Minimum Wage Debate, Native American Artists on the No-DAPL Movement, The Line

This week on New Mexico in Focus: Lawmakers continue to debate the idea of increasing the state’s minimum wage. One plan also includes doing away with another wage level designed for employees like restaurant wait staff and bartenders, who currently work on tips as well. New Mexico in Focus Producer Matt Grubs talks to people in the industry about whether they support the plan, and what the impacts might be for them personally. Plus, correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with UNM Labor Economist Melissa Binder to discuss the overall impacts of the minimum wage hike, plus what the research says about what that new minimum wage should be.

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales looks at how Native American artists are using their creativity to highlight political and social activism. She visits the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe to explore the Beyond Standing Rock exhibit, which features Native American artists’ perspectives on the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline and the No-DAPL movement.

Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss the ins and outs of public education funding and debate the decision for New Mexico to join in a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s emergency declaration. They also look at Governor Lujan Grisham’s plan to drop former Governor Martinez’s policies for some Medicaid co-pays and premiums.

Host: Gene Grant

Correspondents:
Gwyneth Doland, Correspondent
Antonia Gonzales, Correspondent
Matt Grubs, Producer         

Studio Guest:
Melissa Binder, labor economist at the University of New Mexico

Field Guests:
Rep. JoAnn Ferrary (D), New Mexico House of Representatives
George Gundrey, owner, Atrisco Café and Bar
Carlos Herrera, bartender, Atrisco Café and Bar
Georgia Maryol, founder, Tomisita’s Restaurant
C.L. Kieffer Nail, curator of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Line Panelists:
Dan Foley, former House minority whip
Tom Garrity, the Garrity Group PR
Stephanie Maez, executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico
Giovanna Rossi, president, Collective Action Strategies; host, “The Well Woman Show” (KUNM)