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The following editorial appeared in the Santa Fe New Mexican on February 6, 2010 under the heading “Law says fund schools first,” and is offered for submission to all media. 

The Case for Protecting Our Teachers

By State Representative Dennis J. Roch, District 67

As the state legislature deliberates over New Mexico’s budget shortfall, I have frequently heard the statement, “Every program must take its share of cuts.”  This statement assumes that every program is of equal value, and has an equal return for our future benefit, an idea which is far from the truth.

On the contrary, public education is a constitutional requirement and an essential government service.  It deserves to be fully funded before we even think about spending our hard earned tax dollars on non-essential services.

Our schools have already suffered cuts of more $200 million in general fund dollars over the last two years, a decrease of more than 10%.  Because such a large portion of school funding is in personnel, cuts of this magnitude compel schools to eliminate positions, resulting in larger class sizes and causing student performance to suffer.  As someone who has taught both high school and middle school and now serves as a district-level administrator, I have seen firsthand how teacher funding affects education.  Colleagues of mine who were excellent teachers have sought other professions that compensated them more fairly for their education, skills, and experience.  I have seen students who were once energetic and passionate about their studies become disenchanted or frustrated because they were not getting what they needed in order to succeed.

So where did the $200 million that was cut from education go?  Shockingly, it was diverted to such non-essential programs as the Spaceport.  As of last year, the state had spent $198 million on this project, one for which I don’t see any requirement in the state constitution.  I called on my colleagues to suspend expenditures on the Spaceport, both in this session and in last fall’s special session.  Both times, my efforts were thwarted in committee.  So while school funding is threatened, the state pays for a third chef at the Governor’s Mansion, a Rail Runner that loses thirty-four million dollars a year, a jet for Governor Richardson and Lt. Governor Denish, and university lobbyists with staggering six-figure salaries—paid for with tax dollars to lobby for more tax dollars.

While all of these extravagances continue to receive funding, some have even suggested a 2% cut to teachers’ salaries.  This proposal comes after these same employees were hit this year with a mandatory increase in their retirement contributions, reducing their wages by another 1.5%.  Then, on top of all this, there is now talk that educators’ health care deductibles could nearly double next year, increasing their out of pocket expenses and further decreasing their take-home pay yet again.

Trust me, shortchanging education has dire consequences for New Mexico’s teachers and students.  So before buying the line that, “Every program needs to be cut,” consider how the loss of even one excellent teacher compares to the loss of the Governor’s jet or his third chef.  There couldn’t be a stronger case for protecting our teachers.

The following editorial appeared in the Farmington Daily Times on January 31, 2010 and is offered for submission to all media. 

Something’s Fishy

By Republican House Leader Tom Taylor

Recently I introduced legislation (HB51) to create a trout stamp for catch-and-release fishing in the San Juan River.  Specifically, the bill allows the state game commission to designate special management areas on the San Juan River below the Navajo dam, commonly known as “the Juan,” as trophy fisheries management areas.  Anglers in these areas will be required to purchase permits.  Funds derived from the sale of the permits will be used exclusively in the management areas for maintaining habitat.

The list of tasks include conducting habitat and fishery studies, mitigating siltation, and improving the quality of the fishery.  The fees for the annual permits, slated to be five dollars for New Mexico residents, and ten dollars for those out of state, are expected to cover the cost of most of these improvements.  If you have ever seen this portion of the San Juan River you would probably agree that it is worth spending the same amount of money you would for a hamburger to help maintain its health. 

This meandering 4.25 mile stretch of part of the San Juan River holds an estimated 80,000 trout and offers some of the loveliest views in New Mexico.  Diverse plants and animals populate its banks.  In addition to offering premier trout fishing, it is a popular spot for camping, whitewater rafting, and hiking.

Through the legislation I am working to enact, those who enjoy trophy fishing on our scenic San Juan River will be responsible for ensuring that it remains clean and safe for future generations to enjoy.  This legislation fosters a culture of responsible environmental stewardship.  The Juan deserves nothing less.