Special Session Relief Payments, Plastic Bag Impacts and Cannabis Sales Open Strong | 4.8.22

Our Line Opinion Panelists react to the legislature’s decision to send $500 to all New Mexico taxpayers. Is this an efficient way to ease the burden of rising costs? Plus, what role did the upcoming election play in the decision-making process for lawmakers? New Mexico State University Professor Emeritus Dr. James Peach joins the program to discuss the effectiveness of the $500 payments on the way for people living in New Mexico. Dr. Peach also shares his thoughts on preventing future inflation spikes. Environment Correspondent Laura Paskus talks with Kali Bronson, Bernalillo County Stormwater Program Compliance Manager, about plastic bags and where they end up in Albuquerque. Just last night, the Albuquerque City Council voted to override Mayor Tim Keller's veto of a repeal to a plastic bag ban. Our Line Opinion Panelists assess the success of New Mexico’s first week of legal recreational cannabis sales. They discuss where the millions of dollars in estimated tax revenue will go at the end of the year, and some of the concerns from smaller "micro-producers" that are struggling to compete with larger operations. Correspondents: Gene Grant Laura Paskus  Guest: Dr. James Peach, economics professor, NMSU Kali Bronson, stormwater program compliance manager, Bernalillo County  Line Opinion Panelists: Serge Martinez, professor, UNM Law School Sophie Martin, attorney Justine Fox-Young, former state representative For More Information: New Mexico Lawmakers Approve Economic Relief to Ease Burden of Rising Costs – Santa Fe New Mexican $50M Appropriations Bill, Revised After Governor’s Veto, Includes Transparency Provision – Santa Few New Mexican NM Legislature Approves Payments to Offset Inflation – Associated Press New Mexico Launches Cannabis Sales Within Texans’ Reach – Associated Press Medical Cannabis Program Still Boasts Incentives, Providers Say– Albuquerque Journal NM Officials Look to Curb Risk of Stoned Drivers – Albuquerque Journal