Heinrich Votes To Prevent Thousands Of New Mexico Teachers From Losing Their Jobs

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich voted today to save and create almost 320,000 jobs, including saving the jobs of 1,100 New Mexico teachers.

"As public schools in central New Mexico are opening their doors in coming weeks, this crucial funding will enable school districts to rehire teachers and stop planned layoffs," said Rep. Heinrich. "Keeping good teachers in the classroom will improve the quality of our children's education and is essential to our nation's economic recovery."

H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 247 to 161. New Mexico is slated to receive $64.8 million through the Education Jobs Fund to keep teachers in the classroom, and $126 million in Medicaid assistance.

"By eliminating tax loopholes that send American jobs overseas, this bill is fully paid for and will cut the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years--a true investment in the American worker," said Rep. Heinrich.

The funding in the bill is supported by a majority of the nation's Governors, including many Republican Governors, and by numerous organizations, including the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties and the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations.

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