Dear editor, This year, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved over $1.2 billion for public colleges and universities across the state, 12 percent of the state’s overall budget and some of the most generous funding in state history. This includes over $782 million in operational funds going toward public colleges and universities, another $150 million for capital projects, and $146 million for New Mexico’s tuitionfree college program – the Opportunity Scholarship.
I urge all governing boards – regents and trustees – overseeing public higher education institutions to keep tuition flat this year in the best interest of students and taxpayers. We are witnessing enrollment increases for the first time in over a decade and substantial investments in higher education compared to the rest of the country. These historic investments are meant to directly benefit students by funding their education and reducing the portion of operational costs passed along to students, not an opportunity to exploit state funding to increase college and university revenues through more tuition and fees.
Stephanie M. Rodriguez, NM Higher Education Secretary
Continental Divide Electric Co-Op Members
Dear editor, Once again, my point was proven which the Board and CEO refuse to acknowledge; inspite of the fact that the count was in their favor, they would rather bank on not obtaining a three percent quorum, allowing them another term without a vote, even though we cast our vote the vote is cast to the wind. Where is the democracy, the democratic process by which a vote, once cast, is counted, win or lose? The 60 plus year old bylaws which are in place serve to benefit themselves; for the bylaws themselves are proof of a method to remain in office 30-40 years.
I would like to recognize our CEO Mr. Castillo, for his brilliant solution to members with one ton or even 1/2-ton trucks to make sure they use the Minnie cooper/Volkswagen when planning to use the drive through, although the comedy received laughter, the joke was not a laughing matter when the membership is paying for a Taj Mahal of a building which reminds one of visiting an institution.
Thank you/Gracias to all who voted for change. Let the next chapter same topic begin.
Ruben Sandoval