Released: October 19, 2016
In the upcoming election, Santa Fe County voters can invest in the state’s public colleges and universities without an increase to their property taxes. General Obligation Bond C (GO Bond C) proposes $131,106,200 for New Mexico’s public colleges and universities, of which $1.5 million will support Santa Fe Community College. These funds will be used to make infrastructure improvements, helping SFCC to continue providing a safe, clean and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and the public. GO Bond C will also support the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and the New Mexico School for the Deaf. In all, Santa Fe County public institutions would receive $5.5 million with the passage of GO Bond C. General Obligation Bond B (GO Bond B) is also on the ballot this election cycle. GO Bond B will provide $10M to libraries, with over $42,000 coming to SFCC’s library if voters approve the Bond. In addition, other Santa Fe area libraries, including Santa Fe Public Library, Santa Fe Public Schools libraries and IAIA could receive nearly $380,000.
“Like most public institutions, Santa Fe Community College is continuously maintaining and upgrading basic infrastructure in order to meet the needs of students and the public. A yes vote on GO Bond C will make it possible for SFCC to replace out-of-date systems on campus with more efficient equipment,” said Randy W. Grissom, SFCC’s President.
Specifically, SFCC would use GO Bond C funding for infrastructure, mechanical and electrical equipment improvement and roofing. In addition, because SFCC maintains its own waste water system, passage of Bond C will allow for improvements to the system. Voter-approved GO Bonds are the only source of funding for many New Mexico public colleges and universities. Some use GO Bond C to repair and renovate aging structures, while others invest in critical science, technology, engineering and math programs, essential to remaining competitive and attracting the best and brightest students from around the globe. Bond monies support preparing students for high-paying careers that encourage them to stay in New Mexico after graduation, working here and contributing to a healthy economy. GO Bond C will invest more than $131 million in New Mexico public colleges and universities, without increasing taxes. In addition, these projects will create jobs in communities throughout the state.
Absentee voting continues through Election Day. Early voting runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 5. Election Day is Tues., Nov. 8, with polls open for in-person voting 7 a.m.–7 p.m. For additional information about General Obligation Bond C, including a list of projects and schools in Santa Fe County, visit http://www.nmbondc.com/. Specifics for SFCC are at SFCC’s GO Bond webpage. Funding for the GO Bond C Campaign is provided by the 2016 GO Bond for Education Committee. For a complete list of all of the library funding across the state, see http://bondsforlibraries.nmla.org/.
For more than 35 years, Santa Fe Community College has been the gateway to success for individuals and the community by providing affordable, high quality educational programs that serve the social, cultural, technological, and economic needs of a diverse community. SFCC is a designated Best for Vets and Military Friendly school. The college serves more than 12,000 students per year in its credit, noncredit and adult programs. For further information, visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000. Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn.
