IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1432 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 10, 2010 Mr. Heinrich submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor RESOLUTION Honoring the State of New Mexico on the passage of the Hispanic Education Act.

Whereas Hispanic culture has significantly impacted the State of New Mexico’s history and made it what it is today; Whereas 56 percent of the student population in New Mexico is Hispanic; Whereas nearly half of Hispanic students in New Mexico do not graduate from high school; Whereas nationally, only 57 percent of Hispanics age 25 and older graduate high school compared to 85 percent of non-Hispanics; Whereas 40 percent of Hispanics age 25 and older in New Mexico have not completed high school, compared to 14 percent of non-Hispanics; Whereas only 43 percent of Hispanic students graduate high school at or above proficiency in reading; Whereas only 25 percent of Hispanic students graduate high school at or above proficiency in mathematics; Whereas to address these education disparities in New Mexico, the Hispanic Education Act was introduced in the New Mexico State Legislature on January 25, 2010; Whereas the Hispanic Education Act was signed into law by Governor Richardson on March 10, 2010, at Washington Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Whereas the Hispanic Education Act will close the achievement gap while increasing graduation rates, post-secondary enrollment, retention, and completion; Whereas the Hispanic Education Act will create a Hispanic Education liaison who will focus on issues related to Hispanic education and develop a strategic plan to improve elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational outcomes; Whereas the Hispanic Education Act will create a Hispanic Education Advisory Council to advise the New Mexico Secretary of Education on Hispanic education; Whereas the Hispanic Education Act sets into motion a multipronged approach to bring the community together to tackle the growing achievement gap that exists between Hispanic students and their peers; and Whereas the Hispanic Education Act is the first law of its kind anywhere in the United States: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the importance of the Hispanic Education Act and its meaningful contribution to education in the State of New Mexico; (2)congratulates New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, State Senator Bernadette Sanchez, State Representative Rick Miera, and Education Secretary Veronica Garcia for having the courage to champion the Hispanic Education Act; (3)honors New Mexico’s Latino/Hispano Education Improvement Task Force for fighting to eliminate the achievement gap in New Mexico; and (4)recognizes the need to replicate this important legislation at the national level.