Shows
The House of Strauss PodcastMarijuana and Paul GessingWhitewashing marijuana and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-181h 12
KCCC 930AM RadioRio Grande Foundation - Paul GessingSend us a textRio Grande Foundation President Paul Gessing talks about the latest Kids Count Data - it's not good for NM, the proposed HEAT Rule and a very important update on electric vehicle mandates. 2025-06-1739 min
The House of Strauss PodcastEric is back and Paul GessingEric is back and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-131h 11
ABQ ConnectPaul GessingPaul Gessing with the Rio Grande Foundation joins us today on ABQ Connect, to review recent posts from “errors of enchantment” and discuss relevant issues in our community.
https://riograndefoundation.org/
The post Paul Gessing appeared first on ABQ Connect.
2025-06-1249 min
The House of Strauss PodcastWork place injuries and Paul GessingWork place injuries and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-061h 12
Tipping Point New MexicoDoug Peterson - Update on Issues Facing Albuquerque and Commercial Real Estate SectorOn this week's interview Paul sits down with Doug Peterson. Doug is principal of Peterson Properties which is a real estate holding and management company based in Albuquerque. Doug and Paul discuss exploding property tax assessments imposed by Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara, the proposed Business Improvement District downtown, and broader issues in New Mexico's commercial real estate sector. You don't want to miss this timely conversation! 2025-06-0544 min
The House of Strauss PodcastLouis Sanchez and Paul GessingLouis Sanchez for mayor and Paul Gessing and a BBQ expert on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-301h 13Tipping Point New MexicoHouse Minority Leader, Representative Gail Armstrong - Legislative Session and ChallengesOn this week's interview Paul sits down with New Mexico House Minority Leader Rep. Gail Armstrong. They discuss her rural district and added responsibilities as minority leader. They address the recently-completed legislative session and its challenges. Mostly, Paul and Rep. Armstrong discuss education policy in New Mexico and a recent forum in Albuquerque at which Sen. Mimi Stewart and Armstrong engaged in a discussion over early childhood reading and Mississippi's educational successes. Check out this important conversation! 2025-05-2938 minTipping Point New MexicoUnspent Capital of $6 billion, NPR Reports on Texans Moving Where???, Corruption in NM and morePaul recently sat down with KOAT Channel 7 to discuss New Mexico's $6 billion in unspent capital outlay funds. He discusses why it is an issue and what he believes should be done about it. NPR: left leaning Texans are moving to New Mexico. New Mexico is corrupt, but lack of economic freedom is a primary cause, not the effect. New Mexico's "clean fuel standard" takes another step towards implementation. The US Senate has voted to overturn California's EV mandate (which is what NM is working under). The bill now heads to Trump's des...2025-05-2743 min
The House of Strauss PodcastCandles and Paul GessingScented candles and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-211h 12Tipping Point New MexicoPNM Sale, Biden's Cancer, Woke Okra and moreOn this week's show Paul and Wally begin by discussing breaking news with the potential sale of PNM. They also discuss former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis and the fact that this diagnosis was likely known for some time. Santa Fe Public Schools' budget is a massive $46,000 per student next year: RGF appeared in National Review recently. An okra farm received $25,000 from New Mexico taxpayers. Then things got even more interesting. With talks under way in Washington over Medicaid reform New Mexico politicians are "freaking out." Paul and Wally expl...2025-05-2051 min
The House of Strauss Podcastfires and Paul GessingDid the president accept a $400 million gift and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-141h 09Tipping Point New MexicoAlbuquerque Tax Increase Rejected, Las Cruces Update and morePaul was in Las Cruces recently. He gives a brief report about his efforts there and the latest things happening in the City. Paul and Wally also discuss the City's growth potential and economic challenges. Las Cruces is coming after natural gas heating and appliances. Paul recently talked to KOAT TV regarding Gov. MLG's contingency fund and questions about its use. Albuquerque City Council recently considered and rejected a gross receipts tax hike. Paul was in attendance. $3.3 million spent by city of ABQ to renovate apartment steps? As prices drop...2025-05-0742 minTipping Point New MexicoLatest on New Mexico's Electric Vehicle Situation with Carlos GarciaOn this week's Tipping Point NM interview Paul sits down with Carlos Garcia of Garcia Automotive for an update on New Mexico's electric vehicle situation. What's the latest with the mandate both at the federal and state levels? Did the Legislature do anything? When do 2026 vehicles (43% of which are supposed to be EV's show up on dealer lots?). What's next for EV mandates and car buyers in New Mexico? Also, Carlos and Paul discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs on the auto industry and Elon Musk's fall from grace (with his best customers). 2025-05-0146 min
