Senate education panel gives unanimous do-pass to 3-year CTE certificate pilot

Senator Brandt, sponsor of Senate Bill 64, told the Senate Education Committee that the legislation would create a three-year Career Development Success pilot to incentivize career technical education and help more high school graduates enter the workforce with industry-recognized certificates.

The bill would direct the Public Education Department, in consultation with workforce partners, to define which certificates qualify and to award certificates valued between $250 and $750 depending on the program. "What we want these to be is good paying jobs," Senator Brandt said, citing occupations such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, welding and entry-level auto mechanics.

The measure aims to narrow the state's definition of career technical education (CTE) to focus on certificate programs that prepare students to start work immediately. Brandt noted statewide statistics to underscore the need: roughly 65 percent of New Mexico high school graduates do not go to college, and only about 17 percent ultimately receive a bachelor's degree.

Supporters told the committee they expect the pilot to expand students' access to career pathways and to help close employer skill gaps. Chris Balzano, the registered lobbyist for Rio Rancho Public Schools, said, "We stand in support of this piece of legislation." Bonnie Lightfoot, president of the New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders, and Lily May Ortiz of the New Mexico School Board Association also urged the committee to pass the bill.

Several business and industry groups testified in favor. Lisonbee Riley, public policy director for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said the pilot would benefit local employers by reducing the skills gap. Kelly Fajardo of the Mechanical Contractors Association of New Mexico called the bill "a home run for New Mexico" and said contractors need entry-level employees who can step into the workforce.

One online commenter, Amy Taylor, supported the bill's goals but urged additional dedicated funding to build CTE programs and supply classrooms and teachers. "This bill will not produce the results that we would like unless we also fund dedicated funding to CTE," Taylor said in online testimony.

Senators on the committee praised the bill's focus on students who intend to enter the workforce after high school and discussed how the pilot could be funded. Senator Brandt said he would work with finance committee members and with Workforce Solutions to seek funding in the budget if necessary.

After discussion the committee moved and recorded a unanimous due pass recommendation on Senate Bill 64.

Votes and next steps: The committee recorded a unanimous due pass; the bill will proceed to the next committee (finance) for consideration of funding and implementation details.