On this week's podcast conversation, Paul talks to Michael Leach, SIOR. Michael is the Founder and Owner of Sycamore Associates, a commercial real estate firm based in Albuquerque that works primarily in the industrial sector.  Paul and Michael discuss the development of Albuquerque and the relationship between various businesses in the ABQ Metro and how that allows them to serve clients statewide. They also discuss the role public policies play including the permitting process, crime, taxation, and the State's education system.  This is an informative conversation you won't want to miss!  

Tipping Point New Mexico

346 Michael Leach - Commercial Real Estate Issues

MLG extends the indoor mask mandate through November 12. New Mexico is one of a small handful of states that has an indoor mask mandate. Here is a map. New Mexico's medical system is now in "crisis" mode. What is happening?  Disappointing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores from the "Nation's Report Card" test which was given pre-pandemic are out. Notably, results from the assessment show widening score gaps between higher-performing and lower-performing students, with the changes driven by declines among lower-performing students – a trend that's emerged across other NAEP exams and grade levels in recent years, including in mathematics and reading at grades four and eight. State fair attendance was way down this year.  Hearings on Four Corners Power Plant & PNM’s planned abandonment include some interesting takes, especially from environmental groups.  Rumors of coal’s death are greatly exaggerated. Prices are skyrocketing as utilities embrace coal in order to keep the lights on.   

345 Mask Mandate, Education Scores, State Fair and Coal

On this week's podcast conversation, Paul sits down with Louie Sanchez a Republican running to be Gov. of New Mexico. The conversation covers Louie's background growing up in Albuquerque, his business efforts, and ultimately focus on the challenges facing New Mexico's current leadership and what he'd do to turn the State around.  Tune in to this informative podcast! Louie's campaign website can be found here. 

344 Gubernatorial Candidate Louie Sanchez

On this week's podcast, Paul and Wally discuss Gov. Lujan Grisham's health advisor Dr. David Scrase's statement that New Mexicans could be dealing with mask mandates for years to come. According to AARP New Mexico is only one of 7 states to have an indoor mask mandate. California is NOT one of them. Paul wonders: Are we really going to send kids to school in masks for another 2-3 years? More Americans have now died of COVID under Biden than under Trump, but the media doesn’t blame Biden of course. According to Michael Osterholm, an infectious-disease expert at the University of Minnesota (and Biden COVID advisor) quoted in the New York Times “We’ve ascribed far too much human authority over the virus.”  Southwest cancels thousands of flights over the weekend as vaccine mandate kicks in; The 100+ person mandate has not been formally implemented yet, but businesses including Southwest Airlines are using it as cover to impose the vaccine mandate on their workers. Energy crisis Analysts at Deutsche Bank noted that in Europe prices are up fivefold, while in the U.S. and Asia prices are about 1.5 times higher. In Europe, the price spike in natural gas is equivalent to if oil were trading around $200 per barrel. “The importance of these moves on inflation, growth and external accounts are not to be underestimated,” the firm wrote in a note to clients. “These price moves are a big deal.” Coal and oil prices are also jumping. West Texas Intermediate crude futures, the U.S. oil benchmark, topped $80 per barrel on Friday for the first time since November 2014. International benchmark Brent crude, meanwhile, traded at its highest level since 2018. Analysts say that elevated natural gas prices could even prompt utilities to swap the fuel for oil. In New Mexico this means even more money flowing into the state.  California took another step toward its goal of ridding the state of all gas-powered engines thanks to a new bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday. The new law will ban the sale of all off-road, gas-powered engines, including generators, lawn equipment, pressure washers, chainsaws, weed trimmers, and even golf carts. Under the new law, these machines must be zero-emissions, meaning they will have to be either battery-powered or plug-in. Trever cartoon electric hot air balloons Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s campaign paid an additional $87,500 as part of a settlement with an ex-staffer who accused her of sexual mistreatment, bringing the total dollar amount to $150,000.  Early voting at county clerk’s offices is going on right now. It will spread out around town starting next week. Ali Ennenga in District 3 and Celia Cortez a write-in candidate in District 6 has as well. School board is very important. City Council is as well.

