Lenore Wolfe, a long-time early childhood leader, friend, and advocate, passed away October 7, 2011, at age 95. Lenore was a role model, mentor, and leader for many of us in the early childhood community. She touched many lives and remains with us as an example of how one person can truly make a difference.
It has been gratifying to see the media attention given to the impact that revenue decisions like the reimbursement rate cuts have had on small businesses and families. Yet, we aren’t ready to say “mission accomplished.” Too many of New Mexico’s children do not have the opportunity to access the important high-quality services that are proven to set them on the path to success in school and in life.
Good news released May 23rd shows that New Mexico’s Land Grant Permanent Fund is now at $10.6 billion. The fund’s growth comes from two sources – investments in stocks and bonds, along with income generated from public lands. In the last three months, investments yielded $503.5 million and income added another $100.8 million to the fund.
Finding high-quality affordable child care remains one of the biggest challenges for New Mexico’s working families. Three out of five New Mexico children need care outside the home while their parents work. And as any parent knows, child care is expensive.
Mother’s Day is coming up. As a mom, I can’t help thinking what a big help America’s new health care law will be to moms like me around the state in promoting and protecting our children’s health and the strength of our families.