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NEW MEXICO
accomplishments
2021
EXPANDED
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
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House Bill 22 amends the highly successful Grow Your Own Teachers Act scholarship program by expanding the scholarship eligibility to all classified school employees (previously it was limited to educational assistants) and all school employees who are eligible to work in New Mexico (previously it was limited to US citizens). The scholarship is funded with $500K in the current year budget.
IMPROVED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
Senate Bill 42/aa increases the contribution percentage by 2%, over two years, that New Mexico provides to the ERB to help ensure a strong pension fund for educators.
SUPPORT FOR
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
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House Bill 222 creates a Special Education Ombud to ensure our families with special education students receive the full support and services they deserve; the position will create a resource for families and a pathway for grievances.
NEW MEASURES TO PROTECT PENSIONS
Senate Bill 303 modernizes the ERB’s executive board to be more reflective of participants, including providing a seat for AFT New Mexico and the Secretary of Higher Education, and better aligns the ERB board with best practices across public pension fund boards across the country.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATORS
HB 266/a provides for additional training and mentorship for alternatively licensed educators who are seeking to teach in a special education setting.
IMPROVED SICK LEAVE COVERAGE
HB 20/aaaaa/ec, also known as the Healthy Workplaces Act, provides sick leave coverage for private employees in New Mexico, including private transportation contractors operating in school settings. This was a major priority of the New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and newly affiliated members from UFCW #1564.
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