Just-in-Case Special Session; Shutdown Ends

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we recap a chaotic week in Santa Fe and Washington D.C. President Trump signed a bill that reopened the federal government Wednesday night, closing the 43-day chapter on the nation’s longest-ever shutdown. Host Nash Jones speaks with U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-NM, about the end of the shutdown and asks why she voted against the funding bill. 

Days before DC reopened, state lawmakers sprinted to the Roundhouse for a just-in-case special session to preserve access to SNAP benefits for New Mexicans. Nash Jones talks with elected and appointed officials about why the last-minute bills received bipartisan support. 

Last year, state officials launched a 50-Year Water Action Plan. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor sits down with State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson to explore how that plan aims to conserve water and develop new supplies. 

In October, the State Fairgrounds District Board voted unanimously to adopt a multimillion-dollar predevelopment plan. Nash Jones speaks with Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers and board member Dr. Peter Belletto about how those initial funds will be spent and what else is on the horizon for the long-neglected Southeast Albuquerque neighborhood. 

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Host: Nash Jones 

Segments: 
Stansbury on End of Government Shutdown 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guest: U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-NM 

Special Session Sets Aside Just-in-Case Funds for SNAP Recipients 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 

Water Conservation in New Mexico for the Next 50 Years 
Correspondent: Jeff Proctor 
Guest: Elizabeth Anderson, New Mexico State Engineer 

Early Plans to Redevelop State Fair Grounds 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guests: Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 6 
Dr. Peter Belletto, President, District 6 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations