Michelle Lujan-Grisham in 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Abortion: Repeal outdated criminal abortion laws

And let us show the women of this state that we will not allow faraway federal judges to determine autonomy over their bodies. The old criminal abortion law of this state, one of only nine left in the country, must go. Bring me that bill. I will sign it.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Education: Raise school salaries; pay for supplies; universal pre-K

We are going to deliver a moonshot for public education in New Mexico: A half billion dollars for our classrooms, new money, put to its best possible use, right now. We are going to raise our educators' salaries by 6 percent across the board. We are going to raise the minimum salaries for every level of educators by at least 10 percent. And we're putting $5 million into a fund for teachers to buy supplies for their classrooms - so that they are no longer paying out of pocket. This is the moment we put New Mexico on the path to universal pre-k. We need the classroom slots, we need the educators, and we need the educators who will educate the educators. My budget calls for investing $60 million in new pre-k classroom slots so we increase our statewide enrollment to 80 percent within the next five years. And that includes money for early childhood educator scholarships, so that we are proactively building and supporting the next generation of top-flight educators.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Education: Target aid for Native American & bilingual students

I have proposed an almost 200 percent increase in our Indian Education Fund. Our Native American students will not be left behind. And an additional $55 million for our bilingual and multicultural programs, training more dual-language qualified teachers and ensuring bilingual families will not be left behind. Let our unique multicultural identity be a shining light for this country. Let us show the world how inclusion and empowerment make all of us stronger.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Energy & Oil: Pro-active on climate change: 50% renewable by 2030

The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan group of governors committed to upholding the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, and New Mexico will join it. I will direct each state agency to participate in developing a comprehensive climate plan for New Mexico by reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution. I have committed to increasing our renewable portfolio standard--50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 80 percent 10 years after that.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Gun Control: Prioritize common-sense reforms

Our Department of Health will conduct a thorough study of gun violence, but right now we will also take action where we know we must. I expect to sign a bill that will ban those convicted of assault from purchasing or possessing a gun, I expect strengthened background checks, and I expect tighter restrictions on safekeeping to ensure children do not have access to guns in the home. With common-sense reforms, we can build a state where people who should not have firearms, don't, simple as that.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Health Care: Focus on care, not paperwork

I have directed the Department of Health and the Human Services Department to work with the superintendent of insurance to reduce reporting requirements and burdens on our health care providers. The message to providers and patients is this: Better delivery over bureaucracy. Our providers should spend more time taking care of their patients, and our patients should spend less time worrying about what they can and can't afford.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Jobs: Raise minimum wage from $7.50 to $12

More than 110,000 New Mexicans make $7.50 an hour. This is a poverty wage. And I do not intend to lead a state where we simply tolerate poverty in our communities. No one who works hard in this state will be left behind--which means we will send a very clear message to New Mexico families by making $7.50 an hour a thing of the past. Ten dollars now, 12 dollars soon, and an index to inflation so the rate is fair forever after that.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Technology: Lift cap on rebates for film production

Our film and television industry is a powerful tool for economic development. When productions come here, they put New Mexicans to work--whether you're on a crew, whether you're a caterer, whether you're an aspiring filmmaker and you need a foot in the door. I want Hollywood to hear me, I want talented young New Mexican writers, producers and actors to hear me, I want moviemakers across the globe to hear me: We are open for business, bring your cameras.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature Jan 15, 2019

The above quotations are from 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts from 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts by Michelle Lujan-Grisham.
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Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019