343 Mask Mandates, Human Authority over COVID-19, Southwest Cancels Flights and more

On this week's conversation, Paul talks to Marc Scribner. Marc is a Senior Transportation Policy Analyst with the Reason Foundation, a free-market think tank.    Marc and Paul discuss the ongoing debate in Washington over various "infrastructure" bills. They discuss infrastructure and transportation more broadly and how it is funded. Finally, they discuss a new policy brief Marc wrote about America's freight railroads in which he discusses their tremendous economic impact (including in New Mexico), the fact that these railroads build and maintain their own infrastructure, the Staggers Act which deregulated freight rail 40 years ago, and the Biden Administration's efforts to reimpose regulation on America's freight rail network.   

342 Marc Scribner - Senior Transportation Policy Analyst with the Reason Foundation

On this week's conversation, Paul and Wally discuss the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association conference that Paul attended. Gov. MLG also made headlines with her talk of hydrogen as an energy source.  After a year hiatus, Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta is back. They stood up to the Gov. on vaccine mandates. Paul and his family attended the Balloon Glow Saturday and Paul shares what he saw. Early voting kicks off statewide United Stadium appears to be unpopular despite a slick ad campaign. It’s important to understand that bonds are debt and are paid back through taxes.  Albuquerque Public Schools is looking for a property tax on this fall's ballot. COVID cases have dropped 35%. The New York Times acknowledges the "Virus" operates on 2 month cycles.  New social studies requirements from the Public Education Department (PED) were released recently and they are rife with critical race theory. Additionally, PED Secretary Kurt Steinhaus claimed in testimony recently that for New Mexico teacher salaries to be competitive they'd have to DOUBLE. We question that. 

341 Oil, Gas and Hydrogen, Balloon Fiesta, Soccer Stadium Update and more

 On this week's podcast interview Paul sits down with Vance Ginn, Chief Economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The Foundation is the RGF's "sister" think tank in Texas.  Paul and Vance begin with a discussion of Vance's time in Washington working with the Trump Administration. They have a candid discussion about some of the successes and failures of the previous president on important economic issues. Vance and Paul move on to a discussion of Texas, it's economy, and comparisons with Florida and big blue states like California and New York. They address the numerous qualities and policies that make Texas an attractive destination as well as some things that Texas still needs to improve upon. They also discuss New Mexico and its situation relative to these four major states.    

340 Vance Ginn - Texas Public Policy Foundation Economist

The Balloon Fiesta pushed back against MLG by NOT requiring vaccines. MLG was NOT amused. Pfizer booster shots now available to some "at risk" groups. Biden received his already while wearing a MASK. The FDA pushed back against "universal" booster which directly contradicted Biden Administration statements. The political wrangling between the Biden Administration, the FDA, and the CDC has been fascinating. Comparing Blue and Red States economically. Europe is facing an energy crisis driven by "green" politics on energy. Paul wrote a piece for National Review in which he discussed why Joe Biden is worse than Jimmy Carter. Down in the polls, the United Soccer team's ownership puts up some cash for their proposed stadium. Is it enough? 40% increase in teacher retirement, but why? Paul and Wally discuss.  

339 Vaccination Not Required at Balloon Fiesta, Will Europe's Energy Crisis Spread?, Why Joe Biden is worse than Jimmy Carter

On this week's episode, Paul interviews Rob Nikolewski. Rob is currently an energy reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Previously he covered the New Mexico Legislature for Capitol Report New Mexico, a project of the Rio Grande Foundation. Paul and Rob briefly discuss his prior coverage of recently-indicted Rep. Sheryl Williams-Stapleton.  The two also discuss the recent California recall election and prospective challengers to Gov. Newsome in the 2022 General Election.    Finally, the two discuss ongoing energy (especially electricity issues) going on in California AND similar challenges facing New Mexico. Particularly, Rob addresses the recent decision by Gov. Newsome to open and reopen several natural gas electricity generation facilities.  

338 Rob Nikolewski - California Energy, Politics and more

Natural gas price hits the highest level in 12 years.  According to the LFC, a 10 cent increase in the price per thousand cubic feet of natural gas translates into $15 million in additional revenue (and it’s not even winter yet!): https://www.nmlegis.gov/Entity/LFC/Documents/Finance_Facts/finance%20facts%20oil%20and%20gas%20revenue.pdf Where does New Mexico’s electricity come from?  Rep. Williams Stapleton indicted on 26 charges. The Biden Administration wants the IRS to know A LOT more about your personal finances.  State law targets liquor sales at gas stations, so they stopped selling gas.  Federal Reserve data show inflation is eating up those pay hikes. PED secretary profiled in Journal. High aspirations, but doesn’t seem inclined/willing to embrace dramatic reform ideas. One of the United Soccer team's preferred stadium sites appears to be not for sale.  Of course, you can use the $50 million for the United stadium for cops instead. ABQ embraces zero-cost bus fares.  

