2022 Legislative Session Preview and Our Land: Faith in a Time of Climate Change | 1.14.22

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Political correspondent Gwyneth Doland previews the upcoming legislative session with Senate President Pro Tem, Mimi Stewart. Senator Stewart lays out the Democratic agenda and gives background on some of the key issues scheduled to come up starting January 18th. Host Gene Grant also catches up with former State Rep. Alonzo Baldonado after his recent resignation. Baldonado shares his thought process behind stepping down from the legislature, and looks back at his proudest accomplishments, and the issues he wishes he could have done more on. Baldonado also shares his perspective ahead of the return to regular session, explaining the priorities he thinks lawmakers should be focused on starting January 18th.

The Line Opinion Panel analyzes budget proposals from both the Governor and the Legislative Finance Committee ahead of the start of regular session. Panelists break down the spending priorities of each plan, while giving their perspective on the potential effectiveness of the proposed investments.

New Mexicans already face the impacts of climate change, including uncertain water supplies for irrigation, dry riverbeds, forest dieoffs, and wildfires. When it comes to climate change and climate action, what lessons do communities of faith hold for people both religious and secular? How do people grieve the loss of species and ecosystems? And how has white supremacy shaped both the climate—and Christian theology? On this month’s Our Land, correspondent Laura Paskus and Larry Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary, dive into all these topics.

Correspondent:

Gwyneth Doland

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Mimi Stewart (D), NM Senate President Pro Tem

Larry Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary

Line Opinion Panelists:

Michael Bird, former President, American Public Health Association

Tom Garrity, Garrity Public Relations Group

Martha Burk, Political Psychologist and Author

For More Information:

Legislature ‘Awash in Money’ as it Convenes Jan. 18 for 2022 Regular Session – Las Cruces Bulletin

Upcoming Legislative Session Could See Bills on Child Care, Economic Recovery and Tax Reform - KRQE

St. Sen. Mimi Stewart Bio – NM Legislature

State Spending Could Soar Under Dueling Budget Plans – Albuquerque Journal

State Rep. Alonzo Baldonado Resigns - KRQE

State Rep. Alonzo Baldonado Stepping Down From House – Albuquerque Journal

Earth Honoring Faith Book

Religion and Views on Climate and Energy Issues – Pew Research Institute

Faith groups increasingly join fight against climate change – ABC News

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