NNMC News:

ESPAÑOLA — This fall, voters in Rio Arriba County are asked to invest in the state’s public colleges, universities and specialty schools. If approved, Higher Education General Obligation Bond 3 (GO Bond 3) will provide than $229.5 million to fund needed renovations, upgrades and replacement of outdated, aging facilities. This bond funding will replace bonds that have been retired, so voting “yes” on GO Bond 3 will not increase property tax rates.

If voters approve GO Bond 3, Northern New Mexico College will receive $5 million to address critical deferred maintenance on the Española campus, providing sorely needed classroom and facility improvements. Northern is committed to providing world-class facilities for its students, faculty, staff and for the benefit of the entire community.

GO Bond 3 will spur local economic activity, creating an estimated 50 new jobs for tradesmen to carry out the repairs and renovations and funds spent within the community for construction, supplies and materials and lodging, shopping and eating for out-of-town workers.

For many of New Mexico’s colleges, universities and specialty schools – including Northern New Mexico College – GO Bond 3 is the primary source of adequate funding to allow them to maintain and modernize facilities taxpayers have already paid for, improve safety and technology and boost degree or certificate programs that give New Mexico students the knowledge and skills they need to pursue high-paying, in-demand careers. These voter-approved funds are crucial to ensuring our schools remain competitive to attract the best and brightest students and faculty as well as provide a quality education.

“It is so important to reinvest in education. I think this GO Bond is critical to modernizing our classrooms and creating more opportunities for our students,” NNMC President Hector Balderas said. “So I strongly support the GO Bond and I’m confident the voters will continue to invest in education.”

Voting yes on GO Bond 3 will invest more than $229.5 million into our state’s colleges, universities and specialty schools without increasing the burden on New Mexico’s taxpayers, as verified by the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, since it replaces bonds that are expiring.

Absentee voting and in-person early voting begin Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Expanded early voting runs from Saturday, Oct.19 – Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, with polls open for in-person voting 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Same day registration is available in County Clerks’ offices and select polling places.

For additional information about General Obligation Bond 3, including a detailed list of projects the bond would fund throughout New Mexico, visit www.investinbond3.com.