A new project and initiative for the New Mexico Corrections Department is under fire from a local Republican Party official.
Project ECHO has partnered with New Mexico Corrections Department to begin the Community Peer Education Project (CPEP) that will be fully funded by the department, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
Brett Kokinadis, Santa Fe 2nd Vice-Chair of the Republican Party says that the program is the wrong focus right now.
"It sounds like prisoners receive a better education than our kids," Kokinadis, tweeted. "Imagine @GovMLG if we dug in and fixed the education disaster, but we know you won't do that. We might end up with kids landing promising futures instead of in prison."
The program will have former probationers and parolees guiding others through the system to provide resources and support, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
"This administration is working to provide peer support, rebuild communities, enhance opportunities — and reduce recidivism," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham posted on Twitter. "Important work, as we seek to put a wedge in the revolving door that too many New Mexicans get caught in."
There are 64 people currently in the program and 269 that have completed it, the Albuquerque Journal reported.