According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, typical earnings for bachelor’s degree holders are 86% higher than those whose highest educational attainment is a high school diploma, and studies suggest those who have attended at least some college can expect to live seven years longer than their peers with no postsecondary education.
This year, voters throughout New Mexico can help our state’s public colleges and universities ensure students receive the education they need to succeed by voting to support General Obligation Bond 3 for Higher Education.
Near the end of the ballot, voters will be asked to approve more than $229.5 million in vital funding without raising their property tax rates. Bond 3 funding is earmarked for specific projects in 29 cities across 23 counties in New Mexico. The bond would pay for needed renovations at 12 agricultural and science centers throughout the state that focus on everything from supporting small-space farming to sustainable livestock production, crop and animal safety, water-wise agriculture and more.
In Rio Arriba County, Northern New Mexico College will receive $5 million to address critical deferred maintenance needs on the Española campus if voters approve GO Bond 3. This funding will allow them to make sorely needed classroom and facility improvements. With enrollment up 13% this semester, on top of a 12% increase in the Fall 2023 semester, it’s important to provide world-class facilities to support our community members in career pathways critical to our region, such as nursing, education, business, technical trades, and other high demand occupations. Bond funding also pays for upgrading technology to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and provide remote learning to rural students.
Projects funded by GO Bond 3 for Higher Education can be an important economic driver in our community as well. They would create nearly an estimated 50 new jobs in construction, architecture and related fields that will contribute to local and county tax bases. While on the job, these workers will spend money in stores, restaurants and hotels.
A strong system of higher education is something all New Mexicans can and should support. A vote on GO Bond 3 is a vote for our students, our workforce, our communities and our economy – all without raising property tax rates.
For more information about specific projects around the state and how passage of GO Bond 3 will have a positive impact on New Mexico, visit www.investinbond3.com.
Hector Balderas is the president of Northern New Mexico College.