How uncertainty for international visitors is impacting groups in New Mexico, a look at the “soda tax,” and The Line Panel

This week on New Mexico in Focus, correspondent Gwyneth Doland looks at how uncertainty for international visitors is impacting groups in New Mexico that regularly welcome business leaders, artists, and experts from around the world. She sits down with representatives of organizations that bring global visitors to Albuquerque to discuss why it’s important for communities in New Mexico to have cultural exchanges with other countries.

Santa Fe voters will decide next week whether to approve a proposed local tax on beverages with added sugars. The “soda tax” debate has been heated in the weeks leading up to the special election. Producer Sarah Gustavus sits down this week with Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Daniel Chacon to talk about the money spent on both sides and the arguments for and against the tax.

And Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists debate several top stories in the news, including updates on the New Mexico Legislature’s lawsuit challenging Governor Martinez’s vetoes, research that shows our state has fewer jobs now than at the start of the 2007 recession, and increasing challenges some people face trying to get a new license that’s compliant with the REAL ID Act.

Host:
Gene Grant

Correspondents:
Gwyneth Doland, NMiF Correspondent
Sarah Gustavus, NMiF Producer

Studio Guests:
Neal Copperman, executive director of AMP Concerts and co-founder of ¡Globalquerque!
Juli Hendren, artistic director of Tricklock Company and the curator of
Revolutions International Theatre Festival
Adelle Lees, executive director of Global Ties ABQ
Daniel Chacón, reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican

Line Panelists:
Dan Foley, former New Mexico house minority whip
Tom Garrity, the Garrity Group PR
Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Christine Sierra, retired UNM political science professor

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New Mexico in Focus is involved, informed, in-depth media airing weekly on New Mexico PBS. The program debuts Friday nights at 7 p.m. on NMPBS 5.1 and appears online at www.newmexicoinfocus.org. The show rebroadcasts on NMPBS 5.1 Sundays at 7 a.m. and on NMPBS 9.1 on Saturdays at 5 p.m and Sundays at 3 p.m.

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