Commentary: Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Education Committee passed House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1), a constitutional amendment that seeks to uplift New Mexico children by increasing funding for early childhood education. Sponsored by Representatives Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) and Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), HJR1 invests in our state’s most precious resource, our children, by increasing enrollment in early childhood education and providing a strong return on investment to New Mexicans.
“This year, we again have the opportunity to adequately address the root causes of the crime crisis and end the cycle of poverty in New Mexico by investing in our kids and our future. Investing in early childhood education makes dollars and sense,” said Representative Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque). “Early childhood education not only makes our state more attractive to businesses looking for a high-quality of life for their employees’ families, it will also provide every child the high-quality education our kids need to be successful.”
“Investing one percent off the top from our state’s $17.29 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood education is in our best economic interest,” said Representative Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque). “The return on investment both to our families and our communities, is well documented. To not invest in early education at this time in our state’s history, would be fiscally irresponsible and detrimental to our children and future generations.”
Currently, 95% of New Mexico children ages 3 and under don’t have access to critical services such as home visiting. Home visiting and other early childhood education services improve child wellbeing, readiness to learn, and other social outcomes. Children who have access to early childhood education services are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and have higher income earning potential. The Early Childhood Education constitutional amendment passed the House Education Committee and will be heard next in the House Judiciary Committee.