Race to the bottom, New Mexico
New Mexico is currently 50th in the nation in education and 77 percent of New Mexico fourth-graders are not proficient in reading, with 79 percent of the eighthgraders not proficient at math. I guess pulling funds from charters and public schools, as the Legislature and governor have done, is following the less is more philosophy.
Since our state government officials seem intent on helping education “race to the bottom,” our civil servants must have forgotten that there are so many other areas that education touches where they can help build a concrete speedway to the basement. I think as a state we need to focus on the areas where we still have not quite hit 50th. We can do worse, New Mexico.
Here are some areas that legislators should think about removing funding. Let’s help make New Mexico last in all categories. As they say, once you hit rock bottom, the only movement is up, unless Puerto Rico asks for statehood or if D.C. actually is granted statehood. Then we can try for 51st or 52nd.
In sexually transmitted diseases, we are currently 46th. Come on, state representatives. Defund all and any sex education. We can do it, New Mexico. Further, I suggest you do not fund any school lunches unless they use lowerquality foods with preservatives and hormones. Disappointing, New Mexico — child obesity only ranks 42nd, but I believe if we pull together, we can do worse.
Good news, though — for the third consecutive year, New Mexico ranks 49th overall for childhood well-being. In the same report, 2016 Kids Count Data Book, we also come dead last in childhood poverty. Wow, New Mexico ranks 50th in poverty. Thank you, Gov. Susana Martinez and all lawmakers, including working members of Congress. Great work, “jobs” governor.
Unfortunately, childhood health is on the rise, currently 44th. At least we can hold our heads high and say we are in the bottom 10, but with our current priorities, I am confident we can do worse.
Write your representatives. Tell them you will accept no less than last for New Mexico.