The LANL Foundation, New Mexico’s largest foundation exclusively focused on education, has announced its 2026 legislative priorities aimed at strengthening public education, expanding workforce pathways, and supporting students and families across northern New Mexico. These priorities emphasize evidence-based approaches to improve education systems, reflect community needs, build on past policy successes, and contribute to a strong and inclusive state economy. Since 2022, the foundation has successfully advocated for $990.5 million in appropriations and 16 bills signed into law, working collaboratively with public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit partners to expand education and career opportunities.
The foundation’s priorities include examining public education governance through the creation of a workgroup under the Legislative Education Study Committee. This initiative will develop recommendations for a statewide education commission, review education statutes, and support long-term planning related to the Martinez-Yazzie decision.
Investments in early childhood education are a key focus, with $60 million proposed to fund wage increases for early childhood professionals. This funding supports the implementation of the Wage and Career Ladder, improving compensation and retention for educators who play a critical role in early learning.
Strengthening STEM education is another priority, with $7.7 million proposed for initiatives such as the STEM Innovation Network, Outdoor Learning programs, AI integration in K–12 education, and math improvement efforts. These programs aim to enhance classroom experiences and prepare students for New Mexico’s growing STEM workforce.
The foundation also supports $5.2 million to establish a School Leadership Bureau, focusing on principal residencies, superintendent support, and school administrator development to improve teacher retention, student outcomes, and overall school stability. Additionally, $50 million is proposed for career technical education, work-based learning, internships, Innovation Zones, and the Summer Enrichment Internship Program, ensuring students have access to meaningful pathways into high-demand careers.
To address workforce transitions in renewable energy and climate-resilient industries, the foundation advocates for increased investments in the Community Benefit Fund administered by the Department of Workforce Solutions. High-quality literacy and math instruction are emphasized through the proposed High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act and amendments to strengthen math teacher licensure and statewide instructional standards.
The foundation also supports codifying the New Mexico Special Education Act to ensure comprehensive frameworks and additional supports for students with disabilities, alongside attendance initiatives to reduce exclusionary practices and chronic absenteeism. Workforce development initiatives include sustaining the Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunity Program with $600,000 and allocating $3 million in funding for WIOA-eligible participants affected by federal cuts.
Finally, the foundation calls for a three-year hold harmless provision for schools and districts impacted by changes to at-risk funding calculations, ensuring that smaller districts, particularly in northern New Mexico, are not disproportionately affected. These legislative priorities collectively aim to strengthen education systems, expand workforce opportunities, and ensure equitable support for students, educators, and communities across the state.
