New Mexico in Focus; Minimum Wage Proposals and Beyond Standing Rock

KNME-TV (Television station : Albuquerque, N.M.) · February 2, 2019

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. 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. Plus, correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with UNM Labor Economist Melissa Binder to discuss the overall effects 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 use 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. Host 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 Medicaid co-pays and premiums. Guests: Gene Grant (Host), Gwyneth Doland (NMiF Correspondent), Antonia Gonzales (NMiF Correspondent), Matt Grubs (NMiF Producer and Correspondent), Melissa Binder (Labor Economist at the University of New Mexico), Representative Joanne Ferrary ((D), New Mexico House of Representatives), George Gundrey (Owner, Atrisco Café and Bar), Carlos Herrera (Bartender, Atrisco Café and Bar), Georgia Maryol (Founder, Tomasita's Restaurant), and 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), and Giovanna Rossi (President, Collective Action Strategies and Host, “The Well Woman Show” (KUNM)).