New Mexico is expected to lose an estimated $100 million in federal funding between 2000 and 2012, due to undercounting in the 2000 decennial census. This week, “New Mexico In Focus” examines the 2000 census undercount’s impact in New Mexico, especially on children in New Mexico, and what is being done to ensure a more accurate Census in 2010. “New Mexico In Focus” will air on KNME-TV, channel 5, on Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. and repeat on Sunday, June 29 at 6:30 a.m.
Co-Hosted by David Alire Garcia, Managing Editor with the New Mexico Independent, and Albuquerque Journal columnist Gene Grant, “New Mexico in Focus” takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic, health, education and arts issues and explores them in-depth, with a critical eye to give them context beyond the "news of the moment."
Alire Garcia will discuss the 2000 Census impact on New Mexico with Adélamar N. Alcántara, senior demographer with the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, and Laird Graeser with the Department of Finance and Administration.
Then, guest panelists Sophie Martin, blogger at Duke City Fix, and Heather Brewer, executive director for NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico will join co-host Gene Grant and regular panelists Jim Scarantino with the Weekly Alibi, and Scott Darnell, communications director for the Republican Party of New Mexico to debate the Census undercount, Barack Obama’s decision to break from public financing for his presidential campaign, the controversial early release of Elton John Richard and much more.
The producers of “New Mexico in Focus”are Kevin McDonald and Kathy Wimmer. Closed Captioning of “New Mexico in Focus” has been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs.