Commentary: American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly released the following statement:
“Governor Martinez’s need to call for a Special Legislative Session is a direct result of her misplaced priorities and lack of meaningful job creation during her tenure as Governor of New Mexico. Time, and time again, she has ignored the real needs of New Mexico in favor of preserving what’s left of her political career, and her continued hubris is only adding to our crisis.
“It is unconscionable that instead of calling for modest revenue enhancements to save our State, Governor Martinez is calling for cuts across the board to an already beleaguered budget. Cuts to our early education centers, cuts to our schools, cuts to higher education, cuts to hard-earned retirement and health care benefits, and cuts to CYFD programs meant to keep our kids safe. No one is spared from her arrogance.
“Moreover, Governor Martinez’s addition of a trio of crime bills to the agenda is insulting and distracting. Lawmakers should be tasked with fixing our budgetary gaps, not co-opted by scoring cheap political points on recent tragedies. These bills are a reactionary approach – as usual – from our Governor, and instead we should focus on preventing crime in meaningful ways instead of just punishments that leave open our State’s wounds – emotionally, financially, or otherwise.
“Shame on this Governor who would rather bleed our educational system dry than admit it is time to find new sources of income for our State. Susana Martinez pretends to be tough on crime, but the only crime here is her callous actions towards the students, schools, and citizens of New Mexico, all while trying to distract voters for her own gain.”