Commentary: Following the bipartisan passage of the Floor Substitute for Senate Bill 95 and Senate Bill 131, National Education Association of New Mexico’s Executive Director Charles Bowyer issues the following response:
“The vote on the Floor Substitute for Senate Bill 95 and Senate Bill 131 was a vote that has a direct impact on the future of New Mexico students. Our legislators can either support measures to raise the revenue needed to prevent further cuts to public education or accept responsibility when our teachers and students are left without the tools they need to succeed because of devastating cuts that will be necessary to balance the budget. The Legislature must choose a balanced approach to meeting the state's budget crisis. Simply cutting more from vital programs like public education is irresponsible. Responsible revenue enhancement are absolutely necessary"