Editor's Note: This is part 5 of a multi-part series of articles on the Prospectors' Legislative Communication Forum, held Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at Western New Mexico University's Light Hall. This article will complete the education presentations.
Bruce Ashburn, Prospectors president, served as the moderator in front of in front of Sen. Howie Morales, Rep. Dianne Hamilton and Rep. John Zimmerman.
Next is WNMU Early Childhood Education Center, Ashburn said.
"I work with an amazing group of women—Elaine Howard, lab site program administrator and Cindy Manos, early childhood programs budget manager," Shannon Rivera, Director of WNMU Early Childhood Education Center, introduced those with her.
"We are requesting $275,000 to support a bright future for our children," Rivera said. "Last year, we requested $211,000. This year we are asking for an increase of $63,900. This is our 16th year of receiving funding. In 2007, we received a little over $500,000 and have lost funding each year. We know that early childhood programs are an economic investment. They increase graduations rates, reduce teen pregnancy, increase chances for students to attend college, support career preparation and support the development of productive citizens.