APS Superintendent Winston Brooks, Affordable Care Act, Audit of Behavioral Health Providers

This week, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS features an in-depth interview with Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Winston Brooks. He talks with host Gene Grant about the recent Great City Schools Conference held in Albuquerque, the turmoil among teachers over the state Public Education Department’s evaluation system, parental engagement and his ideas on how to address the achievement gap among students.

The Line Opinion Panel looks at the developments in the audit of behavioral health providers. Two providers agreed this week to repay funds that state officials say were improperly billed, while a father told a legislative panel that his autistic sons have lost behavioral health services due to the freezing of Medicaid funds to providers.

The Line also looks at the ongoing problems with the Affordable Care Act rollout. Several studies offer conflicting conclusions on whether it will raise or lower premiums in New Mexico, while the city of Albuquerque is facing upwards of $1 million in increased costs.

The group will also discuss the fallout over the Bernalillo County Treasurer’s investment decisions and the looming budget cuts for the county.

GUEST:
Winston Brooks, Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools

LINE PANELISTS:
Dan Foley, former NM House Republican whip
Sophie Martin, Attorney
Laura Sanchez, CEO, NM Green Chamber of Commerce

LINE GUEST PANELIST:
Whitney Waite, The Waite Co.

HOST/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 719 for air November 8, 2013