Some education groups say they are disappointed that the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is recommending that Gov. Gary Johnson veto a broad school reform bill. The reform plan represents a compromise among the chamber, the Legislature-appointed Educational Initiatives and Accountability Task Force and the nonpartisan think tank Think New Mexico. But the chamber said Johnson should veto the plan because the Legislature didn't approve a proposed constitutional amendment creating a governor-appointed secretary of education.
Constitutional amendments require approval from lawmakers and voters to take effect.
Rick Alvidrez, chairman of the board of the Albuquerque chamber, reiterated the group's position during a luncheon in Albuquerque attended by the governor. That's a lot of money, and that money doesn't exist. J.D. Bullington, a lobbyist for the Association of Commerce and Industry of New Mexico, said the group is reviewing the reform package approved by legislators last week before deciding whether to endorse it. Bullington said during the legislative session, which ended Saturday, the organization backed the Senate version of the reform plan as long as legislators also approved the secretary of education proposal. Armijo also said the Albuquerque district believes Johnson should sign the bill, although he doesn't think that's likely to happen.