Errors of Enchantment

Why does New Mexico, rich in resources and culture, remain poor in economic freedom? That’s the question I explore in this week’s Let People Prosper Show with Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation. Paul brings nearly two decades of insight into New Mexico’s political and economic trends, offering a sobering look at why the state is falling behind and what must change to turn it around.

What You Need to Know: New Mexico’s Climate Action Plan I recently attended the “Industry: Climate Action Plan Sector-based Community Conversation” on May 15th, so that you don’t have to. We discussed the goals in the Oil and Gas sector for the Climate Action Plan. The presenters reiterated that the overarching goal is a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 2005. The goal is then to be net zero by 2050.

Join us for an insightful luncheon as we delve into the findings of the Fraser Institute’s recent report, “Economic Freedom in the Land of Enchantment.” This comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with the Rio Grande Foundation, reveals that New Mexico stands alone as the only U.S. state to have experienced a decline in economic freedom since 1981.

On 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?

The following appeared at the Santa Fe New Mexican on March 10, 2025. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, is again declaring war against free speech and privacy. Senate Bill 85, which recently passed the Senate, doubles down on a 2019 law that is already being challenged in federal court for violating the First Amendment. The bill would enable the political establishment to seize even greater control of the agenda in Santa Fe by silencing many nonprofit organizations.

Despite consistent increases in spending, New Mexico continues to rank at the bottom in education.. NM is around 33rd in per student spending nationally — surpassing all our neighboring states — but the results remain unchanged. New Mexico’s government continues to push a broken system. Hoping that more money and more time will finally do the trick.

Trump 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 New Mexico. This is welcome, but Paul wishes they’d say the same thing about the economy and education.

On 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.

The Rio Grande Foundation recently hosted Corey DeAngelis for a series of events in New Mexico. DeAngelis is one of the most prominent voices for private school choice in the nation, and at events located in Albuquerque and Alamogordo, he discussed the shortcomings of government-operated educational systems and the strategic methods of the left used to gain control of America’s schools.

June 21st marked the first Advisory Committee Meeting discussing the regulations that will accompany the implementation of House Bill 41, a Clean Transportation Fuel Act passed by legislation on March 5th, 2024. The bill makes New Mexico the fourth state to pass a Clean Fuel Act after California, Oregon, and Washington, and calls for the Environmental Department to create a program that achieves significant carbon emissions reduction in New Mexico.