OP/ED

Op-Ed: New Mexico Education Is Improving—Despite What the Rankings Say 

by

By Sen. Bill Soules, D-Doña Ana
New Mexico District 37

For too long, the state of education in New Mexico has been judged by a single metric: proficiency. This metric is only a snapshot of literacy rates, and direct comparison of proficiency between states can be misleading. A new white paper on New Mexico student literacy demonstrates that our students are making real, measurable reading gains over time, often matching or exceeding national growth rates.

The white paper, commissioned by New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders and conducted by Evress analytics, uses Read More

Dekker: Senate Bill 177 Is A Blueprint For New Mexico’s Economic Future

by

By DALE DEKKER
Founding Principal & Brand Ambassador
Dekker

For decades, New Mexico has talked about economic diversification. Senate Bill 177, sponsored by Sen. George Munoz is what it looks like when we finally decide to do it.

This legislation is not a collection of disconnected appropriations. It is a strategic investment plan – one that recognizes where the global economy is heading and positions New Mexico to compete, lead, and win in that future. At its core, SB 177 acknowledges a simple truth: states that invest intentionally in innovation, talent, and infrastructure will Read More

Op-Ed: Hold The line In Hard Times

by

By ERIC SCHALLER
Los Alamos

I used to work in a level 1 trauma center’s Emergency Department. Occasionally, we saw the results of horrible, evil things come in the door. Things that could rattle the most seasoned docs, nurses, techs, and researchers. Things that I don’t talk about. Things that make you question the assumption that humanity is basically good. Things that make you question whether what you are doing is worthwhile. Things that can make you become cynical and turn your back on trying to help people.

To help myself and my team cope with things like this, I developed the following

Read More

Op-Ed: New Mexico Can’t Afford To Be Left Out Of Innovation & Opportunity

by

By DAVIN LOPEZ
NMIDEA President

New Mexico has always been a place of ingenuity. From agriculture and aerospace to energy and advanced manufacturing, we’ve built our economy by solving problems in tough environments. But too often, when the New Mexico Legislature talks about innovation, investment, and economic development, they forget about the importance of research and development (R&D). Passing the R&D tax credit bill is a chance to change that — and it’s a chance the Legislature should not miss.

The research and development tax credit is not a giveaway. It’s a proven tool used Read More

Currier: Oil And Gas Revenue—The Lifeline Behind New Mexico’s Progress

by

Missi Currier

By MISSI CURRIER
President & CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association

Our state is a special place to live and work. In recent years, we’ve seen opportunities that create multi-generational benefits. The Opportunity Scholarship that has increased New Mexicans’ access to higher education and trade schools. The potential of childcare for all. Even dollars that ensured those on SNAP would not go hungry when the benefits paused. Strengthening the middle class and lifting those out of poverty through affordable, sustainable energy options. Lending a helping hand is something Read More

Sam LeDoux: A Low Ranking Is Not Our Destiny

by

Sam LeDoux

By SAM LEDOUX
Española

It seems almost like clockwork: each year, firms release analyses ranking quality of life across the country, and once again, our beloved New Mexico finds itself at the bottom. A report released by WalletHub hit particularly close to home, ranking New Mexico as the worst place in the United States to raise a child. As someone who was recently married and hopes to start a family, the concerns raised in this report weigh heavily on me as my wife and I consider this major life decision.

Naturally, as a proud New Mexican, my first instinct is to defend my state. New Mexico Read More

Tribute To Former LAHS Teacher Mary Lou Williams: Senator Hayne Was Right About States’ Rights In 1830

by

By JOCK MILLS
Former LAHS Student
Portland Oregon

When I look back on the 20 years of my formal education, one high school teacher – Mary Louise Williams – stands out in shaping my life. Although I certainly didn’t call her by her first name, “Mary Lou” was a force to behold in E-wing where she presided over many activities and taught social studies. In 1971, I was in her sophomore American history class.

It was not so much the subject – it was the energy she created. She didn’t just spark my interest in politics and public policy – she ignited a flame in me that launched a career that took me to Washington, Read More

Gubernatorial Candidate Bregman On Legislative Session

by

Sam Bregman

By SAM BREGMAN
Gubernatorial Candidate
New Mexico

As the Governor and Legislature prepare for New Mexico’s annual legislative session, their two priorities should be clear: protecting New Mexicans from the consequences of the Trump Administration’s policies and safeguarding the health, education, and public safety of every child and family in our state.

The Governor and Legislature took important action by passing emergency funding to address federal healthcare cuts enacted by Trump and the GOP. They also passed free universal child care, easing financial pressure on thousands

Read More

From Athens To Artificial Intelligence (AI): Thinking Revolutions Are Still Blooming In Education

by

By Mark MacInnes
Los Alamos

By Socrates, in the fifth century BC, engaged Athens’ young intellectuals in the agora, the public square, with provocative ‘little questions’ like: ‘What is truth?’ When questioned in this manner, some influential critics, including city leaders, were distressed by the rhetoric, which ultimately led to Socrates’s trial and execution. He died defending the principle of free inquiry into any idea, regardless of how sacred it may seem.

Plato, one of Socrates’ students, preserved some of Socrates’ dialogues not because they reached conclusions Read More

Op-Ed: Present Scale Of Electrification Unprecedented

by

By RICK NEBEL
Los Alamos

This letter is a comment on two of the op-ed pieces that appeared in last week’s Los Alamos Daily Post: Robert Gibson’s article (link) and Paul Gessing’s article (link). Mr. Gibson pointed out that electrification is nothing new. However, the present scale of it is unprecedented. Mr. Gessing pointed this out in his article. He congratulated the governor for getting commitments to bring 3 new AI data centers to New Mexico.

The interesting part is that just 1 of those data centers consumes about 7 GW. I don’t have firm numbers on this, but the present total consumption Read More