The House of Strauss PodcastHospice and Paul GessingBrenda comes in to explain the hospice process and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-301h 11Tipping Point New MexicoDems Pick State Party Chair, EV Mandates, Heat Regulations and Renewable Energy NM Democrats pick teachers union official as new state party chairwoman. Paul and Wally discuss the TRUE purpose of NM's government education system. The 2025 legislative session concluded with no action taken on the Gov.'s EV mandates. latest on EV mandates in New Mexico. With the 43% mandate set to kick in soon, what are the latest EV numbers? Paul will be in Las Cruces for two presentations on May 1/2nd. Proposed New Mexico regulations on working in the heat could have a profound impact on some businesses. A recent event in Sant...2025-04-2937 minTipping Point New MexicoRep. Elaine Sena Cortez introduces herself and wraps up the 2025 legislative sessionOn this week's interview Paul talks to Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez a freshman Republican from Hobbs, NM. Cortez has a unique and compelling story that has led her to the New Mexico Legislature. Paul and Elaine discuss the recent session, some of the bills she sponsored, and her philosophy as a legislator. Sena Cortez is an energetic and exciting person to have in New Mexico's Legislature! 2025-04-2439 min
The House of Strauss PodcastPaul Gessing and more Blue OriginBlue Origin and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-231h 11Tipping Point New MexicoBlue Origin's Technology Superior to Virgin Galactic's, I-40 is Dangerous Embarrassment, APS Spends $35,384 per StudentWhatever you think of the recent Blue Origin flight, the fact is that Bezos' technology is far superior to Virgin Galactic's. Paul recently traveled to Gallup: I-40 is a dangerous embarrassment to NM. The Albuquerque Public Schools 2025-2026 budget is slated to spend an estimated $35,384 per student. As usual Trever of the Journal nails it with his latest cartoon. 9 candidates have declared for mayor. Paul and Wally discuss the latest details. A big tax hike is quietly moving through ABQ City Council. We can discuss this article which had a di...2025-04-2244 min
The House of Strauss PodcastFinancial advisor and Paul GessingJason Ayala (financial guru) and Paul Gessing (political guru) on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-161h 10Tipping Point New MexicoFire Bomb Suspect Arrested, Governor's Vetoes, Open Primaries and more The GOP HQ fire bomb suspect appears to have been captured. He looks JUST as you'd expect. MLG vetoed two bills in the waning hours of her signing period (we agree with her on both). MLG also ripped Democrat leadership in the Legislature saying of the tax bill “Even more troubling is the fact that what ultimately emerged lack both strategic coherence and fiscal responsibility,” the governor added. “There was no plan and no preparation for how to pay for the tax relief in this bill. She also vetoed a lowrider license plate bill and tortilla as t...2025-04-1547 min
The House of Strauss PodcastNational guard and Paul GessingNational guard called to prop up Keller and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-091h 11Tipping Point New MexicoGovernor Signs Bills, Tariff Situation Become Most Important Economic Issue Facing U.S., and Oil Prices DropMLG has until Friday to sign or veto bills that passed this session. She signed a few on Monday. Paul and Wally discuss some of the bills signed. Many of them were not relevant to RGF, but nonetheless will impact the State in important ways. Then, Paul and Wally have a lengthy discussion of the most important economic issue facing our nation, the tariff situation. What does it mean, what are the goals, and how might it turn out in the end for New Mexico and the United States? Crude oil prices have dropped significantly f...2025-04-0845 min
The House of Strauss PodcastTriggered callers and Paul GessingTriggered callers and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOB See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-021h 09Tipping Point New MexicoRealtor Tego Venturi - Housing Market Conditions and Will Bills Passed in Santa Fe Make it Better or WorseOn this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with Tego Venturi, a realtor in Albuquerque. He recently won realtor of the year from the National Association of Realtors. Tego and Paul discuss the local housing market and current conditions in the metro area and then move on to talk about housing legislation and whether the bills being passed (or considered in Santa Fe) would address the housing "crisis." Is the Legislature moving in the right direction or do they need to consider other approaches to addressing housing in New Mexico? Paul and Tego may not agree 100% but this i...2025-03-2740 minTipping Point New MexicoRecap of Legislative Session, Lobo Basketball, Las Cruces Shooting, What is GATO? and moreOn this week's Tipping Point NM conversation Paul and Wally discuss three timely events: The end of the 2025 60-day legislative session; The Lobos success and subsequent defeat The shooting in Las Cruces which (again) involved young people, even teenagers shooting and killing each other. Much of this episode is dedicated to going through the bills that passed both houses this session. Unfortunately, they are almost universally bad although ONE good bill not only passed both houses, but almost overcame an MLG veto. Finally, Paul had a chance to testify as a...2025-03-2542 minTipping Point New Mexico692 Matthew Mitchell - Economic Freedom in the Land of EnchantmentOn this week's interview Paul talks to Matthew Mitchell. Matt is Senior Fellow in the Centre for Human Freedom at the Canadian Fraser Institute (a free market think tank). But Matthew WAS with the Rio Grande Foundation many years ago. He is a native New Mexican living in Angel Fire. More importantly, he and Paul have co-authored a new report "Economic Freedom in the Land of Enchantment" which Paul considers the most important policy study the Foundation has ever undertaken. The report has loads of useful information but specifically finds that New Mexico is the ONLY state in the na...2025-03-2043 minTipping Point New MexicoThe Homestretch for the Legislature plus Economic Freedom Report for New MexicoWith less than a week left in the session, Paul and Wally discuss the latest from Santa Fe. Specifically, Paul and Wally discuss SB 176 and the fact that reforms like it to address NM's medical malpractice laws have been slowed thanks to the trial attorneys. In a huge win for businesses and taxpayers paid leave died over the weekend. HB 14, a mediocre bill goes bad. What's the latest on the Freedom Index? A new report by Rio Grande Foundation and the Fraser Institute finds that New Mexico is the only state in...2025-03-1854 min
