BIOSCIENCE INVESTMENT ACT HURDLES
OVER OBJECTIONS, HEADS TO HOUSE
After protracted debate over definitions and meanings as well as a “friendly” floor amendment tightening up conflict-of-interest issues, the Senate sent Senate Bill 119 to the House on a vote of 26-15. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Martin Hickey (D-Bernalillo) to ramp up New Mexico’s investment in this $3 trillion industry. Specifically, the bill is aimed at helping startups get off the ground. Frequently, these startups arise from work done at our universities, but the lack of investment capital here sends them to other states for funding. No other state investment funds target individual bioscience startups.
SB 119 increases investment capital available for New Mexico-based bioscience and biotech firms by adding the Bioscience Authority to the current group of existing funds and investors assessing and making investments in N.M. companies. This industry is fast-growing and has enormous economic impact. New Mexico has 7,600 people employed in the bioscience industry, with an average salary of $75,000. Geographically, 30 of New Mexico’s 33 counties have at least one bioscience company, with 341 of them in Bernalillo County.
The Chamber supported this bill all the way to the Senate floor debate today because we want to ensure New Mexico gains a larger share of this very lucrative industry with good, high-paying jobs. The bioscience industry is responsible for major medical advancements and technology, everything from modern lab equipment to new, highly effective medications and cures for a range of diseases. We need to get into this game in a much bigger way, and SB 119 is a good start.
FORGET GOVERNANCE – IT SHOULD BE ABOUT
NM STUDENTS LEARNING TO READ!
There has been a big debate raging for the last few sessions about how the state should govern state education. Proposals abound on replacing the secretary of Education (who reports to the governor) with a state board of education – either elected or appointed – that, in turn, appoints a state superintendent of public education. These proposals, in our opinion, are a tempest in a teapot and completely miss the point on how to turn student achievement around. The fact is, regardless of how we govern public education, student achievement in New Mexico has historically been below the national average. The charts, from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), illustrate the point:
While the graphic data is somewhat dated, we can assure you New Mexico continues to lag way behind the nation. Up until 2003, education was governed by a state board of education and, as you can see, the results were no better than under a secretary of education. Achievement in math parallels that in reading – below national average. If governance isn’t the solution, what is?
The Mississippi Miracle
According to Chalkbeat, an education reporting journal:
In the last decade, Mississippi students have rapidly closed the test-score gap with the
nation as a whole, particularly in fourth grade. State officials, education wonks and
national journalists have attributed these improvements to the state’s 2013 early reading
law, which included emphasizing phonics and holding back third-graders who struggle
to read.
The purported link between the state’s policies and its upward trajectory has become
one of the nation’s most talked-about education stories.
“Mississippi has shown that it is possible to raise standards even in a state ranked dead
last in the country in child poverty and hunger,” New York Times columnist Nick Kristof wrote.
Florida, an early leader in this strategy, moved its achievement to much higher levels, and many states are now moving in this direction. We’re happy to say that Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo) is carrying the “science of reading act” and Sen. Bill Soules (D-Doña Ana) is carrying “school math changes.” Both of the bills are aimed at changing the way these subjects are taught and are on the right path.
SJR 15 – Going Backward on Governance
While we support Soule’s math bill (read more about it and why below), we can’t support his attempts to change the governance structure. His constitutional amendment (CA) would create an appointed state board of education that would then appoint and oversee a superintendent of public education. Exactly who would sit on the board, how they would be selected and to whom they would be accountable are left for “enabling legislation” to come after the voters approve the constitutional amendment
As we see it, it’s buying a pig in a poke (defined as buying something you can’t see and check out). Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Chamber, explained our thinking in her testimony:
“Mr. Chair and members of the committee, I’m Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, appearing in opposition to SJR 15. At the heart of our concern are two things:
“First, we’ve had proposals brought forward that are all over the map. It is problematic that this legislation gives no clarity on whom the board members might be and how they will be appointed. This is a heart-of-the-matter issue. While great detail can’t be put in the Constitution, Sen. Michael Padilla solved that problem by bringing both a constitutional amendment and enabling legislation together when presenting the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust fund.
“Second, changing the governance of public education is so important, we must take the time to get this right. The Legislative Education Study Committee should compare and contrast different modes of governance and come back with a proposed constitutional amendment and enabling legislation IF the LESC really thinks a change is necessary. This measure won’t be on the ballot until 2026, so we have time to get it right.
“We believe the lack of focus on teaching kids what they need to be successful is the problem. But, if a governance change is the will of the Legislature, then let’s make sure it’s well-vetted and thought through.”
