The Line: Housing, Jobs, And The Economy
March 2, 2018 – Does New Mexico need more affordable housing? The new federal tax bill that was signed into law last year kills incentives that had lowered the tax rate for corporations to encourage them to invest in affordable housing projects. And even with affordable housing, a decent-paying job is still important. But New Mexico’s unemployment rate is at 6 percent – almost two points above the national rate of 4.1 percent. Gene Grant and the Line panelists look at some of the reasons why New Mexicans are struggling with food and housing in this economic climate.
Martha Burk, political psychologist, women’s issues expert, and radio commentator
Tom Garrity, president and CEO of The Garrity Group PR
Stephanie Maez, executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico
Stephen Spitz, host of New Mexico People Places and Ideas on KUNM
For further reading:
Tax overhaul puts pressure on affordable housing – by Steve Terrell, The Santa Fe New Mexican
Impact of proposed SNAP cuts would be huge in New Mexico – by Matthew Reichbach, NM Political Report