The House of Strauss PodcastJay Block and Paul GessingJay Block and Paul Gessing in with Eric tonight on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-121h 11Tipping Point New MexicoUpdate from the Legislature, Alcohol Tax Tabled, Modification of EV Rules Rejected and more Paul and Wally discuss the latest on HB 11, formerly known as Paid Family & Medical Leave. A bill to raise alcohol taxes died in committee (HB 417). Are alcohol taxes dead for the session? Speaking of which, the tax bill is/could be the biggest bill yet to drop this session. It could STILL include this and other tax policies and be rammed through by session end. Democrats in the House Energy Committee rejected another opportunity to reform EV rules by overturning MLG's mandate. Bipartisan support for a Medicaid Trust Fund? What does it mean? ...2025-03-1142 minTipping Point New MexicoWhy tax reform is needed in New Mexico, The relative economic harm of different taxes, Why the Gross Receipts Tax is so Unique (Bad)This week's "interview" is a little different. This week Paul and Wally talk taxes. What is their purpose? Why are they such a priority right now for the Rio Grande Foundation? Which taxes do more or less economic harm? Why is the GRT such a "unique" issue here in New Mexico? Paul is doing a more thorough presentation on taxes in New Mexico at an event THIS Saturday. You can find out more here. 2025-03-0628 minTipping Point New Mexico687 Paid Leave Bill Advances, The Process in Santa Fe Stinks, Freedom Index and moreOn this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the latest on the newly renamed paid leave bill and other issues in the Legislature. How are things looking in terms of the Freedom Index? Paul recently wrote a blog post that was picked up by the Santa Fe New Mexican that the process in Santa Fe stinks. MLG plans a special session to deal with Trump cuts, but Medicaid is in dire need of reform. What does it all mean?: Paul will be discussing tax reform at an event this weekend w/ AFP...2025-03-0445 minTipping Point New MexicoLatest From Roundhouse, Free Speech Attack, Governor Candidates and morePaul and Wally share the latest from the Roundhouse. Paid Family Leave is revised and heading for the House floor. HB 417 a revised alcohol tax of 6% has passed through the House Tax Committee on partisan lines. Free speech is under attack in Santa Fe: https://errorsofenchantment.com/new-mexico-s-b-85-a-legally-dubious-speech-chilling-proposal/ In a bit of good news SB 4 (net zero) was tabled in the Senate Finance Committee. RGF's president had an article in National Review about the disaster that would be Deb Haaland as Gov. of New Mexico. Former Las Cruces Mayor may run for Gov. He says he's...2025-02-2549 minTipping Point New MexicoSarah Hetemi - State Director of Americans for ProsperityPaul recently sat down with Americans for Prosperity's new state director for New Mexico Sarah Hetemi.They discuss what AFP does and is doing here in New Mexico especially during the ongoing legislative session (and how you can help) as well as what their plans are nationally in terms of issues like the Trump tax cuts and education choice. Paul and Sarah then move on to discuss Sarah's personal journey from Norway to Alaska and now to New Mexico. AFP is one of the Rio Grande Foundation's most important partner organizations. You don't want to miss this co...2025-02-2037 min
The House of Strauss PodcastSen Tobiassen and Paul GessingSen Tobiassen and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-191h 11Tipping Point New MexicoA Discussion of DOGE with Philip K. HowardOn this week's interview Paul talks to return guest, author, and commentator Philip K. Howard about DOGE. For advocates of limited government DOGE is the most exciting effort to cut wasteful spending and bring functionality to the federal government that we have seen since at least the Grace Commission during the Reagan Administration. Howard and Gessing have a robust discussion of DOGE and numerous aspects of its mission and activities so far. They address whether Congress will go along with DOGE, whether there are more effective potential ways to streamline government, and whether this effort will ultimately succeed. More info...2025-02-1342 min
The House of Strauss PodcastDOGE and Paul GessingDOGE and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOB See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-121h 09
The House of Strauss PodcastPaul Gessing and DeportationsPaul Gessing and the Deportations on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-051h 11Tipping Point New MexicoBad Bills Moving at Legislature, Thoughts on State of the State Address, New Mexican's Median Pay Lowest in America and moreIt's been a week since the Legislature began. Paul has been to Santa Fe twice and discusses what is happening. SB4 (net zero) is one of the craziest bills that will be moving this week. MLG gave her State of the State address. We have some thoughts. The Santa Fe New Mexican did a fact check of the address. RGF is part of a coalition working to defeat Paid Family Leave. Find out more here. Paul had an opinion piece in several media outlets on alcohol taxes and why raising them is un...2025-01-2848 minTipping Point New Mexico676 Zach Fort - Threats to Gun Rights in the 2025 Legislative SessionOn this week's interview Paul sits down with Zach Fort. Fort, a return guest on Tipping Point NM, handles legislative affairs for the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association. They discuss threats to gun rights, crime and whether genuine efforts to fight it will come about it in the the 2025 legislative session as well as Gov. Lujan Grisham's status as the most anti-gun governor in the entire country. 2025-01-2341 min
