UNM-LA News:
This fall voters in Los Alamos County will have the opportunity to invest in the state’s public colleges and universities without any increase to their property taxes.
General Obligation Bond C (also referred to as GO Bond C) proposes a total of $141,000,000 for New Mexico’s public colleges and universities, of which $500,000 will be allocated to UNM-LA. UNM-LA will add another $250,000 for a total capital investment of $750,000.
These funds will be used to renovate classroom lab space for the EMS training degree program. The EMS program is part of the UNM-Los Alamos Emergency Response Degree program initiated in 2012 to respond to employment demands. The program provides training for careers in Fire, EMS, Police and Public Safety jobs.
The revitalized classroom will include and support the use of EMS simulation lab plus lifesaving and rescue equipment. Hands on training will include training areas for trauma simulation with emergency vehicles where students will have access to current emergency equipment instruction and procedures.
The remodel includes safety and structural repairs including exterior wall repairs for moisture abatement, double exterior door access, flooring, lighting, IT and electrical upgrades to support the EMT simulation lab. The program requires extensive equipment storage and exterior EMS vehicle training and staging areas.
These voter-approved projects are estimated to create 1,400 new jobs in 21 counties around New Mexico, all without increasing property taxes
Voter-approved GO Bond C funding is the only source of funding for many New Mexico-based public colleges and universities. Many institutions use GO Bond C as an opportunity to repair and renovate aging structures, while others invest in critical science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs essential to the state’s schools remaining competitive and attracting the best and brightest students from around the globe.
“The passage of GO Bond C would strengthen a program of particular importance to Los Alamos,” UNM-LA CEO Dr. Wynn Goering said. “These funds also will inject much-needed life into Los Alamos’ economy because it will not only create jobs for architects and builders and contractors but also provide business to local hotels, restaurants and grocery stores.”
A complete guide to each GO Bond C project can be found by visiting www.higheredbondc.com.
GO Bond C will not only invest more than $141 million into our state’s colleges and universities, but will do this without creating any additional financial burden on New Mexico’s taxpayers. In fact, these projects will inject much-needed life into communities throughout the state that are still in an economic recovery cycle.
By reinvesting in what taxpayers have already funded—our state’s institutions of higher learning—New Mexico can modernize and remain globally competitive. Maintaining and upgrading aging structures and equipment allows colleges and universities to educate and train students for high paying careers and encourages them to stay in our state after graduation, contributing to our economy.
Absentee voting ends Election Day, when absentee voters have the option to hand-deliver their completed ballot to any polling location within Los Alamos County. Early voting runs through Nov. 3, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open for in-person voting 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For additional information about General Obligation Bond C, including a detailed list of projects and schools in Los Alamos County, visit www.higheredbondc.com and click on the “My Community” tab.
Funding for the GO Bond C Campaign is provided by the 2014 G.O. Bond for Education Committee, Dr. Gerald Burke, Chairman, Executive Committee.
