Los Alamos Reporter

Legislature: Joint Resolution To Transform State’s Early Childhood Education Passes Committee

HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS RELEASE

Provides dedicated and sustained funding for youth development in New Mexico

Today, a Joint Resolution representing a substantial step forward in New Mexico’s investments in its youngest and most vulnerable children passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. 

Sponsored by Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-Albuquerque), House Joint Resolution 1 will increase by 1% the contribution to quality early childhood education programs from New Mexico’s Permanent School Fund. The Permanent School Fund is the largest part of the NM Land Grant Permanent Fund, which is currently valued at nearly $22 billion. 

“This additional investment not only preserves the health of the fund, but also makes a transformative investment in New Mexico’s youngest children and our state’s future,” said Rep. Martínez. “These are the children who will one day be our legislators, business leaders, educators, and technology developers who are all needed to build a stronger New Mexico.” 

“HJR 1 sends to the voters a conservative and sensible proposal to use an additional 1% that the Permanent School Fund can easily handle,” said Rep. Maestas. “Now is the time to properly invest this money into early childhood education, and earmark it for our youngest and most vulnerable children, who need our help the most.” 

“Early childhood development is the critical foundation of lifelong learning and future opportunity,” said Rep. Thomson. “Our state ranks last in the nation for child well-being. Only when we invest in our youngest children will we see the changes we all want for New Mexico.” 

House Joint Resolution 1 passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee in a 6-4 vote, and will be heard next in the House Education Committee. As a constitutional amendment, the proposal would go to a public vote after passing the New Mexico House and Senate. 

Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website and access committee meetings and House floor sessions on the Webcasts tab. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.