House Committee Passes Crucial Education Bills with Unanimous Bipartisan Support

Santa Fe, NM-  The House Education Committee passed important education bills today that will improve training and compensation for teachers and school employees across New Mexico. 

HB 13, the Teacher Residency Act, will ensure New Mexico schools can retain a diverse and well trained workforce. HB 13 appropriates funds from the general fund to the teacher residency fund, so that new teachers will receive guided training from a veteran teacher while receiving a stipend to avoid financial hardship. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Debra Sariñana (D-Albuquerque), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and T. Ryan Lane (R- Aztec) and Senators William Soules (D-Las Cruces), and Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque). 

“Students in New Mexico deserve well-prepared educators who will stay in our state. Being mentored for a year by a veteran teacher and not having to face financial hardship would be a game changer for recruiting and retaining good teachers in our state,” said Rep. Garratt. 

HB 59, the School Group Insurance Contributions bill, would mean employees in 88 school districts throughout the state would see more money in their paychecks. HB 59 amends the group insurance contributions for school districts, and charter schools to appropriate funds from the general fund to the public education department to distribute to school districts and charter schools so they can increase employer contributions to group health insurance. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino), G. Andres Romero (D-Albuquerque), Anthony Allison (D-Shiprock), Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque), and Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena). 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the session. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter the building. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings of this 30-day legislative session on the New Mexico legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule. 

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