This November, voters throughout our state will have the opportunity to provide New Mexico’s colleges, universities and specialty schools with the ability to ensure our students receive the education they need to succeed by voting on General Obligation Bond D for Higher Education (GO Bond D).
Near the end of the ballot, voters will be asked to approve more than $128 million for public institutions throughout the state, including $4 million in Las Vegas. Voters can approve this vital funding without any increase in their property taxes.
GO Bond D will pay for technology upgrades and critical improvements to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, which are the fastest growing occupations in the United States. At community colleges, funding will be used to grow high-skills, high-wage programs graduating in-demand technicians in the automotive, welding, and health care industries.
In some cases, GO Bond D money is needed to make sure the educational facilities we’ve already invested in are safe and comfortable learning environments. Projects include fixing or replacing leaky roofs, installing sprinklers and fire suppression, and replacing failing, inefficient heating and air conditioning systems. Projects also include making sure these facilities are open and welcoming to all students through improving Americans with Disabilities (ADA) access.
GO Bond Funding is critical because in most cases, it is the ONLY source of funding our colleges, universities and specialty schools have to make these kinds of needed investments and renovations.
In addition, support of GO Bond D is an important economic driver in many communities, since it will create an estimated 1,300 jobs in construction, architecture and other related fields.
GO Bond D funds can also help our institutions of higher education develop the capacity to attract top faculty and use state-of-the-art technology to deliver quality online education.
By modernizing classrooms and buildings, upgrading aging infrastructure and funding technology, New Mexico has the opportunity to create a better future for our students and our state.
A strong system of higher education is something that all New Mexicans can support, regardless of their political affiliation. A vote for GO Bond D will prepare students and give them the skills and knowledge they need to become our next generation of leaders – without raising taxes.
Absentee voting begins on October 9. Early voting begins October 20. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 6, when polls will be open between 7 a.m.-7 p.m.