The House of Strauss PodcastNMSSA and Paul GessingNMSSA and Paul Gessing on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-01-221h 08Tipping Point New MexicoTrump Inauguration, More Biden Pardons, LFC Budget a Dud for Taxpayers, Landman and moreDonald Trump was (again) inaugurated president of the United States on Monday. Paul and Wally discuss and address issues w/ Biden's presidency. Biden issued more pardons on his way out the door including for Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, and several family members. More pardons have been issued by Biden than any other president in American history. Biden even attempted to declare the Equal Rights Amendment the 28th amendment to the US Constitution. The LFC budget (like MLG's) is ALSO a dud for New Mexico taxpayers. Yes, New Mexico could/should eliminate NM's...2025-01-2142 minTipping Point New Mexico674 Jim Winchester - Independent Oil and Gas in the 2025 Legislative SessionOn this week's interview Paul talks to Jim Winchester. Jim is the Executive Director of the Independent Oil Producers of New Mexico (IPANM). IPANM is the voice of "small" oil in New Mexico. As small businesses their views tend to align with those of the Rio Grande Foundation. Thus, RGF works closely with Jim and his group on a variety of issues. Find out what is coming during the 2025 legislative session in this important interview. 2025-01-1636 minTipping Point New Mexico673 Las Cruces Business Closure, Free Speech Victory, Wallethub's Best States for Families and moreOn this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the closure of the Amador Entertainment District in Las Cruces and the owner's eye opening comments. RGF helped the national Free Speech Coalition win a big victory w/ Meta/Facebook. New Mexico ranks last in Wallethub's best states for families. Albuquerque City Council takes one step forward, one back. RGF was in the National Review recently. Paul has a few thoughts on California fires. With the presidential inauguration and New Mexico Legislative session coming early next week we are excited...2025-01-1443 minTipping Point New MexicoJohn Block - A Look at the Upcoming 2025 Session of the New Mexico LegislaturePaul talks with Representative John Block about the upcoming legislative session. They discuss issues that will likely be addressed and the Republican's ability to shape what passes and what does not pass.2025-01-0938 minTipping Point New Mexico670 Issues and Legislation Impacting New Mexico's Restaurant Industry - Carol WightOn this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down with regular guest Carol Wight Executive Director of the NM Restaurant Association. Paul and Carol begin by discussing issues with the City of Albuquerque over the City's incorrect (by admission) calculation of its minimum wage law. Carol explains why this is not "restaurant greed," but actually an issue of fairness between front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house workers. They discuss issues in the upcoming 2025 legislative session, most especially paid family leave. They address other issues in the upcoming legislative session as well including New Mexico's generally anti-business political climate. Check out t...2024-12-2743 minTipping Point New Mexico669 APS Takes One Tiny Step, Misdirection on Child Poverty, A Review of Top Events of 2024The APS school board takes one tiny (yet controversial) step towards reality. The challenge of embracing a population decline for the government education system. More MLG misdirection on child poverty. RGF continues to call out the Gov.'s lies. A bill on the verge of being signed by President Biden will accelerate Social Security's demise. Paul and Wally then review some of the top events of 2024 in terms of their impact on public policy both nationally and in the State of New Mexico. Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year! 2024-12-251h 03
KCCC 930AM RadioRio Grande Foundation - Paul GessingSend us a textWe speak with a regular guest, Paul Gessing. Paul is the President of the Rio Grande Foundation. A non-profit by partisan organization holding our elected officials in NM accountable. Today we talk: NM's massive budgetFormer UNM Coach MendenhallFuture RV Sales in NMetc. 2024-12-1936 minTipping Point New Mexico668 Carla Kugler - Construction in New Mexico On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down w/ Carla Kugler head of the NM chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. They discuss New Mexico's performance in the organization's Merit Shop Scorecard. They talk about New Mexico's massive $6 billion in unspent capital outlay dollars and the State's deteriorating roads. Finally, they discuss New Mexico's construction workforce and how the state can find and train new workers in the trades and what ABC is doing about it. You don't want to miss this important discussion! 2024-12-1935 minTipping Point New MexicoMLG State Budget Proposal, Not Addressing Medical Provider Shortage and moreMLG's budget is out and it offers taxpayers nothing. Paul and Wally do a bit of a deep dive into the budget process and why it is so confusing and lacking in transparency. Not all legislators want to address New Mexico's medical provider shortage. A $10B program to buy EVs for the U.S. Postal Service is far behind schedule, with defense contractor Oshkosh not disclosing significant manufacturing difficulties for more than a year. The USPS has received only 93 trucks - far fewer than the 3,000 expected by now. Cost is $167K per truck New...2024-12-1740 minTipping Point New MexicoDean Stansel - 2024 Economic Freedom in North America ReportOn the latest Tipping Point interview Paul talks to Dean Stansel, lead author of the 2024 Economic Freedom of North America report. What is economic freedom and why is it so important? Why does New Mexico lag in it and why is it getting worse? 