Education

Students in New Mexico represent a bright future for our state. We must ensure that every student has access to a quality education, regardless of their background or zip code, their ethnicity or religion, or their gender or sexual orientation.

As a father of two public school students, I believe that all children deserve an opportunity to benefit from a great public education. We must ensure that every student has access to an education that will put them on the path to success—from early childhood through higher education. I was proud to support the Every Student Succeeds Act, which puts education decisions back in the hands of districts, school boards, and states, while maintaining important federal civil rights protections.

Earning a college degree shouldn't be a luxury, but something that every family can afford. In the Senate, I have cosponsored legislation to keep federal student loan interest rates low and make community college free for two years. We must make sure New Mexicans can learn skills they need to succeed in the workforce without having to take on crippling debt. I introduced the Degrees Not Debt Act to increase the Federal Pell Grant and hold states and universities accountable for reducing costs and improving student outcomes.

As one of the few engineers in Congress, I’ve always had a special commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Building the STEM pipeline will help us develop a strong, skilled workforce in New Mexico for the jobs of the future. Many companies in high-tech fields have demand for skilled workers that exceeds the available workforce. I have introduced the bipartisan Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act to provide workers from all backgrounds with apprenticeships in computer science and information technology, where they can learn the skills and knowledge they need to fill good-paying tech jobs.

I will continue to work to ensure higher education is affordable and within reach for every student in New Mexico, and that educators have the resources, training, and support they need to help students succeed.

Latest

  • Heinrich Announces Youth Climate Change Challenge

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Oct. 9, 2019) - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today announced the Youth Climate Change Challenge. He is inviting New Mexico students from grades K-12 to submit drawings, paintings, poetry, and short essays about what the climate crisis means for them. Senator Heinrich will visit the classrooms of the first-place winners. Read More

  • Heinrich Fights For Pathway To Affordable College

    Sept. 12, 2019) - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Degrees Not Debt Act to ensure higher education is accessible and affordable to all New Mexicans. The legislation is part of Senator Heinrich's initiative to build a brighter economic future for students in New Mexico. Read More

  • Udall, Heinrich, Luján, Torres Small Announce Funding for the Restoration of Fort Bayard and Casita Desiderio y Pablita Ortega

    WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the National Park Service is awarding nearly $270,000 for historic preservation projects in New Mexico through the Save America's Treasures program. The Village of Santa Clara will use funds to make repairs in Fort Bayard located near Santa Clara, N.M. and Cornerstones Community Partnerships will use funds to restore Casita Desiderio y Pablita Ortega, part of Plaza del Cerro, located in Chimayo, N.M. The grants are awarded to preserve and protect historic properties that represent our nation's rich cultural heritage. Read More

  • Heinrich To Convene Roundtable On New Mexico’s Role In Artificial Intelligence

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - On Thursday, May 30, at 11 a.m. MT, in Albuquerque, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will convene a roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the challenges and opportunities this transformational digital technology presents.  The event will bring together leaders from technology companies, universities, and our national laboratories to discuss how to prepare New Mexico's workforce for AI careers, utilize investments in research and development, and formulate policies to keep innovations on a responsible path. Read More

  • New generation shows climate leadership

    A new generation of young leaders in New Mexico and around the world recognize that climate change is an existential threat. They are demanding that their elected leaders get to work on finding solutions to mitigate its devastating impacts. Unlike previous generations who have delayed and denied climate change, I strongly believe that this rising generation of students and activists is going to be critical catalyst for solving this issue. Read More

  • Udall, Haaland, New Mexico Delegation Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Federal Legislation to Prohibit School 'Lunch Shaming'

    WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall and U.S. Representative Deb Haaland, along with Senator Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Luján, Assistant Speaker of the House, and Xochitl Torres Small, introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit school "lunch shaming" - the practice of discriminating against or stigmatizing children who have outstanding credit or don't have enough money to pay for meals at school. The Anti-Lunch Shaming Act would ban schools from singling out children — such as by requiring them to wear hand stamps or do extra chores — because their parents or guardians have not paid their school meal bills. Read More

  • Heinrich Opens Application Process For Service Academy Nominations, Sets Information Sessions Across New Mexico

    pril 5, 2019 - Beginning April 8, 2019 until October 11, 2019, the Office of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will accept applications from high school students and recent high school graduates seeking a service academy nomination. Being nominated is a significant honor and the application process is rigorous. The first information session will take place on April 11, 2019 in Farmington, followed by sessions in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces.    Read More

  • Heinrich, Alexander Secure Passage Of Every Kid Outdoors Act

    Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, secured final passage in the Senate of their bipartisan legislation, the Every KidOutdoors Act, as part of the broader Natural Resources Management Act that passed with a 92-8 vote. The Every Kid Outdoors Act will provide America's fourth graders and their families free entrance to America's public lands, waters, and historic sites, including national parks – more than 2,000 sites in all.    Read More