Tipping Point New Mexico

Hosted by Paul Gessing

News Politics

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

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

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60 recent

August 13, 202638 min

834 John Lonergan - New Mexico's Hostility Towards Business and Entrepreneurs

John Lonergan is a Santa Fe-based entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a long track record of successes. He is also a job creator and investor. His current work is as Chairman of American Fertilizer. He attempted to build a fertilizer plant in New Mexico (near Hobbs) but was thwarted at every turn by the State's political class. Ultimately he shifted the plant to business-friendly Wyoming. Paul and John discuss the challenge of entrepreneurship and job creation in New Mexico and why hostility toward entrepreneurs holds New Mexico back.

August 11, 202650 min

833 Big Wins on Taxes and Public Campaign Funding, Conclusion of Hoodie-Gate and more

Two big wins for RGF on local taxes and no public financing of county elections. The stunning conclusion of "hoodie-gate". How could New Mexicans benefit from the federal school choice tax credit? Is demography New Mexico's biggest problem? Alternative licensing for attorneys is a winner for New Mexico. Perhaps the Legislature will take notice? A response to Stephanie Schardin Clarke on income taxes. The RailRunner costs $150 per rider and it isn't even "green".

August 6, 202639 min

832 Vern Lund - CEO of Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC)

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Vern Lund, the CEO of Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC). You may have never heard of NTEC, but it is a big deal both in New Mexico's energy sector as well as economically on the Navajo Nation. What is NTEC and what does it do? What is its involvement in the Four Corners Power Plant (a coal power plant) and other current and future energy projects? If you care about energy (and if you have been using your AC this summer, you should) this conversation is worth it!

August 4, 202644 min

831 Why New Mexico Should Eliminate its Personal Income Tax, Should the State Take Over PNM and more

On this week's Tipping Point NM Paul and Wally discuss numerous issues facing New Mexicans. Starting off, while RGF was "wrong" that ABQ City Councilor Bassan would make a third push for her massive GRT increase to put it on this fall's ballot, in reality fellow Councilor Klarissa Peña is introducing the exact same plan. NM Dems are shifting their primary, but who pays the bill? There are numerous additional logistical challenges. In the spirit of a David Letterman Paul and Wally go through the Top Ten reasons to eliminate NM's personal income tax. New Mexico's House GOP continues to ask (as do we) "what about the special session on rebates/income tax elimination?" The Wall Street Journal covers NM's $75 billion permanent fund in a thoughtful way. People are talking about a state takeover of PNM. What's the point?

July 31, 202645 min

830 Eric Olivas - Bernalillo County Commissioner

On this week's episode Paul sits down with Democrat Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas. Olivas is the sponsor of a plan that would move the County towards public campaign financing. Commissioner Olivas and Paul also discuss economic development including a major solar facility that will likely receive generous subsidies from the County. Finally, they discuss the County's economic development rubric.

July 28, 202641 min

829 Brook Bassan Tax Increase: Its Back, New Mexico is Outmigration Island of the the Southwest, New Mexico School Enrollment Drops and more

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss: ABQ City Councilor Brook Bassan plans to (yet again) bring her half-cent gross receipts tax increase up before City Council. Meanwhile, RGF has it on good authority that https://errorsofenchantment.com/abq-councilor-brook-bassan-plans-to-bring-her-tax-hike-back-yet-again/ New Mexico's Supreme Court ratifies MLG's "free" childcare overreach w/o so much as a hearing. NM an island of outmigration in the fast growing southwest. NM school enrollment decline driven by plummeting births. According to the Wall Street Journal Albuquerque's child population dropped third most among major cities between 2015 and 2024.

July 23, 202655 min

828 Gregg Hull - Candidate for Governor of New Mexico

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull. They discuss efforts around rebates, eliminating the personal income tax, and other aspects of tax reform. They also discuss data centers and other hot button issues in the 2026 campaign for governor.

July 21, 202635 min

827 Bernalillo County to Consider Public Campaign Financing, LNG Bring Big Bucks to US, Hull Gets Big Endorsement and more

On this week's Tipping Point conversation. Paul and Wally discuss the fact that Bernalillo County WILL consider public campaign financing at August 11 meeting (a vote will be held that night although if adopted it will wind up on local ballots in November). Football stadiums are good enough for the world cup, but not NM United and Lobos. LNG exports are bringing trillions of dollars to US economy (as we predicted). RGF has provided and encourages YOU to provide public comment against the current, arbitrary Chaco Canyon buffer. Trump plans to impose 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods using tariff language from the Smoot-Hawley days. Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima endorses Gregg Hull for Gov. Also, according to KOB 4, a televised debate between the two WILL happen.

July 17, 202636 min

826 Erica Ramirez - Gender Ideology in New Mexico Schools

On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Erica Ramirez, New Mexico native and Independent Women spokeswoman. They discuss the crisis in New Mexico's schools—especially the issue of pushing gender ideology on kids, why the organization is active in New Mexico, a recent Supreme Court decision on the issue, and more.

July 14, 202648 min

825 Learning Centers Staffed by "Many" Undocumented Workers, Data Center Moratorium for NM? and more

On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss: Paul's family vacation in Florida including a trip to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center where he "met" a famous New Mexican. The Rail Runner turns 20 years old today. What's the latest on $250 refunds? Will MLG call a special session or not? Sen. Munoz writes an article endorsing elimination of New Mexico's personal income tax. Paul applauds New Mexico politicians for speaking about the "abundance mindset" but explains why it shouldn't just be about government. NM's next Gov. SHOULD address New Mexico's permanent funds which are estimated to grow to $100 billion in just a few years. According to a left wing group that supports "free" daycare New Mexico's "learing" centers are staffed by "many" undocumented workers. New York's left wing Gov. Hochul JUST banned data centers from her state. The last thing NM needs is a moratorium on data centers.

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