New Mexico Senate Bill SJR14

New Mexico 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/22

Caption

Use Of School Funds, Ca

Impact

The proposed amendment would add a new dimension to the funding parameters for education in New Mexico. Supporters argue that this would enhance school choice, providing parents with more options for their children's education. It could benefit families who choose to enroll their children in private schooling, thereby diversifying the educational landscape and encouraging competition among schools. On the other hand, critics are concerned that this shift threatens to divert essential educational funds from public to private schools, potentially undermining the public education system's capacity to serve all students effectively.

Summary

SJR14, also known as the Joint Resolution Proposing to Amend Article 12, Section 3 of the Constitution of New Mexico, seeks to modify existing state law regarding educational funding. Specifically, the resolution proposes allowing funds that are appropriated, levied, or collected for educational purposes to potentially be used for the support of private, nonresidential elementary and secondary schools located in New Mexico. This change would represent a significant shift in how educational finance is managed in the state, allowing a broader scope for the allocation of funds beyond public educational institutions.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SJR14 indicate a divide among policymakers and stakeholders. Proponents believe that extending funding to private schools aligns with a broader national trend toward school choice and educational reform, advocating for a system that accommodates various educational models. Conversely, opponents warn that this amendment could further entrench socioeconomic disparities, as those able to afford private education might benefit at the expense of public schooling resources. The debate encapsulates a larger ideological battle over educational funding and the role of public versus private education in state policy.