Land Grant Permanent Fund & Early Childhood Programs, 2015 Legislative Session, Charges Against Two APD officers

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we examine renewed efforts to tap the state’s $14 billion land grant permanent fund to support early childhood programs. Advocates say that despite steady increases in early childhood funding each year, New Mexico needs a much bigger infusion to address the state’s poor rankings in child well-being. Critics argue existing federal law would block the use of those funds on early childhood programs and that existing infrastructure could not absorb such a large influx of money. NMiF correspondent and Public Square producer Megan Kamerick delves into the debate with State Senator Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, and Larry Langley, president and CEO of the New Mexico Business Roundtable.

We’ll also hear what it’s like behind the scenes in the Roundhouse as we prepare for the 2015 legislative session. Former New Mexico Senator Dede Feldman sits down with correspondent Gwyneth Doland to talk about the insights she shares in her new book “Inside the New Mexico Senate: Boots, Suits and Citizens.”

Host Gene Grant and our Line panelists discuss the announcement this week that Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg will file charges against two Albuquerque Police Department officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of James Boyd in the foothills of Albuquerque last year. The case has received national, and international, media coverage. Also this week, the Line will talk about the proposed state budget and what’s ahead for the legislative session.

GUESTS:
Dede Feldman, former NM Senator and author
Larry Langley, president and CEO, New Mexico Business Roundtable
State Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Albuquerque)

LINE PANELISTS:
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Viki Harrison, executive director, Common Cause New Mexico
Rob Nikolewski, Watchdog.org
Laura Sanchez-Rivét, Sanchez Legal Solutions

CORRESPONDENTS:
Gwyneth Doland
Megan Kamerick, producer, Public Square

Host: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 827 for air January 16, 2014