ESPAÑOLA, NM – The LANL Foundation, the largest foundation in New Mexico solely focused on education, today announced its 2026 legislative priorities aimed at strengthening public education systems, expanding workforce pathways, and supporting students and families across northern New Mexico.
Grounded in high-quality, evidence-based approaches, the Foundation’s priorities support systemic improvements to public education, reflect diverse community voices and needs, build upon previously supported policy, and contribute to a strong, inclusive New Mexico economy. Together, these priorities align with the LANL Foundation’s mission to ensure students have the opportunities, resources, and supports they need to succeed from early childhood through career. The LANL Foundation works collaboratively with public, philanthropic, private, and nonprofit partners to expand education and career opportunities across northern New Mexico. Since 2022, the LANL Foundation successfully advocated for $990.5 million in appropriations and 16 bills signed into law.
“Our 2026 priorities reflect policy changes and critical investments that support long-term solutions needed to improve education systems for New Mexico. We are honored to lift up these select priorities that build upon strong partnerships and community input,” said LANL Foundation President & CEO Dr. Gwen Perea Warniment.
2026 Legislative Priorities
Establish a Workgroup to Study a Statewide Education Commission and Education Statutes
Support passage of a legislative memorial to create a workgroup, supported by the Legislative Education Study Committee, to examine public education governance in New Mexico. The workgroup would develop recommendations for a statewide education commission, review education statutes, and support long-term planning related to the Martinez-Yazzie decision.
Increase Early Childhood Professionals’ Wages
Support $60 million in recurring funding to the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) to fund and administer wage increases for early childhood professionals. This investment would support implementation of the Wage and Career Ladder and begin a phased implementation of wage increases starting July 1, 2026.
Strengthen STEM Education Initiatives
Support $7.7 million to the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) for K–12 STEM initiatives that expand student access to high-quality STEM learning. Programs such as the STEM Innovation Network, Outdoor Learning, integrating Artificial Intelligence into K-12 education, and Math Improvement initiatives enhance classroom experiences and prepare students for New Mexico’s growing STEM workforce.
Resource a School Leadership Bureau
Support $5.2 million to the PED to establish a School Leadership Bureau and continue investment in principal residencies, superintendents, and school administrators. Strong school leadership improves teacher retention, student outcomes, and school stability statewide.
Maintain Funding for Career Training, Work-Based Learning, and High School Innovation
$40 million to the PED for career technical education, work-based learning and internships, the Innovation Zones Initiative, and career technical student organizations, including for Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools. In addition, $10 million to the PED for the Summer Enrichment Internship Program (SEIP).
Increase the Community Benefit Fund
Support additional investments in the Community Benefit Fund (CBF), administered by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS). The CBF helps communities train workers for the transition to renewable energy and climate-resilient industries.
Enact High Quality Literacy Instruction and Supports for students K-12
Create the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act to expand evidence-based reading supports to build upon New Mexico’s structured literacy framework. It would also introduce additional support for students and schools struggling with reading proficiency.
Enact a Comprehensive Approach to Math Instruction
Support legislation to amend Section 22-10A-6 NMSA 1978 to require mathematics methods coursework for educators seeking licensure with a mathematics endorsement. Additional amendments to the Math and Science Education Act would establish statewide structures to strengthen math instruction and student outcomes.
Pass the New Mexico Special Education Act
Support legislation to codify a comprehensive framework for students with disabilities, establish an Office of Special Education within the PED, and ensure additional supports and services for students, districts, and families.
Support Attendance Initiatives
Support policies that address attendance challenges by reducing exclusionary practices, emphasizing restorative justice approaches, and lowering expulsion rates for students struggling with chronic absenteeism.
Sustain Pre-Apprenticeships
Support $600,000 to the DWS to sustain the successful Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunity Program, expanding access to paid, on-the-job training for youth ages 16–24 in high-demand occupations.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Allotments
Support $3 million in non-recurring funding to DWS to continue serving WIOA-eligible youth, adults, dislocated workers, and Title III participants impacted by federal cuts and budget reduction.
Fix Hold Harmless Funding for At-Risk Schools and Districts
Support a three-year hold harmless for schools and districts impacted by the changes to the at-risk unit. Changes to how at-risk funding is calculated and dispersed in 2026 has resulted in a significant budgetary impact on several schools and school districts, including smaller districts in Northern New Mexico.
About the LANL Foundation
Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, the LANL Foundation works to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. LANL Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit lanlfoundation.org.