Sunny Budget Forecast as Unemployment Boost Expires, and Afghanistan Perspectives

This week, New Mexico in Focus searches for perspective on the end of the war in Afghanistan and the resulting humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands of Afghans look to flee Taliban rule. Gene Grant speaks with local café owner Mula Akbar, who came to the U.S. in the late ‘80s. Matt Grubs speaks with software developer and Vietnamese immigrant Tam Le about parallels between the ends of the two conflicts.  
 
The Line opinion panel takes a closer look at the implications of a predicted $1.4 billion surplus in the state’s next budget year. Lawmakers and the governor are already rolling out ideas to spend it, while others caution against yet another ratcheting up of the state’s baseline costs. Meanwhile, an uncertain future faces New Mexicans who have benefited from additional federal unemployment money. The boost runs out Friday, and The Line discusses what workers and employers can expect. The group also digs into a vague plan to address educational disparities raised in the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit as a state District Court continues to urge reform. 

Host: Gene Grant 

The Line opinion panel: 
Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of NM 
Sophie Martin, attorney 
Edmund Perea, attorney & public safety consultant  

Segments: 
NM Afghans Prepare to Greet Refugees 
Correspondent: Gene Grant 
Guest: Mula Akbar, owner, Café Istanbul 

Afghanistan from a Vietnamese Perspective 
Correspondent: Matt Grubs 
Guest: Tam Le, software developer and Vietnamese immigrant