Investigation of APD By The U.S. DOJ, State-Run Health Care Exchange, & Maternity Leave For High School Students

Ep.622: NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is back after the holiday with a full slate of public affairs coverage.

After voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the New Mexico Constitution requiring qualifications for Public Regulation Commissioners, the legislature must now decide on those standards. Fred Nathan of the influential think tank Think New Mexico talks about how he shepherded the amendments through the legislature and what PRC qualifications he’ll push for in the coming session of the state legislature.

The Line panel returns with opinions on the now-formal investigation of Albuquerque Police Department by the U.S. Justice Department. The announcement came from the U.S. Attorney’s office this week, and carries big implications for the state’s largest police force, its chief and the mayor.

The opinion panel also examines the fallout from Governor Susana Martinez’s long-running effort to create a state-run health care exchange in response to the Affordable Care Act.

The Line peers at a proposal to allow maternity leave for high school students.

GUEST:
Fred Nathan, Executive Director, Think New Mexico

THE LINE GUEST:
Harry Van Buren, Associate Professor, UNM Anderson School of Management

THE LINE Panelists:
Jamie Estrada, Former U.S. Commerce Department Official
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Sophie Martin, Editor in Chief, New Mexico Law Review

Correspondents: Matt Grubs

Host/Commentator: Gene Grant

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.