Proponents of the CA are frustrated about low student achievement (we all are) and the lack of leadership stability due to the level of turnover in secretaries of education. Changing the governance structure doesn’t necessarily provide any more stability than any other system, as educational leaders turn over in great numbers. Sen. Natalie Figueroa (D-Bernalillo), a teacher, pointed this out in committee discussion of the measure. She observed that the attitudes about work have changed greatly. Gone are the days of a person sticking with a job for an entire career. She pointed out that school superintendents typically only stay in their jobs for three or four years. Trying to reduce the amount of turnover is the subject of other legislation because it is detrimental to student achievement.
However, with a 6-2 vote, the Senate Education Committee gave a “do-pass” recommendation to SJR 15, sending it to the Senate floor.
MATH AND MONEY BOTH START WITH ‘M’
There’s a reason math and money both start with “m,” Sen. Bill Soules (D-Doña Ana) said today on the Senate floor as he presented his Senate Bill 235 School Math Changes. Read on to find out why.
Soules, chair of the Senate Education Committee, is a retired math teacher who taught AP statistics, algebra, algebra II, remedial algebra and geometry in Las Cruces Public Schools. As he presented his bill, Soules said, “For many years, we have talked about the importance of reading. We’ve begun to turn the ship in reading in the state of New Mexico through the ‘science of reading.’ We’re starting to see the numbers turn in that very important area. However, math continues to lag behind, and it’s now time that we have a similar push in the state of New Mexico to elevate math to that same level because low math scores are hurting our students and hurting the potential for the state of New Mexico.”
His bill establishes a framework for K-12 math education and professional development for teachers. Soules said when he was a teacher, and even now, “I hear people make comments like, ‘Well I’m not good at math, and my mother wasn’t either.’ As if math is genetic. It’s not. Every time we hear comments like that, we are hindering the ability of our students to do well in the field of math. And so we need to change how we talk about math, in society but also in our schools.”
Sen. Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez (D-Bernalillo) introduced a floor amendment that would require the Public Education Department to, as she explained it, “measure the effectiveness of efforts to improve mathematics and science outcomes for students in each school district by race and ethnicity, tribal affiliation, family income, gender, ethnicity, and disability status, English proficiency and disability status. These are what the findings were … in the Yazzie-Martinez case.” Sen. Shannon Pinto (D-McKinley & San Juan) spoke in favor of Sedillo-Lopez’s amendment. However, Soules deemed the amendment “unfriendly,” meaning he opposed it. The amendment failed 16-22.
Sen. Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Chaves & Eddy) asked if the bill would conflict with another bill the Chamber has supported, SB 116, which is sponsored by Sen. Craig Brandt (D-Sandoval) and would introduce hands-on math learning in our schools. Soules said, “They are not in any way in conflict with each other. They absolutely work hand in hand, or at least side-by-side.”
Math Jokes
Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra & Socorro) told Soules that she supports the bill. “Mathematics can open up a number of career opportunities that reach far beyond just science and technology careers. In fact, as agriculturists, our farmers and ranchers have to have math and use math every single day, from plant crop rotations to seed count to livestock weights to meds to acreages, everything. And we need to encourage more mathematics in our classrooms. I see that with my own daughters in public schools.”
Brantley wasn’t quite done. “Senator, on that note, discussing the importance to our farmers and ranchers, could you tell me, how does a mathematician plow a field?” Soules didn’t know the answer, so Brantley explained to him, “Well, a farmer plows a field with a pro-tractor.”
Addressing Student Subcategories
Back on serious business, Sedillo-Lopez continued her line of questioning after her amendment was defeated, “How can we be assured that these math plans will address the needs of English language learners, girls, … race, tribal affiliation, family income, gender, English proficiency and disability status. How can we be assured that those plans will include instructional materials and approaches and strategies to address the students’ needs where they are?”
Soules answered that those assessments are currently made in several places throughout the system, from the classroom up to PED leadership. Sedillo-Lopez was not convinced, “Again, I don’t think that that’s any assurance that the data will be disaggregated and that experts and culturally linguistic relevant education will develop appropriate strategies for these students. I’m afraid I have problems with this bill, and I will not be able to support it.”
To wrap up the debate, Soules made the point that “investments in education and in these particular areas are like investing in savings bonds. You have to hold on to them for a while to start seeing the long-term results.” He also said something we think most Chamber members can agree with, “You know, math and money both start with an ‘m’ for a reason. If you continue to be good at math, you’re going to do well in life because so many of the high-paying jobs we’re trying to bring into New Mexico rely on math. And so we need to, as a state, start elevating that, start moving ourselves up out of the bottom.”
We agree, senator. And with that, the math added up for this critical education bill as it passed 37-4 and now moves on to the House. Senators Sedillo-Lopez and Pinto were among the “nay” votes.
