Lobbying During Pandemic, State of State Analysis, and Vaccine Progress | 1.29.21

This week on New Mexico in Focus… NMiF producer Matt Grubs interviews New Mexico In Depth reporter Bryan Metzger about his deep dive into the role of lobbyists in the state’s legislative process. With pandemic restrictions at the Roundhouse this year, lobbyists have found themselves on the outside of a process in which they’re often the ultimate insiders. Metzger recently looked at the role of lobbyists as experts in a citizen legislature. Gene Grant and The Line opinion analyze Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address. In a departure from pre-COVID tradition, the address was pre-recorded, then broadcast and streamed one week after the beginning of the legislative session. The Line panel looks at some of the key issues the Governor talked about – such as opening up schools February 8 – and also addresses some of her omissions. The panelists also look at progress on the COVID vaccine rollout, and some hiccups along the way. Lastly, The Line deals with the topic of New Mexico legislators who accepted pandemic aid for their small businesses.