Susana Martinez in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Corporations:
$4.75M investment in Job Training Incentive Program
We need to make sure all small business owners know we believe in them. That's why I'm proposing that we give every New Mexico small business a $1,000 tax credit for every job created and retained over the next two years.
In these uncertain times, if a small business owner is willing to take the risk to invest in a new job, then we should stand with them.
But competing for jobs goes further than just common-sense tax policy. We need to partner with our small business owners to help them hire and train new workers now. That is why I am also requesting a $4.75 million investment to further
the success of our Job Training Incentive Program, or JTIP. This is a partnership with small businesses to help them train new employees and encouraging more hiring.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Education:
The Bridge: joint high school diploma and associate's degree
We have an obligation to focus on raising our graduation rate and better prepare our high school students for New Mexico's workforce or for college. Let me tell you about a program called the Bridge. The Bridge program was created in response to the
gaps that existed between the needs of a 21st century economy and the preparedness of high school graduates in Dona Ana County. It's a partnership between the local business community, their community college, and their public schools.
Together, they established the state's first early college high school. Every student who will graduate from this school not only earns a high school diploma, but they also earn an associate's degree and, in some cases, a work-ready certificate.
That student is ready to be hired.
Since the Bridge Program has been operating, not one student has dropped out. This session, I'm pursuing a plan to take what the Bridge has accomplished in Dona Ana County and bring it to other areas of New Mexico.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Education:
$13.5M for New Mexico Reads to Lead
With last year's "New Mexico Reads to Lead" investment, we hired reading coaches and were able to train nearly 2 thousand educators in methods proven to produce better readers. This year I propose we expand the "New Mexico Reads to Lead" program from
$8.5 million to $13.5 million. Our focus is on struggling schools--on offering a hand-up to those who need help. That's why I'm proposing $4.7 million in school turnaround programs to close the gap between high-performing schools and schools that are
struggling.
I want school districts to know and I want parents to know that I have heard their calls for more math and science teachers in New Mexico schools, particularly in low-income areas.
We have an exciting initiative to dedicate $2 million to recruit more math and science teachers, to move scientists and engineers to the classroom and to entice college graduates through loan forgiveness programs.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Families & Children:
Amber Alert whenever a New Mexico child is abducted
We need to improve our Amber Alert system so that we can issue an alert whenever a New Mexico child is abducted and police believe the child is in danger, even when the suspect is a family member. And we must improve our ability to protect children
from abusive homes by allowing case workers to conduct emergency background checks through NCIC.
We need to increase penalties for child abuse and expand Brianna's law to cover all children, not just those under the age of 12.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Immigration:
Stop the magnet for human trafficking, fraud and crime
I am hopeful that the Legislature will enact the recommendation of the 9/11 commission, the position of nearly every other state in America, and the opinion of a vast majority of
New Mexicans that we stop being a magnet for human trafficking, fraud and crime rings. I'm asking the Legislature to finally repeal the law that gives driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Jobs:
Protect government jobs at our labs and military bases
While New Mexico has seen some job gains in certain private sector industries, there is no question that the number of government jobs is on the decline. Last year, New Mexico lost more than 4,800 government jobs, including 400 federal jobs in a single
month. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Washington, DC is going to solve the budget mess anytime soon. I am committed to working with our delegation to protect our labs and military bases and fighting to avoid further cuts.
Our labs and bases are not only important to New Mexico, but they are critical to the security of America.
However, we'd be foolish to leave our state's economy at the mercy of the next fiscal cliff in Washington. The opportunity to forge a new path
and shape our own destiny is before us. It's an opportunity defined not by decisions made in Washington, but by the hard work and ingenuity of New Mexicans. That means diversifying our economy and growing the private sector.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Local Issues:
Invest in the Paseo del Norte expansion
I'm asking the Legislature to pass job-creating infrastructure projects, projects like the Paseo del Norte expansion we passed last session, or for water systems, roads, and dam repair. These types of projects create immediate jobs to kick-start our
economy, while also building the infrastructure necessary for long-term economic development. And when we invest in local projects, let's make sure they're vetted, prioritized, and fully-funded.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
On Technology:
Protect Spaceport New Mexico from lawsuit abuse
We must protect the public investments we've made, such as Spaceport New Mexico. Taxpayers have already spent more than $209 million on this venture. But now, we risk losing this investment. The states competing with us for Spaceport business have passed
a bill protecting companies from lawsuit abuse. Because we didn't pass this, XCOR Aerospace chose to locate in Texas, over New Mexico. Again, it's about competition. Let's protect our investment in Spaceport and pass lawsuit abuse reform this session.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to N.M. Legislature
Jan 15, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018