Hanna Skandera; State Senators Tim Keller & Sue Wilson Beffort; The Children, Youth and Families Department
It’s that time of year again. The New Mexico Legislature convenes Jan. 21st. NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS talks with lawmakers and Hanna Skandera, Education Secretary Designate, about what might happen around education issues such as teacher evaluation policies, testing, and class size.
NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS also gets an overall legislative preview from State Senators Tim Keller and Sue Wilson Beffort.
The Line opinion panel looks at the school shooting this week in Roswell. This evolving story of one student allegedly shooting two other students is raising many issues regarding reporting by the media on such tragedies, as well as bullying, and gun restrictions.
The Line also looks at the Children, Youth and Families Department, which has come under renewed scrutiny after the death of a nine-year-old boy. Will more resources and staff help this department protect children more effectively, or are there more fundamental problems within CYFD?
The Line also looks at the ongoing shortages of health care professionals and the latest developments with the New Mexico health insurance exchange. Shortages are expected to grow even more acute as the Affordable Care Act expands the number of people who can enroll in Medicaid, and as more people sign up for insurance on the state exchange. Governor Susana Martinez is proposing several initiatives in her budget to boost the number of healthcare workers.
GUESTS:
Hanna Skandera, Education Secretary Designate
Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort, R-Sandia Park
Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque
Sen. Senator Tim Keller, D-Albuquerque
Rep. Jim Smith, R-Sandia Park
LINE PANELISTS:
Dan Foley, Former House Minority Whip
Sophie Martin, Attorney
LINE GUEST PANELISTS:
Javier Benavidez, Center for Civic Policy
H. Diane Snyder, Greater Albuquerque Medical Association
CORRESPONDENT: Gwyneth Doland, NMiF Correspondent
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 729 for air January 17, 2014