assist the Trump Administration in rooting out SNAP fraud. But a recent report from the LFC specifically calls out the need to "New Mexico needs to change program administration to address SNAP error rates and monitor food program outcomes." Paul and Wally further discuss the problems of these government welfare programs and how the Legislature and Gov. care more about the $1 billion annually spent by the federal government on SNA...

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Sarah Hetemi, State Director of New Mexico's chapter of Americans for Prosperity. Paul and Sarah discuss her group's recent series of events as part of their Prosperity Tour. They also give an early preview of what might be on the table in the upcoming 30 day New Mexico legislative session. 

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

RGF's recent opinion piece which highlights issues w/ New Mexico's federal dependency. Why is NM so dependent on DC? What is the harm of this dependence and what can we do about it? 

RGF fights for donor privacy with amicus (friend of the court) brief: 

Early voting is underway in Albuquerque City elections. Paul and Wally urge city residents to get out and vote. 

Many of Albuquerque's homeless have been outfitted with new hoodies that say I heart Tim Keller. What's going...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with former Las Cruces mayor and Democrat for Gov. of New Mexico Ken Miyagishima. Paul and Ken discuss his leadership during COVID as well as the numerous issues facing New Mexico's next governor including the medical provider shortage, the 2nd amendment, and education reform, and the economy writ large. Ken shares how he would approach each of these issues and more. For more information on Ken's campaign for Gov. check out his website. 

Sam Bregman proposes term limits, pay for legislators.

Santa Fe New Mexican hits the road issue in a series over the weekend.

Virgin Galactic sets a launch goal of Q4 2026.

CEO and former ambassador: NM is not a poor state.

New Mexico's data center frenzy.

Rep. Leger Fernandez claims teachers have more work ethic in their pinky than Elon Musk. 

RGF luncheon on December 3 with Connor Boyack.

Happy Thanksgiving! Early voting begins Monday, December 1

Are you concerned that America has run out of big ideas and can't carry big projects (or even basic government programs) to fruition in a successful way? Philip K. Howard is a return guest on Tipping Point NM. Philip and Paul discuss his latest book "Saving Can-Do: How to Revive the Spirit of America." The book amounts to a critique of overregulation and red tape and outlines ideas for how we can get regulatory bodies and attorneys out of the way of essential government services and projects. 

Among Paul's numerous questions for Philip is to compare his book...

Santa Fe recently raised its minimum wage from an already high $15 an hour to $17.50, but the calculation for future increases cause even more concerns.  

The Tax Foundation recently released its Tax Competitiveness Index. Despite ample oil and gas revenues New Mexico has dropped from 20th to 28th since 2020. While taxes are not the ONLY important factor in driving economic decisions, they are key. We discuss why New Mexico has lost ground in recent years.  

According to The Economist magazine "free universal child care harms children." We discuss the issues.

New Mexico's workforce participation rate is...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with New Mexico Senator Antonio "Moe" Maestas. Moe is a Democrat representing Albuquerque's West Side. He and Paul discuss road funding issues in New Mexico. Specifically, they address whether the gas tax should be increased and other approaches to increasing road funding. Paul and Sen. Maestas then move on to discuss the housing crisis facing New Mexico and some specific policy ideas he plans to introduce in the upcoming 30 day session. You don't want to miss this conversation!  

RGF holds successful 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday with Grover Norquist keynoting. Wally provided the welcome. They discuss the event. 

Government shutdown will finally end soon. Thankfully the filibuster remains intact. Paul and Wally discuss.

New Mexico's Legislature convened on Monday for a special session. What happened?

What happened in the recent elections? Paul and Wally made some predictions last week.

EV sales plummet in the wake of expiring federal subsidies.

New Mexico's population has grown stagnant under MLG.

On this week's episode Paul sits down with Joe DiGangi. Joe is the guy behind the billboards that went up during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta which called out leadership of the state and city for New Mexico's poor education outcomes and high crime. 

What's Joe's story? What caused him to spend the money to put up these signs? What does he think our political leadership should do? Does Joe have plans for more billboards? 

Tune in to find out more about the man behind the billboards! 

It's election day. Be sure to vote if you are able to! Paul and Wally discuss and make predictions about some of the important national races including NYC's and Albuquerque's races for mayor. 

Socialist Mamdani would love New Mexico's policies.

RGF in National Review on MLG's "free child care."

A recent KOAT story includes an interview with a seemingly healthy woman who has been on food stamps for 30 years. 

MLG is right: Poverty IS a Policy choice and for too long she and other New Mexico politicians have chosen poverty.

...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Jonathan Lesser, PhD. Jonathan is President of Continental Economics, Inc. and Senior Fellow, National Center for Energy Analytics.

They discuss the proposed purchase of PNM by a private equity firm. They discuss the so-called "Energy Transition" in New Mexico, especially the SunZia power lines and rising demand for electricity in NM and nationwide. 

Paul and Wally begin their conversation with numerous current topics including the World Series, the hurricane hitting Jamaica, and a reminder of the Foundation's upcoming 25th anniversary gala. 

Health care costs continue to skyrocket. The problem transcends New Mexico's medical provider shortage, but can't be solved by socialist "single payer" plans. :

MLG is right about exporting LNG to Japan, We applaud that, but will anything happen?

MLG and the Legislature provide a loophole for major Southern NM data center.

A left wing group is suing to stop the facility. 

A ne...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Pete Dinelli. Dinelli has run for mayor of Albuquerque and has a long track record of service in city government. He currently runs a blog that covers city government and elections. Dinelli and Gessing discuss the ongoing city elections, the candidates involved, and issues in play. With early voting in full swing you don't want to miss this conversation!

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss a recent Wallethub report that places New Mexico as the 2nd most impacted state by the federal shutdown: SNAP benefits, on which New Mexicans are disproportionately reliant, could be discontinued as soon as November 1.

Another fantastic Trever cartoon highlights the manifest failure of New Mexico government. 

MLG has announced that she'll opt New Mexico out of the Big Beautiful Bill school choice tax credit program despite the fact that New Mexico is dead-last in education.

RGF provided public comment on treating and using "pr...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Dr. Jason Lucas an orthopedic surgeon from Farmington, NM. Dr. Lucas is a self-described fan of Tipping Point NM and we welcome his unique perspective on New Mexico's medical provider shortage, especially his attempts to recruit other doctors to Farmington and the proximity of his practice to the Navajo Nation. Don't miss this unique perspective on New Mexico's medical provider shortage! 

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the Foundation's recent media relating to the Albuquerque Public Schools $350 million bond. You can see the ABQ Journal article here and the KOAT 7 story here. 

An update on the billboard campaign and state's response.

Among the topics EDD has posted on is NM's growth in manufacturing.

Another data point being touted by MLG's administration is on the drop in child poverty. There is indeed good news albeit it is also a tacit admission that MLG's prior statements have been misleading. 

A pumpkin patch located...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Jennifer Bradfute and Matthias Sayer about the Water Access Treatment and Reuse (WATR) Alliance and ways they are working to increase the supply of water in New Mexico. Ironically, the effort is being opposed by well-funded radical environmentalists.  

Agua es vida and this effort will bring more needed water to New Mexico. Find out more and how you can help on this episode.