8:16
For 109 years since the Legislature was founded, New Mexico has not had an African American State Senator. In 2021, that changed when Harold Pope Jr. of Albuquerque took his seat representing the 23rd District. KUNM caught up with the freshman Senator and Air Force veteran to ask about what motivated a life of service and where he sees New Mexico s future.
HAROLD POPE JR.: You know, when I graduated high school, I didn t have the motivation to go to college, I really didn t see myself going. I didn t see much as far as African American males. I didn t have that mentorship. And I didn t see people that looked like me who were successful in my community. I got pushed by uncles that were married into the family who were actually in the military in the army, they pushed me to go in the Air Force. I didn t want to go. But when I did, it was the best decision I ever made in my life. Because I saw people that look like me, I had good mentors pushing me to try things that I would not
27:39
The week started off with some legislative drama, both on the Senate Floor and in committee. We run down some of the big news, including a potential compromise on efforts to reform how the state handles the once a decade process of redistricting. NMPBS Executive Producer Kevin McDonald runs down some of the key highlights from Monday and previews some of the scheduled committee discussions for today. How is the session going for you this year? What do you think of how both chambers are handling public comment. We want to hear from you!
Your New Mexico Government is a collaboration between KUNM, New Mexico PBS and the Santa Fe Reporter. Funding for our coverage comes from the New Mexico Local News Fund, the Kellogg Foundation and KUNM listeners like you, with support for public media provided by the Thornburg Foundation.
27:39
Today, Your NM Government launches daily updates on the 2021 Legislative session, now in the home stretch. The week started off with some legislative drama, both on the Senate Floor and in committee. We run down some of the big news, including a potential compromise on efforts to reform how the state handles the once a decade process of redistricting. NMPBS Executive Producer Kevin McDonald runs down some of the key highlights from Monday and previews some of the scheduled committee discussions for today. How is the session going for you this year? What do you think of how both chambers are handling public comment. We want to hear from you!
11:10
Cannabis is the topic. As part of the continuing coverage from Your New Mexico Government it is time for an update on the legislative session at the Roundhouse. To discover more about the Cannabis legislation under debate at the state Capital, KUNM s Khalil Ekulona sat down with Juile Ann Grimm, editor for The Santa Fe Reporter.
KUNM: Welcome Julie Ann Grimm.
JULIE ANN GRIMM: Hello. Thanks so much for having me.
KUNM:
Yes. How you been?
GRIMM: We re doing great here at the Santa Fe reporter can t complain and full speed ahead.
KUNM: House Bill 12, which has advanced through the house Health Committee, and is on its way to the house Tax Committee. Tell me how close was the vote to get it out of the first committee.
Coronavirus has infiltrated the Roundhouse, where New Mexico’s legislators are in the early weeks of a 60-day session. Since mid-January when the session