[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ON THE PASSAGE OF NEW MEXICO'S HISPANIC EDUCATION ACT

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                          HON. MARTIN HEINRICH

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. HEINRICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to New 
Mexico's Hispanic Education Act.
  Signed by the governor on March 10, 2010, this law sets into motion a 
multi-pronged approach to bring the community together to tackle the 
growing achievement gap that exists between Hispanic students and their 
peers. It is the first such law of its kind anywhere in the country, 
and it is my hope that it will not be the last.
  I believe that the single greatest challenge facing New Mexico's 
educational achievement is the fact that though 56 percent of our 
state's students are Hispanic, barely half of them graduate from high 
school. Given that education is the key to achieving our full potential 
as individuals and as a country, we must realize that not all education 
is equal. We must look at the challenges that face all our students. 
This disparity is too great to do nothing. The time has come to 
confront this disparity head on, and this is exactly what the Hispanic 
Education Act will do.
  I would like to congratulate 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. But they certainly were not alone in 
shepherding this bill through the state legislature. Indeed, this 
legislation was initiated by the countless parents, community 
advocates, business leaders, school administrators, and policy makers 
who gave their time and energy to this effort. It was their advocacy, 
in concert with the Latino/Hispano Education Improvement Task Force, 
which made passage possible.
  It is my hope that the goals set forth in this landmark legislation 
are achieved quickly. It is also my hope that other states follow New 
Mexico's lead. And it will be my intention to work with my colleagues 
here in Congress to find ways on a national level to promote Hispanic 
educational success. For if we are to excel in a 21st Century economy, 
then all students of all backgrounds must have the chance to finish 
high school, attend college, and go on to be productive, successful 
Americans.

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