Governor Bill Richardson says he wants to expand arts education

SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson released the following statement about his plans for arts education:

I am strongly committed to arts in schools. Art instruction is very important, and should be a key component in our schools.

However, I object to paying for an arts program that this year benefited just 20 percent of New Mexico’s schools, while excluding 80 percent.

Let me be clear - I am not cutting the arts budget in schools. I have asked my Education Secretary Veronica Garcia to give me alternative proposals to fund arts and other priorities in an equitable and consistent manner for all New Mexico children.

Art instruction should be funded, but it should not be funded at the expense of reading, math and science - nor should it be treated any differently than those priorities.

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