A debate is brewing about a proposed sick leave ordinance that may end up on the ballot in Albuquerque this November. This week, New Mexico in Focus correspondent Stan Wilson leads a debate about the ordinance.

The Healthy Workforce ABQ initiative would give voters the chance to weigh on whether businesses should be required to allow workers to accrue paid time off. Supporters gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot, but there are still some hurdles that must be overcome to determine whether the initiative will be included in the November election.  

New Mexico in Focus regularly airs Fridays at 7 p.m. and repeats Sundays t 7 a.m. on Channel 5.1 and Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on Channel 9.1, except during Pledge Drives.

Also this week, at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), some Native American students are learning about math, science and technology through a project that simulates NASA's Mars Rover program. NMiF gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the program.

Host Gene Grant and the Line Opinion Panelists discuss changes in the state’s Environment Department and in the oil and gas industry.  They also look at serious flaws in New Mexico’s probation system, and a “no-homework” trend in some elementary schools.

Guests
Jason Espinoza, NM Association of Commerce and Industry
Ivy Rizzo, co-owner of Fano Bread Company

Line Panelists
Dan Foley, former New Mexico house minority whip
Viki Harrison, Common Cause New Mexico
Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Mary T. Torres, attorney at Law Offices of Mary T. Torres

Correspondent
Stan Wilson

Host/Commentator
Gene Grant

New Mexico in Focus in New Mexico PBS’ one-hour public affairs show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest.

Funding for NMiF is provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund and the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

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