Friday, September 4, 2009

Finally Some Uncommon Common Sense about Education and the State's Budget

“Now more than ever, state government needs to think outside of the box and come up with innovative ways to fill in the gaps in the budget. In order to reach consensus on this vital issue, everything has to be on the table and evaluated in the context of what is necessary to enhance the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. It is imperative that the availability of these services- and of educational enrichment- not be impaired. In working to resolve the budget issues, I remain committed to protecting education and avoiding layoffs of state government workers.”

Senator Sanchez noted that because New Mexico’s educational system is the largest public employer in our state, cuts to that system would have a profound impact on our current state economy.

“Reducing funding for education may help to resolve our deficit in the short-term, however the ripple effects of such action could exacerbate already weakened state and local finances for years to come,” stated State Senator Michael S Sanchez.

At this point in time a number of State Senators unlike the front man for the GOP Senator John A. Smith are beginning to stand up and tell the GOP that cuts to education are not the answer to balancing our state budget in Santa Fe. Any reductions in education could only further harm our state's income and reduce our state’s ability to compete for future high wage jobs.