Statement by Sandra Feldman, President,
American Federation of Teachers
on New Mexico Vote to Spend $78 Million More on Education

(New Mexico voters approved a constitutional amendment to take an additional 1.1 percent, or $78 million, annually from the state’s Permanent School Fund.  The state Constitution had only allowed the state to invest 4.7 percent of the annual interest of the Permanent Fund in schools.  The state Canvass Board today certified that this amendment passed by 195 votes.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This is a tremendous victory.  By approving the additional funding, the citizens of New Mexico showed their strong commitment to quality public education.  Gov. Bill Richardson should be commended for his leadership on this issue and for working hard to strengthen the state’s public schools.

The new infusion of money will be invested in programs that will make a tangible and immediate impact, such as providing enough textbooks; quality reading programs; tutoring and summer school; and competitive salaries to recruit top-notch teachers. 

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.