The Line: February 27, 2015

Is the legislature this year focused on a few divisive issues? That was the argument made in the Santa Fe New Mexican by reporters Steve Terrell and Milan Simonich: Controversial issues divide lawmakers along party lines

This week’s line opinion panelists weigh in on the attention that three bills are getting at the Roundhouse this session:

The Albuquerque Public Schools and the teachers’ union recently denied a request from the Albuquerque Journal for teacher lesson plans. The paper filed the request under the state Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA).

APS argues the lesson plans are intellectual property and therefore exempt from IPRA requests as trade secrets.

Our line panelists react to this news story.

A proposal to cap interest rates on storefront loans, like title loans, is currently stalled this legislative session. The proposal had broad support from faith groups and service providers, but lenders testified that a 36 percent cap would put them out of business and cost New Mexico jobs.

Our line panelists debate the proposed cap.

What do you think about these issues? Do you have an opposing view or new idea to add to the conversation? Email us at nmif [at] nmpbs.org