Tuesday, July 26, 2005

The "Year of the Child" in New Mexico

According to this article in the Albuquerque Tribune, Governor Bill Richardson has a plan for all of New Mexico's extra money (around $1 billion over the next 5 years due to higher oil and gas prices) - he's going to spend on the state's kids.
They [Richardson and Lt. Governor Diane Denish] envision every kid under 5 in the state having health insurance and every kid getting all their vaccines. Physical education classes every day and less junk food in schools. More eye and ear exams. Healthy breakfasts before class. Permanent preschool available for every 4-year-old. More early reading and math programs. More child care and a pay raise for teachers.

Richardson, who is up for reelection next year and is rumored to be a Democratic presidential candidate in 2008, is calling the plan the "Year of the Child". It sounds great.

2 comments:

julie said...

Sounds awesome! If Richard Rothstein is correct in Class and Schools, this will cause a spike in achievement that will probably level off over time.

Richardson/Clinton 08!

NYC Educator said...

I'm very encouraged to see one politician, anywhere, stand up and support education with money rather than sloganeering.