Education Bond D To be Voted On Nov. 4

For Release - September 17, 2009

UNM-Gallup is promoting awareness of Education Bond D on the November 4 general election ballot that allocates money to help improve the aging infrastructure of colleges and universities.

“Better facilities keep our brightest students here and provide the best environment for education,” said Linda Thornton, UNM-Gallup senior public affairs representative and the coordinator of the Gallup campaign. “Better skilled workers attract higher paying jobs. Better paying jobs improve all kinds of community services.”

The $139 million Bond D is paid for by property tax assessment of about 29 cents per year per $10000 of a property’s taxable value. For example, citizens will pay $9.77 per year on a property with an assessed value of $100,000. Those with properties assessed at $250,000 will pay $24.45 a year.

Almost every institution of higher learning in the state will receive some funding for improvements and innovations.

Traditionally, the education bond has passed in McKinley County, but campaign organizers say they cannot afford to be complacent. This year, the bond measure is at the end of the ballot – which can mean voters will give up before they get to the end. Also, bond issues sure may have a tougher time because of the poor economy.