Commentary: As 2017 draws near and the legislature convenes, we have an opportunity to build a strong more robust New Mexico. If we want a more competitive New Mexico with strong business and a capable workforce, we must begin by investing in children and education in a strategic and thoughtful way. Let’s do something unique and out of the box. Let’s invest in our people – and in the systems that develop our people.
Here are six ideas that will transform our state:
1. Early childhood education – for every child. The strength of our workforce begins at birth. In order to build a competitive work force, we need to provide all of our children with a strong foundation from the moment they are born to the moment they begin school. This means, we need to ensure that every child has access to quality early childhood education. Ninety (90) percent of a child’s brain grows from age zero to age five.
2. Increase teacher Salaries. Teachers are leaving the profession and students are not enrolling to become teachers. There is so much that must be done to encourage great teachers to remain in the field. Raising teacher salaries is vital to ensure we retain the best educators. Moreover, it is paramount that we look at what neighboring states pay their teachers so that New Mexico is competitive.
3. Dual Language in schools. New Mexico has yet to tap into its greatest resource: its people and language. Every school in New Mexico – especially elementary schools -- should ensure that every child becomes fluent in at least two languages. Fluency in multiple languages will only enhance our economic edge. Imagine the economic advantage New Mexico would have if all of our graduates were fluent in at least two languages.
4. Make all middle schools “Community Schools”. Statistics show that students that attend community schools are more likely to graduate from high school than those students who do not. A community school is basically a public school that is open to the community – and offers a variety of programs ranging from parenting classes to STEM programs.
5. Increase the minimum wage. Today’s minimum wage is not a livable wage. Every year the minimum wage loses purchasing power to inflation. Twenty five states have increased their minimum wage. Raising the minimum wage will help working families and boost the economy at the same time. The minimum wage should be increased – state wide – to at least $12 an hour.
6. Enhance the Lottery Scholarship. Currently, there is debate about ending the lottery scholarship which covers a portion of college tuition. The Scholarship program sets New Mexico apart from other states and provides students with an opportunity to attend college in New Mexico. Although the program can be improved, it is an important element to building New Mexico’s economy.
Frank Rene Lopez is the Executive Director of Ngage New Mexico