Bipartisan Tax Bill, Raising Alcohol Taxes & Behind Source New Mexico’s Series: ‘Crisis on the Rio Grande’

This week on New Mexico in Focus, Gene Grant and the Line Opinion Panel take a deep dive into several notable pieces of legislation moving through the Roundhouse. First, the Panel talks through a bipartisan tax plan that would once again cut the state’s gross receipt tax. Second, our panelists discuss a bill that would increase alcohol taxes by 25 cents per drink, while dedicating more funding to alcohol abuse treatment. And finally, the Line debates a proposal that would mandate 12 weeks of paid family leave for all workers in the state.  

New Mexico in Focus Political Correspondent Gwyneth Doland catches up with State Representative Reena Szczepanski at the Roundhouse to talk about a bill that would create a new state agency to support creative industries. Rep. Szczepanski explains how it would work, and how it could help grow the state’s economy.  

Our Land Senior Producer Laura Paskus talks with reporter Danielle Prokop and visual journalist Diana Cervantes about their new series in Source New Mexico, “Crisis on the Rio Grande.” The three talk about the crisis along the river, the series, and the questions we all need to ask ourselves as we continue to stretch the Rio Grande beyond capacity.

Host: Gene Grant 

The Line opinion panel:
Dan Foley, fmr. NM Representative 
Giovanna Rossi, president, Collective Action Strategies, LLC 
Kristelle Siarza, owner & CEO, Siarza Social Digital 

Segments: 
Bill to Support State Artists 
Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland 
Guest: St. Rep. Reena Szczepanski, (D) NM District 47 – Santa Fe – Majority Whip 

Behind the Source New Mexico Series: ‘Crisis on the Rio Grande’ 
Correspondent: Laura Paskus 
Guests: Danielle Prokop, environment reporter 
Diana Cervantes, independent visual journalist