SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed key public education legislation into law, providing significant funding increases for evidence-based programs like K-5+ and extended learning time, raising educator salary levels in the state’s three-tier licensure system and establishing a framework for community schools across New Mexico that will provide crucial wraparound health and wellbeing services to children and families in need, among other critical reforms.

Surrounded by students, educators, advocates, legislative sponsors and Public Education Secretary Karen Trujillo at Salazar Elementary in Santa Fe, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 1, House Bill 5 and House Bill 589.

“New Mexico understands our children are our future; we are clear we will do everything in our power to help them succeed,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Perhaps the most significant investment we can make as a state is in our educators and administrators, and we have made a sizable one this year. I’m proud to say this has been a bipartisan effort. There is more we can do, and there is more we will do, and today I’m thrilled to say we have taken a leap forward in New Mexico public education.”

“We’ve been talking about our education moonshot for many, many months,” said House Speaker Brian Egolf. “We built the rocket; the rocket is fueled; and now, with the governor’s signature, we have hit the ignition. This is a first and important step in a multi-year effort to reform education in New Mexico, because every child, regardless of zip code, deserves the best possible head start.”

“This is the first step in what I would call a constitutional tune-up for our state’s education,” said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth. “Today’s signing is a big move toward showing how much we appreciate educators and our schools as we lift up New Mexico students.”

“I am very pleased that the governor is signing legislation that will increase minimum salaries for our teachers and at the same time provide a six percent raise for school staff across the board,” Sen. Gay Kernan said. “It is my hope that districts will consider taking advantage of extended learning time opportunities as well as the K5+ program for our at risk students.”

“HB 5 is a landmark for turning education in our state into a door of opportunity that finally gives all our students the bright future they deserve. We have put a pathway in place with the largest education budget ever and honored our teachers with salaries that reflect the true professionals they are,” said Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton. “We have partnered with our public schools to bring excellence and accountability that ensures our students can stand proud and tall with their peers across the nation. We have acknowledged our multicultural heritage and invested in career technical education to prepare the workforce New Mexico needs.”

“It’s a really proud day to be an educator, a parent in New Mexico,” said Rep. G. Andres Romero. “We are investing the resources to elevate New Mexico’s education. We believe in our students whatever their background or socioeconomic status. We know our students will one day take our place, and we will do everything we can to give them the educational foundation they need.”

“Providing the first of increases in educator pay will helps us recruit and retain teachers,” said Sen. Mimi Stewart. “We are on the road to improving our schools; it will take all of us with a common goal; excellent education for the future of our children. I thank the governor for working with us on the moonshot.”