Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education is key to a brighter future for Las Cruces — our children, families and economy. That’s why I supported the creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department — a dedicated agency that builds the capacity of parents as first teachers, improves pay and continuing education for childcare providers, and delivers free Pre-Kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds. I strongly believe in investing in our childrens’ critical years of early learning. Please join me in voting Yes on Constitutional Amendment #1 on the ballot this November. When passed, Constitutional Amendment #1 will allocate roughly $150 million from the state’s Permanent School Fund every year to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department for early childhood education and about $100 million to the Public Education Department to improve educational outcomes for at-risk students. The fund is currently valued at $26 billion! Together we can continue making New Mexico a better place to be a kid.
On the Importance of Continuing Education
Making higher education work for tomorrow’s workforce is the smart way to grow the future. I have supported efforts to establish dual credit availability to enable high school students to attend and receive credits from local community colleges. As well as proudly supported tuition-free college for many first-time and returning higher education seekers for the 2022-2023 academic year.
On Teacher Support, Recruitment and Retention
I believe that raising teacher and school support staff pay to reflect their professionalism is extremely important to recruitment and retention. Plus it serves as a tangible reflection of the value they provide to our children, families, community and future. I am deeply committed to ensuring that these professionals have the tools and time it takes to prepare and collaborate for the success of all students. As your State Representative, I have supported historic pay raises for educators that have helped make us one of the most attractive States in the region for educators. I’m also proud to prioritize teaching over testing, and to have invested over $1 billion in New Mexico’s schools – because every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their zip code.
