Special Session of Legislature to be Held on Oct. 17th

Governor Richardson has called for a special legislative session on October 17th which will seek to address a state deficit of some 433 million dollars. (Although some have estimated that the deficit is more like 550 million dollars.)

The special session has been designated to cover budget issues only, and legislators are burdened with the task of making difficult decisions on where to trim excess from State expenditures.

There are competing groups who would like to see taxes increased so that vital funds are not stripped from either services provided to the needy or education, but Governor Richardson has stated that he opposes new taxes. The tax cuts of 2003 are cited by the Governor as cuts which attract higher-paying jobs to our State.

Public Schools account for about 40% of our State's budget. (Some say it accounts for up to 60%.) The Governor has indicated that he intends to spare schools from being forced to make cuts:

No matter what happens during the special session, the Democratic Party of New Mexico wants our children to have the best education possible.

Javier Gonzales, DPNM Chair stated in his acceptance speech during the DPNM's State Central Committee meeting that:

"As Democrats, we must stand united behind Gov. Richardson and Lt.

Gov. Denish and ask that our Democratic elected officials in the legislature do what we

know is right for our children and fight any efforts to reduce spending on education."

We know these our tough times for everyone, but New Mexicans must strive to keep the highest standards of education available for our children and young adults.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico supports access to superior education for all and the continued strengthening of public education.

We urge all Democrats to make their views on the importance of quality education known to their elected representatives before the special session on October 17th.