GOVERNOR "OPPOSSES" BUDGET CUTS TO EDUCATION

Governor Bill Richardson addressed community, education and business leaders at the Quarterly Luncheon sponsored by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.

Richardson, became his comments by saying that he was excited that in joint cooperation with Dona Ana Community College / NMSU and the Las Cruces Public Schools will be offering college level courses to local high school students during their final semesters in the hopes of retaining them for university education.

The Governor made reference to the State's budget shortfall and the impact it will have on school districts in NM.

Earlier, Las Cruces School Superintendent Stan Rounds has said that the local district would lose $10 Million in cuts if the State didn't ensure some funding this year.

Richardson said that he has met with State Legislative leaders to discuss a date and agenda for a special session to be held sometime in October 2009.

Though Richardson said that it was important for the future of NM schools and other critical projects to maintain their funding levels, has failed to answer the question on every ones mind...."How is he going to pay for this and where is the funding source coming from?"

At times the Governor was reluctant regarding the possible cuts, he still said that he wants the special session to only address the financial shortfall facing the State's economy and would only provide items to the legislature to address the budgetary shortfall.

The Governor continued to address the audience in various issues and projects facing Dona Ana County and took the opportunity to speak about the transportation system in New Mexico including the RailRunner and the possibility to have a rail system in Las Cruces to El Paso. He also stated that he has had meetings with the Governor's of Texas and Colorado to discuss a joint ventures in joining the three States in a rail commuter system in the future. However, during his presentation, he continually referred to education. He said that education would be the priority of his final year and a half in office.

Richardson spoke for about 45 minutes and there were no opportunities for the attendees to ask the Governor questions.

I believe that the Special Session will be a challenging one and that there will be opposition regarding any tax increases under the current turbulent economic crisis.

Again, I ask, "WHO IS GOING TO PAY THE BILL?"