PNM’s Rate Hike Request, Community Schools Model, the Future of Behavioral Health Services in New Mexico

Business reporter Kevin Robinson-Avila talks about the details of PNM’s rate hike request.

Megan Kamerick discusses the community schools model with local and national leaders.

Stan Wilson talks with two first-time voters about current candidates in the presidential primaries.

Host Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists look at the future of behavioral health services in New Mexico, now that Attorney General Hector Balderas has cleared the last two of fifteen providers that had been accused of fraud.

The Line also discusses former state senator Phil Griego’s “not guilty” plea, and debate a possible court order to stop New Mexico tax officials from withholding refunds of excess tax payments from immigrants.

GUESTS:
Janelle Astorga-Ramos, UNM student
James Hughes, UNM student

Kevin Robinson-Avila, business reporter for the Albuquerque Journal

Martin Blank, Coalition for Community Schools & President, Institute of Educational Leadership
Jose Munoz, ABC Community Schools Partnership

LINE PANELISTS:
Janice Arnold-Jones, former state lawmaker
Russell Contreras, Associated Press reporter
Tom Garrity, the Garrity Group PR
Marsha Garcia, Strategies 360

CORRESPONDENTS:
Sarah Gustavus
Megan Kamerick
Stan Wilson

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 940 airs April 8, 2016 at 7:00pm on Ch.5.1