In New Mexico, the thirty-day legislative sessions are always a whirlwind. This year’s budget session was no different but at times it was back and forth of non-action and frustration from our lawmakers.  

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 

The good that came from the legislative session is that NEA-NM members are strong and resilient and understand that our priorities are part of a long-term campaign for educators and students. We may not have won this session, but we have made huge inroads to put us in position for the longer sixty-day session next year.  

While HB 215 (click for details) the class size bill, was not heard in committee to become law this year, our legislative supporters introduced  House Memorial 20 (click for details) which will give legislators and partners a chance to study the positive impacts smaller class sizes will have on public education so they will be ready to address it in the next session—and NEA-NM will be at the table during the interim session! 

Pro-education legislation that passed this session

click for bill info:

HB 171- School Graduation Requirements

SB 137 School Board Training —passed and now waiting for the Governor’s signature.

HB 2 General Appropriations Act of 2024 “the budget bill” —passed and now waiting for the Governor's signature.

Complete List of 2024 Legislation —click blue “GO” button to view.

The bad that came from this short legislative session is that communication just didn’t happen.  NEA-NM members were encouraged with the conversations they had with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and with many of our supportive legislators that have remained. However, it was at times frustrating to have to take a back seat in our own Capitol.  

Pro-education legislation that did not pass this session

click for bill info:

SJR 5 Public Employee Retiree Healthcare Fund

HB 71 Student Loan Bill of Rights

HB 199 Educational Assistant Salary

The ugly is that in a year when New Mexico has a $3 Billion with a “B”, surplus, educators are getting very little.  In a move that smacks of regressive bargaining, the LFC first introduced a budget with a 4% increase for educators, then in the final hours of the session legislators back-peddled on its’ own proposal with a 3% increase. It’s amazing what can happen in the wee hours of the night.

Where do we go from here… 

NEA-NM has put together its’ own statewide study group to look at the impacts of class sizes and caseloads. We will be ready and prepared to work with the Legislative Education Study Committee, and the sponsors of HM 20, to address what is one of the most important issues to our members.  

We will also be working in the interim session to bring you, the members, the political and legislative work to your doors. We can’t wait for the next legislative session to plan our next offense.  

We have plans to have interim tele-townhalls, legislative roundtables, and more activities to get you in front of your lawmakers, BEFORE the next session.