2024-12-1246 minTipping Point New Mexico665 UNM Football, Free College Impacts in New Mexico, Potential Move for New Mexico State Fair and moreNew Mexico drops two spots to 47th in latest Economic Freedom of North America. UNM football loses head coach. Why does this have economic importance? "Free" college drives up attendance at New Mexico colleges and universities, but to what end? Bernalillo County is voting on Tuesday to potentially raise County Commissioner salaries under the recently-passed constitutional amendment. Is YOUR county voting to increase commissioner salaries soon? MLG wants to potentially move the New Mexico's State Fair. Paul and Wally take a closer look. . We took a look at Maxeson Solar's...2024-12-1044 minTipping Point New Mexico664 Think New Mexico's Policy Report on Medical Provider Shortage with Fred NathanOn this week's interview Paul talks to Fred Nathan of Think New Mexico. The organization has a new policy report about the State's ongoing medical provider shortage. Paul and Fred discuss the organization's findings, whether the Legislature will be open to them, and areas of agreement/disagreement they have. Fred and his organization hope to make this a top priority in the upcoming session. Check out this timely and important conversation! 2024-12-0540 minTipping Point New Mexico663 Biden Pardons Hunter, Maxeon Solar Scales Back New Mexico Plant, RVs to be Banned and moreJoe Biden pardons his son for ANY federal crime dating back to 2014. This is a major about face and further highlights Biden's family corruption. Maxeon Solar moves forward in NM with a dramatically scaled back plant. Will their subsidies be scaled back as well? Has MLG put New Mexico on a path to banning RV sales? A proposal to put MORE New Mexicans on Medicaid will be introduced this session. Also, a proposal to weaken New Mexico's anti-donation clause will be introduced this session. Finally, Paul has a brief conver...2024-12-0343 minTipping Point New MexicoTom Clifford - Taxes and Hidden Funds in New MexicoTom Clifford has an extensive background in taxation and fiscal matters for New Mexico. He was Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration in the Martinez Administration, Tax Policy Director at Taxation and Revenue Department, and Economist at Taxation and Revenue Department, Department of Finance and Administration, and the Legislative Finance Committee. Paul and Tom discuss the issues affecting taxation in New Mexico, discuss some strategies to improve the economy of the state through tax policy as well management of the large permanent funds that exist in New Mexico.2024-11-2841 minTipping Point New MexicoThe Jobs and Processes at Election Polling Locations with Carol GessingOn this week's interview Paul talks to Carol Gessing. Not only is Carol his mother, but Carol worked the two weeks of early voting this fall as well as over the summer during the primaries. They discuss the various jobs of election officials at polling places, the processes used to verify the accuracy of the elections and other issues involved in conducting New Mexico's elections. Carol lived in Ohio and has some comparisons with the way things work in that state as compared to NM. 2024-11-2131 minTipping Point New Mexico659 Trump Appointees and MLG's "Dream Job" plus New Work Requirements for Food Stamps and moreOn this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss President-elect Trump's cabinet choices and their special importance to New Mexico. Interior, Energy, HHS, and "border czar" are among the most impactful. How will they impact our State? Speaking of RFK, Paul's tweet about RFK taking MLG's "dream job" recently went viral. Paul was in Lake Tahoe last week with Grover Norquist and members of the center-right coalition. What was he there for and what did he learn? Newly imposed food stamp work requirements took effect in a few counties around New Mexico rec...2024-11-1948 minTipping Point New MexicoDaniel Turner - Energy Issues under TrumpOn this week's interview Paul sits down with Daniel Turner the Founder and Executive Director of Power the Future, a pro-energy activism organization that works nationally and in New Mexico. Paul and Daniel discuss the role energy issues played in the 2024 election and why New Mexico failed to embrace pro-energy, reform-minded candidates. Also they discuss what Trump will do on energy issues in the near future and over his four years in office as well as where things are headed in New Mexico. Don't miss this thoughtful, forward-looking conversation! 2024-11-1441 minTipping Point New MexicoElection Results and the Looming Issues Ahead for New Mexico and the United StatesOn this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the election results. Specifically each of them made predictions about the election and potential outcomes. How did they do? Ultimately this conversation wraps up the election outcomes and looks forward to some big issues and races looming in the months and years ahead for the United States and New Mexico alike. 2024-11-1245 minTipping Point New MexicoJared Walczak of the Tax Foundation - What Can be Done to Improve New Mexico's Tax CompetitivenessOn this week's interview Paul talks to Jared Walczak of the Tax Foundation. The Tax Foundation is a prominent center/right taxpayer research organization based in Washington, DC. They often testify in New Mexico's Legislature on issues relating to taxation. They also have a new State Tax Competitiveness Index. New Mexico ranks 31st which isn't at the bottom, but isn't great either. Paul and Jared discuss the Index, its findings and implications for tax policy, which states perform well and poorly and why, and what New Mexico policymakers should do to make New Mexico more competitive with other states. 