Governor Richardson's Policy Initiatives

Promises made, promises kept

Governor Richardson promised when he ran for office to work tirelessly on behalf of all New Mexicans. During the Governor's first two legislative sessions, 78 out of 95 proposals outlined during his State of the State addresses have become reality - for an 82% success rate.

Overall, more than 90% of the initiatives that Governor Richardson promised during the 2002 campaign have become reality - everything from cutting income taxes and eliminating the tax on food to paying teachers better and increasing penalties for drunken drivers.

As a result, New Mexico is a state that is on the move. New Mexico is no longer at the bottom of all the state-by-state comparison lists. Under Governor Richardson's leadership, 27,400 jobs have been created since he took office in January 2003. That's more than double the 12,300 jobs that were created during the 16 previous months.

During his first year in office, Governor Richardson worked with educators, business leaders, labor activists, rural towns, urban communities, Republicans and Democrats to make major changes in New Mexico's public schools. The governor helped to convince voters to invest money in classrooms, not administration, while holding teachers and students accountable. The changes have resulted in 8 percent pay raises for teachers, and a new professional salary system that is the envy of the nation.

Governor Richardson is moving New Mexico forward, and it is
making a difference in the lives of New Mexico families.