Editor:

Just like that, summer is coming to a close and New Mexico’s children are filing back into school. At the same time, New Mexico remains at the bottom of all of the lists indicating economic prosperity and wellbeing, especially for our youngest children.

Scientists say that a child’s earliest years shape lifelong learning and behavior. As a teacher for 32 years, I know all too well that when our kids don’t start Kindergarten ready to learn, that follows them all the way through high school.

New Mexico remains at the bottom of all of the lists indicating economic prosperity and wellbeing, especially for our youngest children. It’s past time to give them the investment they deserve.

Meanwhile, the state sits on one of the richest permanent funds in the country. Ten years ago the Land Grant Permanent Fund, also known as the Permanent School Fund, had $10 billion in it.

Today, it has over $25 billion.

This November, we have an unprecedented opportunity to invest in our kids by passing a constitutional amendment to allocate $150 million every year from the state’s Land Grant Permanent Education Fund into the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and $100 million to the Public Education Department to help students. This represents less than 1% of the total permanent fund, but would make an enormous difference as a long term investment in our children.vote yes on Constitutional Amendment #1

Quality childcare and early education help prevent gaps in achievement and produce better education, health, social, and economic outcomes that last all throughout life. As we continue into another school year, I’m urging you to join me in voting for a future where all students can reach their full potential, leading to improved outcomes for every New Mexican. With all kids having access to education and opportunity to thrive, the future of our state and for our children can be bright. On Nov. 8,  and vote YES for New Mexico’s kids.

Pam Ellison-Hechter
Rio Rancho