Bill Overview
Title: A bill to provide the consent of Congress to an amendment to the Constitution of the State of New Mexico.
Description: This bill gives the consent of Congress for the amendment to the Constitution of New Mexico proposed by House Resolution 1 of the 55th Legislature of the State of New Mexico, First Session, 2021, titled A Joint Resolution Proposing an Amendment to Article 12, Section 7 of the Constitution of New Mexico to Provide for Additional Annual Distributions of the Permanent School Fund for Enhanced Instruction for Students at Risk of Failure, Extending the School Year, Teacher Compensation and Early Childhood Education; Requiring Congressional Approval for Distributions for Early Childhood Education .
Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: People in New Mexico, especially students and educators
Estimated Size: 2100000
- The bill pertains to an amendment affecting the Permanent School Fund in New Mexico.
- This amendment aims to enhance education, specifically targeting students at risk of failure, through additional distributions from the fund.
- It also covers the extension of the school year, better teacher compensation, and early childhood education initiatives.
- New Mexico residents, particularly those with children in the education system, will be directly affected.
- Education professionals in New Mexico may also be impacted due to potential changes in compensation and working conditions.
Reasoning
- The policy targets New Mexico residents, especially focusing on the education system.
- The Permanent School Fund's increased distributions could improve resource allocation for at-risk students, extending school years, and enhancing teacher pay and early childhood education.
- Population impacted is likely to be those directly involved with public schooling in New Mexico, including students at risk, teachers, families with school-age children, and early childhood professionals.
- Given the $2 million budget in year one and $20 million over ten years, the policy would initially have a limited effect, potentially expanding as funds grow.
- Due to the targeted nature of this policy, significant impact outside New Mexico is unlikely, limiting nationwide influence.
Simulated Interviews
Elementary School Teacher (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the policy will provide necessary additional resources that are much needed in our schools.
- Having better compensation and extended school years can significantly improve learning outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Parent of Two School-aged Children (Santa Fe, NM)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that this will help my children who are currently struggling with their studies due to limited resources.
- Increased funding may help provide better teaching support and educational materials.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
High School Principal (Las Cruces, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to direct more funds specifically towards at-risk students.
- However, we need to ensure there is accountability on how these funds are used.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Early Childhood Educator (Hobbs, NM)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could result in better facilities and more learning materials for early childhood education.
- The potential increase in salary will also help retain quality educators.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Educational Policy Analyst (Roswell, NM)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the intent is good, the challenge will be implementing the distributions effectively without bureaucratic delays.
- Monitoring and evaluation will be key to ensure the long-term benefit of this amendment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Single Parent and College Student (Farmington, NM)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any additional support for schools can make a big difference for my kids' education.
- Financial stability for teachers can lead to better teaching and results.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Educator (Taos, NM)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see steps towards improving the funding of New Mexico's education system.
- It is important to ensure these funds are used effectively and benefit the right areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
High School Student (Las Cruces, NM)
Age: 18 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this means more resources for programs that help students like me.
- Improved educational support could widen my opportunities for college.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
State Legislator and Educator (Silver City, NM)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This amendment is a step in the right direction but requires careful oversight.
- Balancing funds between early childhood and K-12 effectively will be important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Gallup, NM)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope increased funding helps the students most in need in underfunded schools.
- The policy has potential, but thorough implementation will make or break its success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- The primary cost is the enhancement of state educational funding, particularly towards students at risk.
- Federal involvement is mostly administrative, requiring oversight and potential auditing.
- The long-term economic benefits of an educated populace could justify the initial costs.