MEDICAID TRUST FUND GETS ITS WINGS
AND IS HEADED OVER TO THE HOUSE
About 50% (768,000) of New Mexicans rely on Medicaid to receive health care services. The problem? Doctors lose money by providing treatment to Medicaid patients, despite the Legislature’s efforts to bolster reimbursement rates. It’s a key reason doctors choose not to practice here. Enter Senate Bill 88, sponsored by a bipartisan all-star line-up of senators: George Muñoz (Senate Finance Chair); Bill Sharer (Senate Minority Leader); Liz Stefanics (Chair, Senate Conservation Committee) and Pat Woods (Senate Minority Whip). The main purpose of the bill is to build a trust or permanent fund (as has been done to meet other financial needs). Medicaid is now the second-largest component of the general fund, behind only public education. The fund will ensure that despite potential federal budget reductions or volatile economic times, Medicaid spending can be sustained in order to keep doctors and other health care professions in our state. The Senate sent the bill to the House on a 37-0 vote. The Chamber has been a strong supporter of this measure.
Specifically, the bill:
- Creates a new Medicaid trust fund, which would be seeded with a $300 million appropriation from the general fund.
- Provides the fund revenues from state agency reversions, unexpended/unencumbered balances from prior year general appropriation acts, and interest earnings on state treasury balances, until the fund reaches $2 billion.
- Directs all reversions from capital outlay appropriations made between 2021 and 2024 to the fund.
- Distributes money annually to gain federal matching funds after the trust fund reaches $500 million.
The bill also contains a “trigger” that allows the Legislature to appropriate money in the case of significant funding reductions in the future. Muñoz has said that federal cuts could result in a $1 billion hit to New Mexico. Sponsors of SB 88 were widely praised by their colleagues for having great foresight and planning ahead. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) said, “Medicaid has been a game-changer, and this bill ensures its future.”
According to Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico (a prime mover behind the bill), “the trust fund will generate $100 million a year for the state’s share of the Medicaid program. Every one of those state dollars is matched by $3 in federal funding, meaning that this fund will ultimately generate $400 million annually, making it an extremely valuable long-term return on investment for all New Mexicans.” Nathan points out that we’re the only state to have lost doctors, while thousands of newly trained doctors are choosing to practice elsewhere.
Dr. Michael Richards with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center made this poignant statement, “Where we go with Medicaid is where we will go with health care in New Mexico.” Richards points out that Medicaid funding supports training for medical students, and New Mexico will soon have the largest training program in the nation. However, these soon-to-be doctors won’t be attracted to stay here unless barriers are removed.
Other key barriers to be addressed include removing GRT on medical bills and addressing the really out-of-whack, high levels of medical malpractice insurance rates. There are other bills in process on these issues. Quality health care is not only deserved by all New Mexicans, but it’s also vital to making our state economically competitive. It’s a big part of quality of life – no one wants to move to a place where they can’t get a doctor’s appointment. We’ll keep you informed of the progress of all these bills.
MEDICAL RECRUITMENT AID ON A DUAL TRACK
WITH BILLS IN BOTH CHAMBERS
The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee took up a bill today to recruit more medical professionals, especially throughout rural New Mexico. Senate Bill 338, Recruit Health Care Providers, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Gonzales (D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, & Taos) passed quickly this afternoon on a 10-0 vote and now goes to the Senate Finance Committee.
Enrique C. Knell spoke today on behalf of the Chamber:
“New Mexico’s shortage of health care workers threatens our economic future in a big way. Not to mention what it does to the health of New Mexicans, particularly those who are low-income and live in rural New Mexico. SB 338 makes a relatively modest investment in helping train doctors in exchange for the promise that they will work in our state for at least two years.”
Rep. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe) has a similar bill, HB 393, making its way through the House. That bill is awaiting a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee. The goal of the identical bills is to support the recruitment and retention of health care providers in rural or underserved areas. The bills appropriate $5 million for tuition help for medical students in exchange for a promise to serve rural New Mexico for at least two years.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP GETS
A ‘DO-PASS,’ HEADS TO APPROPRIATIONS
The members of the House Health and Human Services Committee hit the ground running
Wednesday morning with a full docket of bills. One was House Bill 347, Higher Ed Scholarship Funds in Behavioral Health Fields, sponsored by Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos). The bill is an appropriation of $10 million to support practicums for behavioral health and addiction counselors.
Ortez said the bill presents a laser-focused approach to increase public safety as well as workforce development, with the goal of the bill to provide financial aid for behavioral health provider students or addiction counselors because when they are serving their practicum, they do not get paid. According to the bill, the Higher Education Department would be responsible for the funds to be distributed to students on the behavioral health track. “That is something that actually dissuades some of these students from getting their practicum because they need to work, they need to have money to support their families and themselves,” she said. “This would provide a stipend during this period of a practicum, when they’re working under the supervision of a licensed provider that usually lasts for about a year until they are qualified for licensure.”