2024-11-0745 minTipping Point New MexicoABQ Journal's Call for Fundamental Change, Trump Rally, Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee Not Pleased, Santa Fe Schools Enrollment Down 25%Election Day is here. Paul and Wally discuss what's at stake in the election. They also discuss Donald Trump's Albuquerque rally. A recent ABQ Journal editorial calls for fundamental change on crime. Paul concurs but wishes they'd also discussed the economy and education. Defenders of the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission believe THEY have the answers when it comes to judicial retention. Santa Fe schools see a 25% decrease in student population. Rebecca Dow with the Foundation's OAK project attended a recent ABQ Chamber event on education and offers her own thoughts. Legislature’s craziest idea ye2024-11-0552 minTipping Point New MexicoRedistricting, Demographics, and Election Security with Rod AdairOn this week's interview Paul interviews former New Mexico Senator, demographer, and election official, Rod Adair. They discuss the role of demography in redistricting, the redistricting process itself, and whether New Mexico's Congressional and legislative districts are "fair." Then Paul and Rod moved on to discussing the 2024 election including the Secretary of State's recent mailing that generated controversy, how to better secure New Mexico elections, and whether the election results themselves will be "fair." With Election Day looming you don't want to miss this important conversation! 2024-10-3143 minTipping Point New MexicoTrump Coming to New Mexico, ABQ Journal Calls for Change, Election Predictions and moreTrump is coming to New Mexico. What are the details and what does it mean for the election and New Mexico? Paul voted this week. No lines but it was busy. We're in the 2nd week of early voting. You can vote through Saturday. The ABQ Journal comes out hard for change in NewMexico. This is welcome, but Paul wishes they'd say the same thing about the economy and education. Mandating setbacks for oil and gas development would costNew Mexico big $$$ according to a new report by the Legislative Finance Committee. The Nati...2024-10-2946 min
KCCC 930AM RadioPaul Gessing - Rio Grande FoundationSend us a textWe speak with Rio Grande Foundation President Paul Gessing on the Tuesday before election day.We talk: General Obliation BondsConstitutional AmendmentsLegislative Tweetand much more. 2024-10-2935 minTipping Point New MexicoGermaine Chappelle - Update on Impacts of Energy Transition Act in Four Corners RegionOn this week's interview Paul talks to Attorney Germaine Chappelle about the Energy Transition Act and some of its real-world impacts in the Four Corners area (current and prospective). Specifically, Chappelle is working on behalf of the Central Consolidated School District (a heavily Navajo district) to make good on the law's requirements that certain power generation be located within the District's boundaries for purposes of helping the District's property tax revenues which saw a 60% reduction due to the closure of San Juan Generating Station. 2024-10-2437 minTipping Point New MexicoErik Billinger of ACE Scholarships ACE's mission is to advance K-12 educational freedom, with a focus on securing financial support for families so they may access the quality education of their choice. Erik and Paul have a wide ranging conversation on helping families access high quality education including the exciting economic achievement data from ACE's scholarship recipients.2024-10-1738 minTipping Point New MexicoTrent England defends the Electoral CollegeOn this week's interview Paul talks to Trent England of SaveourStates.org. Trent and his organization work to preserve the American Electoral College as a means of electing presidents. He is full of information and historical details highlighting why Americans regardless of political party should support retaining the Electoral College. Paul and Trent also discuss the issue of ranked choice voting and why that is problematic. 2024-10-1039 minTipping Point New MexicoNew Mexico's Crisis of Progressive Governance, the passing of Scott Appleman and John Arthur Smith and moreOn this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the excitement of Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta and the passing of Scott Appleman and John Arthur Smith. Paul recap the Electoral College events with Trent England and highligths the next RGF event. A new study highlights America's Great Transfermation. New Mexico's crisis of progressive governance. Gender ideology to hit UNM volleyball. As early voting gets started at the Clerk's office on October 8. Here are some of the items on your ballots this fall.2024-10-0844 minTipping Point New Mexico646 Peter Rice - Downtown Albuquerque News - Proposals for Improvement of Downtown AlbuquerqueOn this week's interview Paul sits down with Peter Rice. Peter is the owner and lead reporter of Downtown Albuquerque News, an online news outlet that covers downtown Albuquerque. Paul and Peter discuss the importance of downtowns in general, what constitutes downtown, some of the issues facing Albuquerque's downtown and urban cores across the country, and whether some recent proposals by Mayor Tim Keller can improve downtown. Check out this timely and important conversation!2024-10-0345 minTipping Point New MexicoWhat People are Saying about New Mexico's Lack of Economic Freedom, New Mexicans Not Happy with The Economy and moreLast week Paul was in Dallas for a conference talking about New Mexico's lack of economic freedom with other leaders on the issue. What are people saying about New Mexico's lack of economic freedom? Paul led Liberty on the Rocks in Santa Fe on Monday and then was in Farmington, NM for a Rotary