Education spending is up dramatically; performance is stagnant
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New Mexico’s K-12 system has seen funding rise for the better part of two decades. But until dramatic reforms are undertaken, more money won’t save a failing system. Continue Reading
Our future: Confidence in ourselves
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The key to overcoming the recession’s effects of the past two and a half years is to regain confidence in our economy and in ourselves as a resilient society. Continue Reading
The Spender Generation will stop spending
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The only restraint on the Spending Generation will come when it can no longer borrow. That day is very near. Continue Reading
Some want legislators to pass budget, go home early
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With the talk of the legislative session thus far being its sluggish pace, some want to get on with passing a budget and a few other bills, and then adjourn early to save taxpayer dollars. Continue Reading
It’s hard to tighten your belt when you are wearing diapers
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It is raining today. We need to consider taking more of the interest from our permanent fund to assure that our babies, toddlers and preschoolers have all the opportunities to succeed and become contributing members of our community. Continue Reading
NM needs a level playing field for all businesses
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As a lifelong resident of New Mexico and a small business owner, I believe in necessary community programs and services such as police and fire protection, public education and roads – and I am more than willing to pay my fair share to fund them. It is unfortunate that many out-of-state corporations do not feel or do the same. Continue Reading
State’s wasteline is shrinking
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State government is going on a diet, and like any successful diet, it will take dedication, time and a lifestyle change to see long-lasting results. Continue Reading
Union Pacific, film industry deals are very different
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If New Mexico taxpayers are smart, they’ll phase out or abandon welfare payments for movies, provide the limited exemptions necessary to attract Union Pacific, and work to make the state’s tax and regulatory climates more attractive to generate more growth at home. Continue Reading
Apples to Apples: Public workers make less
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The Rio Grande Foundation can claim otherwise, but when you compare apples to apples, public sector workers make less than private sector workers. Continue Reading
For job creation, we need tools, not rules
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Here’s a new idea: Create Tool Shed New Mexico, a website that would empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with the practical knowledge and resources they need to succeed in creating successful businesses and new jobs. Continue Reading
School nurses impact student achievement
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As a school nurse, I suspect there are some legislators who consider me, and others providing support services, expendable. Perhaps this is because they have no idea how I directly impact a student’s ability to succeed in school. Continue Reading
Finding the right priorities in the money wars
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The question becomes, what should be the last thing to be cut in New Mexico? That establishes the priority of the state. If the answer is nothing can be cut, it shows there is no priority, only raw desire for taxpayer money. Continue Reading
Pecans vs. protectionism: Why trade with China is important to NM
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As Chinese President Hu Jintao completes his state visit to the United States, my fellow New Mexicans should consider this key fact: For four of the last 10 years, China was New Mexico’s number one export market, supporting thousands of jobs. Continue Reading
Sen. Smith pleased by Martinez’s speech
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One of the state’s most powerful lawmakers, a conservative Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, was largely pleased by what Gov. Susana Martinez had to say during her state of the state address. Continue Reading
Investments in community services are necessary
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In a recent piece, Paul Gessing gets it wrong when he states that New Mexico public services can continue to be slashed. Where Mr. Gessing, where? Continue Reading