Senator Howie C. Morales announces his candidacy for reelection to New Mexico's Twenty-Eighth District of the State Senate; he will seek the Democratic Party's nomination for a fourth term.
Since joining the Senate in 2008, Howie Morales has continued to stand up for New Mexicans with legislation that has protected the best interest of his constituents and advocated for improvements to our healthcare systems, including services for veterans, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Senator Morales is recognized statewide as a champion for children, families, and educators as he works to transform New Mexico's Public Education System.
As a member of the powerful Legislative Finance Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, Legislative Education Study Committee, former Chairman of the Economic and Rural Development Committee, Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force, New Mexico Finance Oversight, and the Disabilities Concerns Subcommittee, Senator Morales is one of the busiest members of the New Mexico Senate.
Senator Morales works diligently to ensure that the communities and constituents throughout his district have a strong and effective voice as he speaks on their behalf. Morales' proven leadership has been vital to Southern New Mexico. He worked to make sure Fort Bayard's Medical Center remained in Grant County; protecting healthcare and jobs in his district, while securing $4 million for transition of the old facility. In addition, he sponsored landmark legislation with the Colonial Infrastructure Fund, which increased funding to Southern NM communities stretching from Catron to Eddie Counties and municipalities. Upon passage of this legislation in 2010, Morales' vision has generated over 74 million dollars toward the development of infrastructure in areas of the state that were most urgently in need.
Senator Morales' influential leadership in Santa Fe is perpetuated through his inclusive approach to public service beyond the boundaries of the State Capitol. His collaborative work with local government leaders, elected officials and state agencies led to essential improvements and job creation with flight services run by Grant County and Boutique Air, Grant County Senior Olympics, the Behavioral Health Core Service Agency (CSA) transition under Hidalgo Medical Center, the establishment of a Rural Medical Residency program, and Grant County Regional Water Project.
Morales is a graduate of Western New Mexico University, where he earned his B.A and M.A degrees, he holds a Ph.D. in Education from New Mexico State University. The Senator is a lifelong resident of our community and a product of our local school districts. He has received numerous honors and recognitions including the NM Outstanding Humanitarian Award, the Bruce King Legacy Award, the District Attorney's Association Legislator of the Year, New Mexico Activities Association Distinguished Honoree, and most recently the New Mexico Senate Milagro Award, as the Outstanding Senator for the 2016 Legislative Session.
When asked what he enjoys the most of his time as Senator, Morales responded GǣEven though the distance from the state capitol and time away from family is a challenge, the rewards of being senator are great because of the opportunity I have to serve, advocate for and deliver results that make our communities and state a better place to live for all New Mexicans.Gǥ