Marking the Halfway Point of the 2023 Legislative Session

New Mexico in Focus Senior Producer Lou DiVizio opens the show with an update on the criminal charges filed in the shooting death of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. He also updates NMSU's support of AD Mario Moccia after the school canceled its men's basketball season over hazing allegations.  NMiF Host Gene Grant speaks one-on-one with Albuquerque Journal Capitol Reporter Dan McKay about the 2023 legislative session to this point, including what's different this year after the pandemic.  NMiF Political Correspondent Gwyneth Doland catches up with St. Rep. Reena Szczepanski to talk about a bill she's sponsoring that would create a new state agency to support creative industries in New Mexico.  Then, Gene and the Line Opinion Panel take a deep dive into several notable pieces of legislation moving through the Roundhouse. First, the Panel talks through a bipartisan tax plan that would once again cut the state’s gross receipt tax. Gene and our panelists also discuss a bill that would increase alcohol taxes by 25 cents per drink, while dedicating more funding to alcohol abuse treatment. And finally, the Line debates a proposal that would mandate 12 weeks of paid family leave for all workers in the state. Host: Lou DiVizio Line Host: Gene Grant Political Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland Guests: Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal Capitol Reporter & St. Rep. Reena Szczepanski, (D) NM District 47 Line Opinion Panelists:  Dan Foley, Fmr. NM Representative Dede Feldman, Fmr. NM State Senator Kristelle Siarza, Owner & CEO, Siarza