337 Natural Gas Prices Hit 12-Year High, Soccer Stadium or Police, Zero-Cost Bus Fares and more

George Mocsary is a law professor at the University of Wyoming who once clerked in Albuquerque for a federal judge here. He is among other things an expert on the 2nd amendment. He was in Albuquerque recently to speak at an event sponsored by the Rio Grande Foundation and the New Mexico chapter of the Federalist Society. His presentation was “The 2nd Amendment as Tyranny Control.”

336 George Mocsary - "The 2nd Amendment as Tyranny Control"

On this week's episode David Clements, a previous podcast guest and law professor at New Mexico State University, discusses his anti-mask, anti-vaccine activism and job loss.  Will Gov. MLG extend her indoor mask order? RGF has an informal poll on Twitter. We'll report on what happens next.  Biden’s vaccine mandate Executive Order, but what about unemployed and others on government benefits, those with immunity, and those in various relatively unvaccinated minority groups? ABQ Journal columnist raises interesting questions about Soccer stadium.  A liberal ABQ Journal columnist ALMOST gets it on plastic bag ban. California will be building FIVE natural gas plants costing $171.5 million per facility in order to keep the lights on during their “energy transition”.  OAK NM surveys on public school candidates are available on the website: https://oaknm.org/school-board-survey/   Corey De’Angelis on education reform Monday September 20 at Albuquerque Museum.  Click here to register.

335 David Clements, Masks, Vaccine Mandates, Plastic Bags, Power Plants and more

On this week’s interview podcast, Paul talks with Karen Bedonie. Bedonie is running for Governor of New Mexico. Paul and Karen discuss her background and what caused her to run for office. They also discuss many of the problems and issues facing New Mexico and how Karen believes her background and experience provide a unique perspective to solve these problems.  You can learn more about Karen Bedonie’s campaign at www.bedonietough.com. 

334 Gubernatorial Candidate Karen Bedonie

Paul’s trip to Florida for the State Policy Network Conference. He reports from the free state.  Will TV man and former US Senate candidate run for Gov.? There have been rumblings that he will.  More on the flood of revenue to the State including early childhood fund.  Despite all the revenue legislators are STILL considering tax hikes.  Deb Haaland has a maskless wedding.  A government watchdog is looking into possible improper gifts.  David Scrase wants more COVID testing of kids. Is this really a good idea?  International Balloon Fiesta to require masks, but not vaccines. With all the pressure put on them by MLG, it seems the Fiesta has chosen the most reasonable path.   Virgin Galactic faces more delays. The Federal Aviation Administration said it was grounding all Virgin Galactic flights until further notice, pending the results of the investigation into the company’s July 11 crewed flight. It was recently uncovered that the spaceplane deviated its trajectory outside of cleared airspace. Public financing in Albuquerque is a debacle and needs to be abolished.  APS holds off on charter moratorium. Hopefully, the NEW board elected this November will be pro-charter. Wife of an injured police officer calls out Chief Medina and Mayor Keller.   

333 Balloons, Public Financing Debacle, Flood of Revenues to NM, Tax Increases Still on Agenda and more

On this week's interview Paul talks to Michael Farren, he is a Research Fellow with the free-market Mercatus Center a think tank based in the Washington, DC area. Michael and Paul discuss the proposed New Mexico United Stadium and what makes this particular deal especially egregious even among stadium deals.    Here is an article Michael wrote about a similar soccer stadium deal in Iowa that is referenced in the conversation.    Farren has done a great deal of research on public financing of stadiums and broader issues of "corporate welfare." Michael has recommended an "interstate compact" model for reducing such subsidies.   

332 Proposed New Mexico United Stadium - Michael Farren of Mercatus Center

Podcast of the Rio Grande Foundation that addresses public policy issues facing New Mexico.

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Tipping Point New Mexico

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