Santa Fe, NM - In yet another attempt to promote Washington-style dysfunction and block any and all progress, House Democrats introduced an amendment to the budget that would have gutted $6.5 million from critical education reforms that help struggling schools and students. The amendment failed on a vote of 30-37.

"It is unfortunate that Democrats would introduce an amendment that would hurt New Mexico's kids by cutting funding for targeted programs," said Rep. Nate Gentry. "They have proven time and time again that they are not interested in reforming our education system."

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Brian Egolf, would have slashed $2 million in funding for interventions and support for struggling schools and students.
Additionally, the amendment would have cut $1 million from programs that support training, preparation, recruitment and retention of teachers. It would have also decimated funding for the teacher mentorship and stipends for teachers in hard-to-staff areas, cutting a combined $3.5 million and completely wiping out these reforms.
"Democrats are playing politics with our education system - plain and simple," Gentry concluded.

On background
The provisions can be found on page 135 and 136 of the Rep. Brian Egolf's amendment, House Floor Amendment 1.

Item R, which is