The LANL Foundation is proud to play a growing role in advocating for state policy and funding in support of education. The division will also focus on collaboration with public, philanthropic, private, and nonprofit partners to expand education and career opportunities in the region.
Over the past two legislative sessions, the LANL Foundation has successfully advocated for $641.2 million in appropriations and eight pieces of legislation that were signed into law.
With a strong focus on collaboration, the LANL Foundation looks forward to working alongside legislators, state agencies, and community partners to achieve meaningful change for New Mexico’s public education system and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
2025 Legislative Priorities
The LANL Foundation is the largest foundation in New Mexico solely focused on education. Our priorities support evidence-based, systemic improvements to public education that address the Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit, reflect diverse community voices, and contribute to a strong, inclusive New Mexico economy. Our priorities align with the mission of the LANL Foundation to support students, families, and educators across Northern New Mexico.
Fund and Establish Pilot Programs to Support Grandparents and Kin Raising Grandchildren
- $3.8 million over three years to the Aging and Long Term Services Department to support a Grandparents and Kin Raising Children Pilot Project that would provide a monthly stipend and legal support to 250 grandparents or kin raising children within five public school districts.
Download our 2025 Legislative Priorities Brief!
Early Childhood Education
Fund and Establish Pilot Programs to Support Grandparents and Kin Raising Grandchildren
$3.8 million over three years to the Aging and Long Term Services Department to support a Grandparents and Kin Raising Children Pilot Project that would provide a monthly stipend and legal support to 250 grandparents or kin raising children within five public school districts.
Increase Investments in Prenatal to Five Programs
- $10 million to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department to expand home visiting services to 2,400 children.
- $14.7 million to Early Childhood Education and Care Department to align Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program reimbursement rates with the cost model and $3 million for the Tribal Investment Strategy. The FIT program provides early intervention to children from birth to age three at no cost to families.
K-12 Education
Fund Effective High School Transformation and Rengagement Strategies
- $15 million per year for three years to the Public Education Department to sustain and evaluate the successful New Mexico Innovation Zones Initiative.
- $30 million to the Public Education Department to support work-based learning and career technical education opportunities and support for student career technical organizations.
Support Improvements in Principal and Superintendent Licensure
- Amend the State Personnel Act (NMSA §22-10) and create a School Development Administrator Act, including a new three-tiered licensure system for principals and superintendents. This act would also require clinical experience and curriculum aligned to national and state standards in any new principal preparation program.
- $5 million to broaden school leader professional development and support improved school leader preparation.
Invest in Tribal Education
- Increase recurring funding to support tribal educational sovereignty and address Martinez/Yazzie findings. This funding should provide stable, non-reverting resources for Tribes to enhance education capacity, community programs, and collaboration with public schools.
Invest in Mathematics Education & Establish and Fund a Statewide STEM Innovation Network
- Create a New Mexico STEM Innovation Network to drive academic excellence and economic growth by uniting stakeholders to expand access to STEM education and career pathways. The network will align education with industry needs, enhancing student preparation and interest while strengthening the state’s workforce and economic development.
- $6 million over three years contingent on legislation to establish the STEM Innovation Network.
- $12 million for targeted investments in mathematics education to the Public Education Department.
Support the Educator Workforce
- Invest in a high-performing educator workforce by increasing salaries and sustaining funding for the National Board Certified Teachers Program.
- $20 million to the Public Education Department to support the Educator Fellows Program.
- $20 million to the Higher Education Department for the Teacher Loan Repayment Program to provide college debt relief to working teachers.
Fund Programs to Improve Student Engagement
- $20 million to the Public Education Department to support the out-of-school programs, high impact tutoring, and educational enrichment activities.
Revise the State Equalization Guarantee to Address the Martinez/Yazzie Consolidated Lawsuit
- Amend Article 8 of the Public School Code (NMSA §22-8) to ensure recurring, targeted funding for at-risk student programs, protected funding for English learners, and increases for secondary education given the demands to schools to improve experiences and increase access to career technical education for high school students.
- $132 million to the Public School Support appropriation.
Anti-Donation Clause
Amend the Anti-Donation Clause and Enact Enabling Legislation
- Enact a Joint Resolution to amend the New Mexico Constitution to repeal the current Anti-Donation Clause to make it easier for government and non-profits to work together in service of our communities and clarify the eligibility of Pueblos, Tribes and Nations to receive public funds.
- Enact the Vibrant Communities Act to provide guardrails and processes to implement these constitutional amendments.