Enchantment State News

As New Mexico's legislative session begins, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reflects on her six-year tenure and outlines her priorities for the remaining two years. In a recent opinion piece published in the Albuquerque Journal, she highlighted accomplishments and challenges faced by the state.

Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized educational advancements, including establishing a constitutional right to childcare, universal pre-K, and free college education for residents. She noted that these efforts have been supported by an ambitious literacy program that increased reading proficiency among participants by 11% over one summer.

The governor also pointed out economic growth in New Mexico, with 134,000 jobs added in four-and-a-half years and rising wages. She mentioned Quantinuum's decision to establish operations in New Mexico as evidence of the state's leadership in quantum computing.

Despite these achievements, Governor Lujan Grisham acknowledged ongoing public safety issues. "The violent crime rate in New Mexico is twice the national average," she stated. The governor called for reforms to criminal competency laws and proposed stronger penalties for felons using guns during crimes and those distributing fentanyl.

In addition to public safety concerns, Governor Lujan Grisham addressed child welfare system improvements. She proposed full funding for the Children, Youth & Families Department and suggested creating an independent Child Protection Authority to ensure proper handling of complaints.

The governor urged community involvement: "Government can’t solve difficult public safety and child welfare challenges alone." She encouraged citizens to engage with legislators during the session to share their stories and ideas.

Governor Lujan Grisham concluded with a call for cooperation: "While we may not always agree on every detail, we share the same goals: safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, good jobs."