J.D. Bullington testified in support of the bill on behalf of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, saying “as New Mexico begins to turn the tide with its behavioral health services network, this bill is going to help keep us on the right track. A great way to expand higher ed enrollment and increase the number of grads who are able to work in behavioral health fields in our state is to create scholarships for students studying in behavioral health fields, including substance addiction counseling at our universities and tribal colleges. This bill represents a smart, much-needed approach as it will help keep New Mexicans in the state providing behavioral health services for other New Mexicans.” Joining the Chamber in support were the National Alliance on Mental Illness New Mexico and Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. There was no opposition to the bill.
Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez (R-Lea) questioned why PhD students aren’t included in the bill. Ortez said there is no need for a PhD to practice in addiction counseling or a behavioral health specialist. “We want to make sure we cover those folks that are graduating from their bachelor’s program with the cost of practicums.”
After a short discussion, a motion was made for a “do-pass” and the bill was approved on an 8-0 vote. It now heads to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
COUNSELING COMPACT FLIES OFF THE
HOUSE FLOOR, 62-0, HEADS TO SENATE
Wednesday afternoon, House Bill 217, Counseling Compact, sponsored by Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo) was heard on the House floor. The bill enters the state of New Mexico into the Counseling Licensure Compact. The purpose of the compact as described in the bill is to facilitate interstate practice of licensed professional counselors with the goal of improving public access to professional counseling services. The compact establishes flexibility for counseling licenses in member states.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has testified in strong support of this and other health care practitioner compacts proposed in legislation this session as one means of addressing our state’s severe provider shortage.
Herndon made a motion for a “do-pass” to the floor. Without any discussion or opposition, the bill cleared the House by a vote of 62-0 and is on its way to the Senate.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT COMPACT BILL GETS A UNANIMOUS ‘DO-PASS,’ GOES TO HOUSE FLOOR
There have been many compact bills during this legislative session. On Wednesday afternoon, the House Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 413, Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact, sponsored by Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-Catron, Sierra, Socorro & Valencia). The bill enters New Mexico into the Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact for the purpose of strengthening access to medical services and enhancing the portability of a license to practice as a physician assistant.
Adrian Gomez, SVP of policy for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill, saying:
“Making it easier for licensed physician assistants in other states to treat New Mexicans – be it in person or in a telehealth setting – is a real way to get more New Mexicans the care they need and address the lack of providers in the state.
“The compact is an avenue that helps the state move forward. The Chamber is pleased to support this bill as it aims to bring more care to New Mexicans, and we ask you to vote to pass it.”
Standing in support with the Chamber were Think New Mexico, AARP of New Mexico, the Department of Defense, the Kirtland Partnership, Conference of Catholic Bishops and Council of State Governments. There was no opposition to the bill.
A motion was made for a “do-pass,” and HB 413 passed with a vote of 10-0. The bill now heads to the House floor.
IN THE HOUSE
Fun on the House floor
On Wednesday, Rep. William A. Hall II (R-San Juan) had his first bill make it to the House floor. Representatives heard his House Bill 251, Educational Retirement Beneficiary Changes. The bill allows a retired member to change their beneficiary once. Knowing it was Hall’s first bill, representatives opened discussion to ask questions like “What if I’m married more than once?” And then took turns to ask again, increasing the possible number of marriages. It was a great showcase of camaraderie.
It’s tradition in the House that a representative’s first passing bill requires the members to vote “no” until the last minute, and then upon passage for the sponsor to sing a song. So as the vote on HB 251 started, it looked as if it wasn’t going to make it, but as voting time ran out, the bill sailed through on a vote of 60-0. With his first successful bill under his belt, Hall sang a rendition of James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” changing the words to, “I feel good, I knew that I would, now. So good, so good, I’ve got the bill passed!”
SIGNING OFF FROM SANTA FE
Seeing the bioscience investment bill move to the House is a big deal for economic development. Yes, this is a small start, there’s only $6 million in the budget. But, if the Legislature can see successful investments materialize, this could lead to great things in the future. It’s often talked about – diversifying our economy and bringing high-paying jobs to the state – but this is real, concrete action, and we applaud Sen. Martin Hickey (D-Bernalillo) for tackling this issue.
Well, it being Ash Wednesday, can you guess what national day it is? Cheese doodle day. Wouldn’t you know it, just as we’re supposed to be giving up stuff, fasting and generally behaving, they drag out cheese doodles. No, that crackling was from a bag of … well okay, just a few instead of the whole bag. Thanks for joining us today, and we’ll look forward to bringing you all the news and views tomorrow. Have a great evening.
