NM Governor Announces Special Session, NM Senator Accused of Harassment & Culture in the Roundhouse & Revamping the Rio | 3.25.22

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling legislators to a special session set to begin April 5. In a press release, the Governor says she wants lawmakers to find a way to ease the burden of rising consumer costs. She’s also directing legislators to pass a ‘junior spending bill’ she vetoed weeks prior. Our Line Opinion Panel discusses the potential motivations of the Governor’s call, and what positives might come out of the special session.

More women have come forward, accusing New Mexico State Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto of sexual harassment and bullying. An open letter from several advocacy groups details the accusations and alleges a wider problem when it comes to interactions between lawmakers and lobbyists. Our Line Opinion Panelists explore the implications of the letter, and how the Senate should respond to the accusations against Senator Ivey-Soto.

Along the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico, nonprofit and governmental partners have come together to try to put floodwaters and wastewater to better use for the river and its ecosystem. Recently, The Nature Conservancy partnered with the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Village of Corrales, City of Rio Rancho, AMREP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Rio Grande Return to revamp some infrastructure along the river and create a bioswale that will hopefully increase habitat, improve water quality, and reduce erosion.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Sarah Hurteau, climate program director, the Nature Conservancy

David Gatterman, executive engineer, Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority

Line Opinion Panelists:

Kristelle Siarza, CEO, Siarza Social Digital

Dan Foley, fmr. NM House Minority Whip

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM

For More Information:

Governor Announces Special Session – Office of the NM Governor

NM Governor Seeks Economic Relief in Special Session – Associated Press

Special Session to Focus on Spending Bill – Albuquerque Journal

Area Legislators Question Need for Special Session – Roswell Daily Record

More Women Come Forward With Sexual Harassment Claims Against Legislator – The Paper.

Advocacy Groups Seek Sen. Ivey Soto’s Resignation – Albuquerque Journal

More Women Accuse Sen. Ivey-Soto of Harassment – Santa Fe Reporter

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