Sick Leave in Albuquerque, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), The Line

This week on New Mexico in Focus, correspondent Stan Wilson leads a debate about a proposed sick leave ordinance that may end up on the ballot in Albuquerque this November. The Healthy Workforce ABQ initiative would give voters the chance to weigh on whether businesses should be required to allow workers to accrue paid time off. Supporters gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot, but there are still some hurdles that must be overcome to determine whether the initiative will be included in the November election.

At the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), some Native American students are learning about math, science and technology through a project that simulates NASA’s Mars Rover program. NMiF gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the program this week.

And host Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss changes in the state’s Environment Department and in the oil and gas industry. They also look at serious flaws in New Mexico’s probation system, and a “no-homework” trend in some elementary schools.

Guests:
Jason Espinoza, NM Association of Commerce and Industry
Ivy Rizzo, co-owner of Fano Bread Company

Correspondents:
Stan Wilson

Line Panelists:
Dan Foley, former New Mexico house minority whip
Viki Harrison, Common Cause New Mexico
Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Mary T. Torres, attorney at Law Offices of Mary T. Torres

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 1011 airs September 9, 2016 at 7:00pm on Ch.5.1