Senator Craig Brandt of New Mexico's 40th District announced a new education bill intended to expand opportunities for low-income students by allowing them to choose schools that best meet their needs. This announcement was made in a press release on January 5.
"My fellow legislators and I are proud to introduce this bill, which will provide incredible opportunities to our state's poorest students in the most underserved communities throughout New Mexico," said Brandt, District 40 NM State Senator. "The one-size-fits-all approach has failed to meet the individual needs of our students, especially those who face the daily adversity of poverty, hunger, and crime-ridden neighborhoods. This measure aims to rectify that; a student's zip code or family income level should never disqualify them from the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential."
According to the press release, Senate Republicans in New Mexico have unanimously supported a proposal by Senator Brandt aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged students. The bill proposes that at-risk students should have the option to select schools that cater to their specific needs, rather than being confined to their assigned district. Eligibility is limited to students from low-income households, defined as those earning at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Rate, which is approximately $60,000 annually for a family of four.
New Mexico's low proficiency rates in math, science, and reading have sparked discussions among legislators about improving education. Brandt previously proposed education savings accounts, which would allow state funds to be used for private school tuition and tutoring. According to KRQE, some legislators and organizations have raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of such programs and their potential impact on public school funding.
VoteSmart reports that Senator Craig W. Brandt has represented New Mexico's 40th District since 2013. Born on August 28, 1968, in Quincy, California, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2000. Before his tenure in the Senate, Brandt served as Vice President of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education and worked as a bill analyst for the Republican Party on the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee during the 2011 legislative session. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years. In 2020, he was elected as the Republican Minority Whip.
