Tipping Point New Mexico

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...

On this week's interview Paul talks to former Albuquerque Journal opinion editor Jeffery Tucker. They begin by discussing the recently announced plan by the Journal to sell its building and launch into a discussion of the newspaper business. They further discuss the life of an opinion editor, changes to the business over time, and Jeff's numerous jobs in the business over the years.    Finally, they discuss current economic topics including Trump's tariffs.   

The GOP HQ fire bomb suspect appears to have been captured. He looks JUST as you'd expect. 

MLG vetoed two bills in the waning hours of her signing period (we agree with her on both). MLG also ripped Democrat leadership in the Legislature saying of the tax bill 

“Even more troubling is the fact that what ultimately emerged lack both strategic coherence and fiscal responsibility,” the governor added. “There was no plan and no preparation for how to pay for the tax relief in this bill. She also vetoed a lowrider license plate bill and tortilla as t...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Troy Clark. Troy is head of the New Mexico Hospital Association which represents most hospitals throughout New Mexico. They discuss how hospitals are set up in New Mexico (government, non-profit, and for-profit), but quickly turn to the legislative session and the Gov.'s signing of a bill directly (negatively) impacting hospitals. Finally, the conversation broadens out to the health care provider shortage and what can and should be done to address it. 

MLG has until Friday to sign or veto bills that passed this session. She signed a few on Monday. Paul and Wally discuss some of the bills signed. Many of them were not relevant to RGF, but nonetheless will impact the State in important ways. 

Then, Paul and Wally have a lengthy discussion of the most important economic issue facing our nation, the tariff situation. What does it mean, what are the goals, and how might it turn out in the end for New Mexico and the United States?

Crude oil prices have dropped significantly f...

Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies for the libertarian Cato Institute was in Albuquerque for some talks to RGF and Federalist Society. He sat down with Paul to discuss the medical provider shortage in New Mexico and broader issues in healthcare. Michael especially takes on the issue of Medicaid which is a joint federal/state program to (supposedly) provide Medicaid for the poor and how this program's perverse incentives drive health care costs upward, doctors out of business, and are driving America into a debt crisis. You don't want to miss this timely conversation! 

Someone appears to have committed arson at NM GOP HQ.

According to a new Wallethub report, New Mexico is dead last when it comes to the Return on Investment (ROI) for taxpayers

And, another new Wallethub report places New Mexico first on "most stressed."

The best part of what happened in the session is the death of several bad bills.

State data on Albuquerque Public Schools finds the District's performance on education metrics wanting which broadly reflects the recent findings of NAEP. 

A travel journalist on Youtube named Nick John...

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Tego Venturi, a realtor in Albuquerque. He recently won realtor of the year from the National Association of Realtors. Tego and Paul discuss the local housing market and current conditions in the metro area and then move on to talk about housing legislation and whether the bills being passed (or considered in Santa Fe) would address the housing "crisis." Is the Legislature moving in the right direction or do they need to consider other approaches to addressing housing in New Mexico? Paul and Tego may not agree 100% but this i...

On this week's Tipping Point NM conversation Paul and Wally discuss three timely events:

The end of the 2025 60-day legislative session;

The Lobos success and subsequent defeat 

The shooting in Las Cruces which (again) involved young people, even teenagers shooting and killing each other. 

Much of this episode is dedicated to going through the bills that passed both houses this session. Unfortunately, they are almost universally bad although ONE good bill not only passed both houses, but almost overcame an MLG veto. 

Finally, Paul had a chance to testify as a...

On this week's interview Paul talks to Matthew Mitchell. Matt is Senior Fellow in the Centre for Human Freedom at the Canadian Fraser Institute (a free market think tank). But Matthew WAS with the Rio Grande Foundation many years ago. He is a native New Mexican living in Angel Fire. More importantly, he and Paul have co-authored a new report "Economic Freedom in the Land of Enchantment" which Paul considers the most important policy study the Foundation has ever undertaken. The report has loads of useful information but specifically finds that New Mexico is the ONLY state in the na...

With less than a week left in the session, Paul and Wally discuss the latest from Santa Fe. Specifically, Paul and Wally discuss SB 176 and the fact that reforms like it to address NM's medical malpractice laws have been slowed thanks to the trial attorneys. 

In a huge win for businesses and taxpayers paid leave died over the weekend.

HB 14, a mediocre bill goes bad.

What's the latest on the Freedom Index?

A new report by Rio Grande Foundation and the Fraser Institute finds that New Mexico is the only state in...

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Albuquerque mayoral candidate Eddie Varela. RGF hopes to talk to each of the candidates about their visions for Albuquerque's future and how they would address some of the very serious issues facing New Mexico's largest City. 

Paul and Wally discuss the latest on HB 11, formerly known as Paid Family & Medical Leave.

A bill to raise alcohol taxes died in committee (HB 417). Are alcohol taxes dead for the session? Speaking of which, the tax bill is/could be the biggest bill yet to drop this session. It could STILL include this and other tax policies and be rammed through by session end.

Democrats in the House Energy Committee rejected another opportunity to reform EV rules by overturning MLG's mandate.

Bipartisan support for a Medicaid Trust Fund? What does it mean? 

This week's "interview" is a little different. This week Paul and Wally talk taxes. What is their purpose? Why are they such a priority right now for the Rio Grande Foundation? Which taxes do more or less economic harm? Why is the GRT such a "unique" issue here in New Mexico? Paul is doing a more thorough presentation on taxes in New Mexico at an event THIS Saturday. You can find out more here. 

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the latest on the newly renamed paid leave bill and other issues in the Legislature. 

How are things looking in terms of the Freedom Index?

Paul recently wrote a blog post that was picked up by the Santa Fe New Mexican that the process in Santa Fe stinks.

MLG plans a special session to deal with Trump cuts, but Medicaid is in dire need of reform. What does it all mean?:

Paul will be discussing tax reform at an event this weekend w/ AFP...

On this week's interview Paul sits down with attorney, activist, and author Ilya Shapiro. Shapiro worked at the libertarian Cato Institute for more than a decade and attempted a career change to Georgetown Law School. Sadly, a factually accurate but "controversial" post on social media got him into hot water and caused nationwide controversy including at Georgetown Law. The dustup caused Ilya to look elsewhere for employment and also resulted in his new book "Lawless: The Miseducation of America's Elites." You don't want to miss this informative conversation!  

Paul and Wally share the latest from the Roundhouse. Paid Family Leave is revised and heading for the House floor. HB 417 a revised alcohol tax of 6% has passed through the House Tax Committee on partisan lines. 

Free speech is under attack in Santa Fe: https://errorsofenchantment.com/new-mexico-s-b-85-a-legally-dubious-speech-chilling-proposal/ In a bit of good news SB 4 (net zero) was tabled in the Senate Finance Committee. 

RGF's president had an article in National Review about the disaster that would be Deb Haaland as Gov. of New Mexico. Former Las Cruces Mayor may run for Gov. He says he's...