presentation on New Mexico's economy. Paul's new opinion piece on the Electoral College was run in the Santa Fe New Mexican. RGF's education project OAK New Mexico recently surveyed candidates for the Legislature on various education issues. You can find...2024-09-2648 minTipping Point New MexicoConference Changes Leave Lobo Sports in Precarious Position and Housing Marketing Update - Mackenzie Bishop of UNM Lobo Club and Abrazo HomesPaul and Mackenzie discuss the position that the UNM Lobo athletics find themselves as five teams leave the Mountain West for the Pac-12 conference. They also discuss the issues facing all UNM sports but particularly the UNM football program. The conversation then turns to the status of the New Mexico housing market and the factors and issues affecting supply and demand.2024-09-2443 minTipping Point New Mexico641 Second Trump Assasination Attempt, New Mexico Polling Data, Marianna Padilla NEW PED Secretary, Keller's Plans for Downtown ABQ and moreTrump was targeted in a second assassination attempt over the weekend. Paul and Wally discuss the details as they understand them. Brian Sanderoff polling data released shows Harris/Heinrich leading in New Mexico. MLG names close ally Marianna Padilla PED secretary., Paul and Doug Peterson discuss Mayor Keller's plans for downtown in ABQ Journal. The housing market is "broken" thanks to government policy. Now the government is supposedly trying to "fix" the problem. Will it work? When economics and sports meet. The Lobos' Mountain West Conference lost four members. Will U...2024-09-1748 minTipping Point New Mexico640 David Osborne - The Battle for Worker Freedom: Grading State Public Sector Labor LawsOn this week's interview Paul talks to David Osborne of the Pennsylvania-based Commonwealth Foundation. Osborne is Senior Fellow of Labor Policy and helped author the recent report "The Battle for Worker Freedom: Grading the 50-states public sector labor laws." Unsurprisingly New Mexico does not fare very well in the report with a "D-" ranking overall. Paul and David discuss the report, their views on public sector unions, and some history relating to public employee unions and recent policy developments. Check out this important conversation!2024-09-1243 minTipping Point New MexicoNMSU President Search, Rob Black to be Economic Development Secretary, Maxeon Stock hits 9 Cents per Share, A Judge's Awful Record and moreOn this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss a bizarre article in Sunday's Albuquerque Journal by MLG's Secretary of Higher Education about NMSU president search. Rob Black to become MLG's economic development secretary. Is this a good sign on the Gov.'s economic policies? MLG and Democrats celebrate ground breaking of taxpayer funded abortion clinic in Las Cruces. Maxeon stock prices hits 9 cents per share (and moves even lower) Judge Cindy Leos' awful track record. A chart we found online indicates that New Mexico is actually THE poorest state in the U...2024-09-1046 minTipping Point New MexicoLetter Grades for Presidential Candidates Trump and Harris Relating to Economics, Education and the Rule of LawRather than an interview this week Paul and Wally take a detailed look at the stances of presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Using 10 metrics relating to economics, education, and the rule of law, Paul and Wally give letter grades to Harris and Trump. How do the candidates stack up on issues of concern to the Rio Grande Foundation? 2024-09-0546 minTipping Point New MexicoAnother Education Secretary Departs, Albuquerque Public Schools State of the District Address, Cost of Dona Ana County EV Charging Stations and more MLG's latest education secretary departs. Paul and Wally discuss the depressing reality of education policy under MLG. I attended the APS state of the district address. Here's what I saw. Kamala Harris no longer claims to support EV mandates. Is she just lying about her policies at this point? RGF tracked down the cost of Dona Ana County's new EV charging stations. RGF is hosting two upcoming events (one in Albuquerque and one in Clovis) on the electoral college/voting. It was a deadly August in Albuquerque. Paul...2024-09-0346 min
KCCC 930AM RadioPaul Gessing - Rio Grande Foundation September 2024Send us a textWe interview Paul Gessing with the Rio Grande Foundation and he has some interesting things to say about our state and the proposed plastic ban ordinance by Carlsbad City Council. 2024-09-0324 minTipping Point New Mexico636 Impact and Status of Regulatory Burden in the States with Dr. Patrick A. McLaughlinOn this week's interview Paul interviews Dr. Patrick A. McLaughlin of the free market Mercatus Center. They discuss his new "Snapshots of State Regulation 2024" report which attempts to analyze the regulatory burdens in each state. New Mexico ranks 19th overall. We discuss the methodology of the report and why certain states have allowed regulations to build up. We also discuss how states can act to reduce overall regulatory burdens and their economic harms.2024-08-2938 minTipping Point New MexicoImpact of New Mexico's "Clean Fuel Standard" with Isaac OrrPaul talks with Isaac Orr about the RGF study that finds New Mexico’s “clean fuel standard” will dramatically raise fuel prices. Isaac Orr is a founder and Vice President of Research at Always On Energy Research, where he conducts energy modeling and writes about energy and environmental issues, electricity policy, and natural resource development. 