Lobbyist Influence in the Legislature, Fossil Fuel Oversight & Compensating Elected Officials

New Mexico in Focus Senior Producer Lou DiVizio runs through some of the major stories from around the state, including a decision from the New Mexico Supreme Court that temporarily blocks a handful of local anti-abortion ordinances. Gene Grant and the Line Opinion Panel explore the influence of lobbying in the state legislature. Gene asks if special interests have too much power in the Roundhouse and if two failed disclosure bills would have increased transparency. Then, the Panel discusses the relationship between our state government and the oil and gas industry as the EPA fines two producers for continued violations of the clean air act. Finally, as a citizens’ commission votes on a proposal to increase pay for Albuquerque’s city councilors and mayor. Gene and the Panel debate the merits of increasing salaries for elected officials at various levels of government.  Host: Lou DiVizio Line Host: Gene Grant    The Line Opinion Panelists:  Dede Feldman, fmr. NM State Senator  Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations  Andy Lyman, reporter, Santa Fe Reporter  For More Information: Lawmakers Water Down Alcohol Proposals Amid Public Health Crisis – New Mexico in Depth  Independent Journalist Ted Alcorn Explains NM Alcohol Tax Saga – New Mexico in Focus  Steak dinners and ski passes: As lobbyists spend to influence New Mexico Legislature, 2 lawmakers seek more transparency – Albuquerque Journal  Professional lobbyist gives an inside look into New Mexico politics – KRQE  NM legislators fail to pass ethical conduct bill as lobbyists fear unsafe working conditions – Source NM  Watered-down alcohol proposals – a win for lobbyists? – New Mexico In Depth  Despite Rules, New Mexico Oil and Gas Producers Keep Polluting – Capital and Main  Failed climate bills disappoint conservationists – Santa Fe New Mexican  Can New Mexico hold oil and gas accountable? Some fear State budget lacking – Carlsbad Current Argus  'Legend' David Abbey to retire after decades as LFC director – Santa Fe New Mexican  Albuquerque City Councilors Make $33,660 A Year. That Could Soon Change – Albuquerque Journal  Commission In Charge of Salaries – City of Albuquerque  Citizens' Independent Salary Commission Meeting Agenda for March 29, 2023 – City of Albuquerque  Annual Report from Judicial Compensation Commission – New Mexico State Courts