Dr. Fauci Talks COVID in Indian Country, Legislative Roundup and Sen. Martin Heinrich | 3.5.21

This week, New Mexico in Focus features the top medical aide to President Biden and noted infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks to Dr. Fauci about how, despite shouldering a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infections, Native tribes are leading the way in vaccination rates. Dr. Fauci explains what states can learn from tribal nations and talks about the timeline for vaccinating students, many of whom are not eligible for any of the currently approved vaccines. Sen. Martin Heinrich joins correspondent Laura Paskus to talk about the bill he introduced to create a 21st Century Conservation Corps Act. It’s modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corp of the 1930s and would put people to work on landscape restoration projects, urban and community forestry programs and more. The Line is all about the Legislature, as lawmaking enters its final weeks in Santa Fe. Momentum appears strong for a measure that would legalize recreational cannabis. The question is: Which measure? Meanwhile, consumer advocates say a plan to rein in short-term lending practices that’s not yet five years old just isn’t working. A new bill to further cap interest rates has passed the Senate, and The Line assesses its prospects. Finally, whatever happened to police reform? The opinion panel looks at the Civil Rights Act and its potential impact on criminal justice. Host: Gene Grant Line Panelists: Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter Edmund Perea, attorney and public safety expert Segments: Native Vaccination Success Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales Guest: Dr. Anthony Fauci, director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases A New Jobs Plan and a Familiar Model Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: Sen. Martin Heinrich