SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday issued the following statement after her proposal to ensure tuition-free higher education in New Mexico, the Opportunity Scholarship, was approved on a 5-2 vote by the Senate Education Committee:

“Our proposal to expand access to higher education for New Mexicans has broad support – from universities, from students, from parents and educators all across the state. This is one of the most meaningful positive steps we can take toward a robust cradle-to-career educational system. With the Opportunity Scholarship, we are establishing concrete pathways for New Mexicans who want to stay here, attain skills here and launch a fulfilling career here. I am very glad to see lawmakers joining the march, and I look forward to the next steps.”

Sponsored by Sen. Bill O’Neill, Senate Bill 323 advances next to the Senate Finance Committee. House Bill 14, a companion piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Tomas Salazar, was approved on a bipartisan vote in the House Education Committee on Monday.

In addition to families, students and educators from around the state, supporters of the Opportunity Scholarship include​the Council of University Presidents, the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges, and the New Mexico Independent Community Colleges.