Santa Fe, NM — Senate Republicans have unanimously endorsed a proposal introduced by former school board member Senator Craig Brandt, (R-Rio Rancho) that would expand educational opportunities for underprivileged students. Specifically, this proposal seeks to empower at-risk students to select an educational institution that best meets their needs. Eligibility would be extended only to students in low-income households (with incomes at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Rates or roughly $60,000 annually for a family of four).
Senator Brandt has issued the following accompanying statement:
"My fellow legislators and I are proud to introduce this bill, which will provide incredible opportunities to our state's poorest students in the most underserved communities throughout New Mexico." The Senator continued, "The one-size-fits-all approach has failed to meet the individual needs of our students, especially those who face the daily adversity of poverty, hunger, and crime-ridden neighborhoods. This measure aims to rectify that; a student's zip code or family income level should never disqualify them from the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential."
