The Line Talks Virgin Galactic's Historic Launch, Unemployment Overpayments and More! | 5.28.21

This week on New Mexico in Focus, The Line opinion panel looks at recent outcomes for big ticket taxpayer items. This past weekend saw the long-awaited first successful suborbital flight by Virgin Galactic. Launched from New Mexico’s Spaceport America, the flight brings the promise of space tourism one step closer. It’s a more than $200 million gamble made by then-Gov. Bill Richardson years ago. Businesses have paid millions into the state’s unemployment insurance fund, which was completely depleted during the pandemic. Now, a legislative report says the state’s Workforce Solutions Department overpaid up to $250 million dollars in unemployment benefits. Even if it’s a much lower number floated by the administration – around $105 million – it’s a stunning amount. The Line debates the problem and the governor’s reaction.  The group also discusses a new report that suggests New Mexico is asking oil and gas producers for far too little when it comes to securing money needed to clean up abandoned wells and their infrastructure. Host: Gene Grant The Line Opinion Panel: Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group public relations  Serge Martinez, UNM School of Law professor  H. Diane Snyder, former state senator