THE SHORT-LEGISLATIVE SESSION STARTING TUESDAY INCLUDES SEVERAL BILLS THAT COULD HELP CHILDREN IN NEW MEXICO. THE STATE RANKS 50TH IN THE NATION FOR CHILD WELL-BEING AND CHILDREN'S ADVOCATES HOPE SOME … IF NOT ALL … OF CHILD-RELATED MEASURES PASS THE SESSION.
VERONICA GARCIA WITH NEW MEXICO VOICES FOR CHILDREN SAYS ONE MEASURE THAT COULD HELP KIDS WOULD RESTORE PRE-RECESSION CUTS MADE TO PER-PUPIL SPENDING IN SCHOOLS. ANOTHER WOULD INCREASE THE WORKING-FAMILIES-TAX-CREDIT TO HELP BRING FAMILIES OUT OF POVERTY. YET ANOTHER BILL WOULD RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE.
GARCIA TELLS 770 KKOB A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PLUG 1-AND-A-HALF PERCENT OF THE LAND GRANT PERMANENT FUND TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WOULD GIVE KIDS THE START THEY NEED TO LEARN TO READ BY 3RD GRADE AND STAY IN SCHOOL.
SHE SAYS ALL THE MEASURES SUIT THE SESSION'S BUDGET FOCUS.