2024-08-2236 minTipping Point New MexicoMayor Keller's Big Plans for Downtown Albuquerque, Baby Bonds, Would Harris Impose Fracking Ban and Price Controls? and morePaul is in Arizona. What’s going on? Mayor Keller has big plans to turn downtown Albuquerque around. There are worse ideas than the Baby bond idea being discussed for next year’s legislative session. Paul was in National Review recently with a piece outlining the potential harm Kamala Harris would do to NM’s economy. EBON says they’ll begin construction on the new solar plant at Mesa del Sol in Q4. Lots still not determined including IRB’s. Did Kamala really propose price controls? What would be the impact if...2024-08-2045 minTipping Point New MexicoSchool Issues and Education Reform with Rebecca Dow of the Opportunity for All Kids (OAK) ProjectOn this week's interview Paul talks to Rebecca Dow about "back to school" issues and education reform. Rebecca heads up the Opportunity for All Kids (OAK) education reform project for Rio Grande Foundation. They discuss everything from New Mexico's worsening education outcomes (and possible solutions), a lack of functioning air conditioning in schools, 4 vs 5 day school weeks, and more. Don't miss it! 2024-08-1539 minTipping Point New MexicoDemocratic VP Named, New Mexico Gas Company to Be Sold, EVs Stalling, Governor to India and more On this week's Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally discuss the announcement that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be Kamala Harris' VP candidate. They discuss his record and pertinent statements. In the morning paper there was an announcement by the owners of New Mexico Gas that they would be selling the company (pending PRC approval). New Mexico's EV "transition" is stalling out. UNM's college of population health requires a DEI pledge. Gov. Lujan Grisham took out ads funded by New Mexico taxpayers touting the State as a destination for pro-abortion medic...2024-08-0650 minTipping Point New MexicoJanice Arnold-Jones - Security and Integrity of New Mexico ElectionsOn this week's interview Paul interviews former New Mexico House member Janice Arnold-Jones. They discuss New Mexico's elections and their security. How is New Mexico and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver doing when it comes to accurate results this fall? Paul and Janice also discuss the SAVE Act passed by the US House which would (if adopted in the Senate) impose citizenship requirements on voters across the nation. New Mexico's House delegation all voted against the bill. 2024-08-0136 minTipping Point New MexicoNew Mexico's Economic Strategic Plan, Crime Problem and moreOn the latest Tipping Point conversation Paul and Wally look at New Mexico's "economic strategic plan" and encourage listeners to take a moment to comment on it. Biden lays out plans to impose 18 year term limits on the US Supreme Court. We have thoughts. A new study claims climate change has stopped Sun Belt migration. Is that the case? What drives the migration in the first place? Why is New Mexico missing out? Agree or disagree with MLG's crime goals, solving New Mexico's crime problem is more complicated than new laws. Ford e...2024-07-3039 minTipping Point New MexicoSteve Jones - Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, New Mexico District 1On this week's interview Paul talks to Steve Jones, the GOP candidate to run against uber-left-wing Democrat Melanie Stansbury in Congressional District 1. Jones had been living in Ruidoso before the latest fires so Paul and Steve discuss that, but they quickly get into the myriad issues facing CD 1 and his solutions to them. They also discuss Stansbury's radical record and Jones' eclectic personal background. If you live in New Mexico's first congressional district or care what happens there, don't miss this episode! 2024-07-2539 minTipping Point New MexicoBiden Drops Out and Questions Remain, NM Special Session is a Dud, Money is Not the Problem with NM Education System and moreBiden drops out, we have questions (lots of them). NM's special session was a dud. On the bright side the ABQ Journal's John Trever had a great cartoon about it. The Salt Fire and several smaller fires around Ruidoso earlier this summer were arson. According to a Learner.com report that includes higher education, NM spends more than all but 3 other states on education. Paul argues that we should make firing government workers common again. Paul's opinion piece discusses his recent opinion piece on the Kids Count results and why we...2024-07-2344 minTipping Point New MexicoUpdate on New Mexico's Restaurant Industry - Carol WightOn this week's conversation Paul talks to Carol Wight of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Paul and Carol discuss President Trump's plan to exempt tips from income taxes. They also discuss the culture of tipping at restaurants and other businesses. They discuss the economics of the industry these days and how inflation is impacting restaurants. Carol and Paul then turn to the search for talent and how the Industry has worked to hold onto staff at a time when fewer Americans are willing to work. Finally, Paul and Carol discuss the special session/crime/and wa...2024-07-1846 minTipping Point New MexicoPresidential Politics and New Mexico, SAVE Act, Progressives Not Happy with Special Session, PNM Rate Hike and morePaul went out of town for one of the momentous two week periods in American history. The debate was a disaster for Biden. An assasination attempt against Trump. JD Vance was named his VP pick, Biden appears to be staying in the presidential race. Also, the Secret Service received a massive black eye due to their incompetence (which will be analyzed further in the weeks ahead). Where does all this leave us here in New Mexico? The Congressional SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats including Gabe Vasquez and NM's other Democrats voted no. The...2024-07-1644 minKCCC 930AM RadioPaul Gessing - Rio Grande FoundationSend us a textInterview with Paul Gessing with the Rio Grande Foundation in New Mexico. He keeps us updated on state politics. It's a nasty business and here at KCCC 930AM we don't like it very much, but it is important. That's why we turn to the Rio Grande Foundation to keep us information. 2024-07-1631 min