In the News

Revenue forecast: $285 million available next year Associated Press Aug 25, 2014 http://www.newswest9.com/story/26359541/new-mexico-lawmakers-to-get-revenue-update SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – A new financial forecast estimates about $285 million will be available in the next budget year for spending increases on state government programs, public education and to offset potential tax cuts. Officials in Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration outlined the revenue projections Monday to the Legislative Finance Committee during a meeting in Las Vegas. If the Legislature and governor agree to put all $285 million into programs and services, that would allow a 4.6 percent increase in spending in the 2016 fiscal year, … Read More

Martinez Accepts Spanish-Language Debate On Univision, Agrees To Allow KOB To Televise NAIOP Debate Albuquerque, NM — Governor Susana Martinez announced today that she has agreed to multiple televised debates, including a live Spanish-language debate with Univision that will air on October 6.  In addition, she has accepted a debate with KOAT/Albuquerque Journal and has agreed to allow KOB to televise the NAIOP debate. “Governor Martinez has agreed to multiple televised debates, including a Spanish-language debate on the state’s largest Spanish station,” Martinez campaign spokesman Chris Sanchez said.  “Governor Martinez looks forward to debating her record of reform and achievement against Gary King’s plan … Read More

EDITORIAL Work is not a bad word even for those in poverty Albuquerque Journal By: Editorial Board August 21, 2014 http://www.abqjournal.com/449471 New Mexico’s Catholic bishops appear to think work is a four-letter word. The bishops are incensed that Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration plans to reinstate work-related requirements in October for an estimated 26,600 able-bodied adults who don’t have children but receive food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The 20-hour-a-week work requirement was suspended in 2009 because of the recession. The administration also plans to implement a work component for parents and other caregivers of children ages 6 and … Read More

Editorial: ‘Running Start’ gets boost Albuquerque Journal By: Editorial Board August 11, 2014 http://www.abqjournal.com/443913 An Albuquerque program to help high school students get a running start on a career path came out on top in a national competition for federal money. The city’s “Running Start for Careers” program, created by Mayor Richard Berry and run jointly with Albuquerque Public Schools, Central New Mexico Community College and several charter schools, has won a $1.6 million grant from the Corporation for National Community Service. The federal agency manages AmeriCorps. The grant will support 104 AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Vista members, who will work … Read More

OPINION: Reader View: Behind the statistics, a child with a story Santa Fe New Mexican By: Laura Martin August 4, 2014 http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/reader-view-behind-the-statistics-a-child-with-a-story/article_f8961f02-db7b-536a-8a2e-c31c76bc48c1.html “Siéntese por favor,” I say to a young man as I gesture to a low couch. He sits down while adjusting his flat-brimmed snap back that matches the exact shade of red on his shirt and high-top sneakers. This kid has what my peers would call a “fresh” sense of style. And yet for his outward confidence, I can tell he’s nervous. The lawyer I work for walks into the room and after an exchange of “mucho gusto,” … Read More

Susana Martinez: Gadsden schools deserve to be honored Las Cruces Sun News By: Governor Martinez August, 3rd, 2014 http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-opinion/ci_26268116/susana-martinez-gadsden-schools-deserve-be-honored Every child is capable of learning, and every child deserves a quality education that will prepare them for success in life. These truths are at the heart of our efforts to reform education in New Mexico. Our charge is to no longer accept mediocrity or failure in our schools, to no longer make excuses for why our kids cannot achieve, and to no longer follow the status quo because it’s comfortable and familiar. Improving student achievement begins by doing a better … Read More

Foundation awards fitness centers to 3 New Mexico schools Associated Press August 01, 2014 http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/69af712d6faa4361a436ba55b0dafcae/NM–School-Gyms SANTA FE, New Mexico — A national foundation has awarded $100,000 fitness centers to three New Mexico schools under a program to encourage more physical activity by students and fight childhood obesity. The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils and Gov. Susana Martinez announced the awards Thursday for Jemez Valley Elementary and Middle Schools in Jemez Pueblo, East San Jose Elementary School in Albuquerque and Mesa Elementary School in Shiprock. No state taxpayer money is going for the fitness centers. The foundation receives funding from … Read More

Two programs offier assistance to low-income and forster children for back-to-school needs Alamogordo Daily News By Alex Quintana July 30th, 2014 http://www.alamogordonews.com/alamogordo-news/ci_26248172/governor-announces-back-school-program Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday two programs that will provide assistance to low-income and foster children for back to school needs. The Human Services Department (HSD) and the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) will provide assistance with clothing and back to school supplies, according to a press release by the governor. “These are two ways in which we can ensure that our neediest children have everything they need to be able to focus in the classroom,” Martinez … Read More