Episode 702 | Dr. George Fischbeck, Audit of State Spending, Education Outlays in New Mexico

This week on New Mexico In Focus, Dr. George Fischbeck, a legendary pioneer in educational television, sits down with NMiF host Gene Grant for a conversation about his life in weather. Dr. George, as he is affectionately known, was in town to be honored with a plaque on Albuquerque’s brand new Wall of Fame. The former Duke City teacher and retired Los Angeles weatherman started his television career at KNME-TV as a host of a children’s science program.

The Line opinion panel looks at the latest developments around an audit of state spending by behavioral health providers. Fifteen of those providers were accused by the Human Services Department of mismanaging state and federal dollars and now eight are suing the state. Things got heated last week at a legislative committee hearing and HSD Secretary Sidonie Squires abruptly left after one legislator accused her department of destroying the state’s behavioral health system.

And The Line also discusses new findings on education outlays in New Mexico. Depending on the study, New Mexico comes in at No. 25 or No. 37 on spending per pupil. Yet the state was also recently ranked dead last for child well-being overall. Hannah Skandera, Public Education Secretary-designate, said the contrast between these two measures proves that education funding needs accountability to be successful. Stephanie Ly, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said more spending is needed to make up lost ground wrought by New Mexico’s high poverty rate and all the associated challenges that brings for students.

The panel also discusses the state’s economy. A national ranking of state governors put Susana Martinez among the worst for job creation. Is it fair to pin New Mexico’s continuing economic woes on the top executive? As the state continues to struggle to emerge from recession, what are the plans to boost job growth?

Host: Gene Grant

Guest: George Fischbeck, Author, Dr. George: My Life in Weather

Line Panelists:
Rob Nikolewski, Capitol Report New Mexico
Laura Sanchez, CEO, New Mexico Green Chamber
John Wertheim, Former NM Democratic Party Chairman

Line Guest: H. Diane Snyder, Former New Mexico State Senator

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Matt Grubs. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation. Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus Podcast on iTunes.

Episode 702 for air July 12, 2013