On The Passage Of New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act

Floor Speech

* Mr. HEINRICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to New Mexico's Hispanic Education Act.

* Signed by the governor on March 10, 2010, this law sets into motion a multi-pronged approach to bring the community together to tackle the growing achievement gap that exists between Hispanic students and their peers. It is the first such law of its kind anywhere in the country, and it is my hope that it will not be the last.

* I believe that the single greatest challenge facing New Mexico's educational achievement is the fact that though 56 percent of our state's students are Hispanic, barely half of them graduate from high school. Given that education is the key to achieving our full potential as individuals and as a country, we must realize that not all education is equal. We must look at the challenges that face all our students. This disparity is too great to do nothing. The time has come to confront this disparity head on, and this is exactly what the Hispanic Education Act will do.

* I would like to congratulate New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, State Senator Bernadette Sanchez, State Representative Rick Miera, and Education Secretary Veronica Garcia for having the courage to champion the Hispanic Education Act. But they certainly were not alone in shepherding this bill through the state legislature. Indeed, this legislation was initiated by the countless parents, community advocates, business leaders, school administrators, and policy makers who gave their time and energy to this effort. It was their advocacy, in concert with the Latino/Hispano Education Improvement Task Force, which made passage possible.

* It is my hope that the goals set forth in this landmark legislation are achieved quickly. It is also my hope that other states follow New Mexico's lead. And it will be my intention to work with my colleagues here in Congress to find ways on a national level to promote Hispanic educational success. For if we are to excel in a 21st Century economy, then all students of all backgrounds must have the chance to finish high school, attend college, and go on to be productive, successful Americans.

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