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Educators and students at LESC meeting urge 80/20 insurance coverage and sustainable CTE funding
Summary
NEA New Mexico and educators testified to the LESC that rising health premiums are eroding pay gains and urged an 80/20 cost-share for educator health insurance; several CTE directors, students and internship partners described reengagement and asked for sustainable funding.
Public commenters at the LESC meeting described how career-and-technical and work-based learning programs reengage students and urged long-term funding, while educators pressed the committee to address sharply rising health insurance premiums.
Bethany Jarrell, who introduced herself as NEA New Mexico president, urged the committee to adopt an 80/20 insurance contribution structure for educators. "NEA New Mexico is advocating for the state to cover 80% of healthcare premiums for all educators," she said, noting that public employees except educators currently have an 80/20 contribution model.
Several higher-education faculty and staff described steep premium increases. Hirania Roy Choudhury told the committee she received a $3,200 salary increase but that her annual premium rose by $4,464, leaving her effectively worse off; Patricia MacGregor Mendoza, a longtime professor, also urged the committee to consider higher-education faculty when setting benefits.
Work-based learning directors and students described measurable outcomes from internships and CTE pathways. Jeff Vaughn (work-based learning director, Sendero School) said his program places dozens of students with local employers and partners to earn certifications and job experience. Student interns described how placements motivated them to attend and plan for careers; Nicholas Corona said an internship helped him earn credits, money and workplace experience.
CTE directors asked that funding move from one-year cycles to sustainable lines so programs that serve underserved students can persist. Antoinette Cisneros (CTE director at SunNettle Prep) warned that without Perkins and Innovative Zones funding, many paid internships and reengagement services would be at risk.
Committee members acknowledged the testimony and noted staff proposals under discussion that would address premiums and CTE funding; no formal action was taken during the public-comment period.
