TOP OF MIND: What were your takeaways from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's Tuesday speech at the DNC?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

Should the proposed baby bonds, which would allocate $6,000 for every New Mexican baby born after July 2025, be approved in the next 60-day legislative session?

“I fully support the Legislature working on and passing the baby bonds in the 2025 legislative session. Baby bonds help dismantle systemic inequities and foster a future where all families can build generational wealth, contributing to a more inclusive and thriving community.”

— Molly Swank, Albuquerque

“No. New Mexico’s welfare state is already out of control. Baby bonds are just another money grab effort on the state’s sovereign wealth fund. If you decide to have children, then prepare yourself for the required sacrifices. Do not rely on the largesse of other taxpayers.”

— Russel Hall, Albuquerque

“Yes, as inflation increases, the wealth gap also increases. It is important to think about generations moving forward and how we can decrease this gap and create generational wealth. Baby bonds are an answer to this.”

— Octavio Munoz, Albuquerque

“The proposed $6,000 baby bonds are yet another scheme to capture votes and disburse state funds unfairly. How about the multitude of folks without babies having to pay for families with many kids? New Mexico Legislature needs to return a portion of oil/gas surplus revenues to all taxpaying citizens.”

— Dave Coulie, Albuquerque

“Yes. In time, baby bonds will allow young New Mexican adults to have the wealth necessary for greater economic security and stability, along with increased opportunities for homeownership, higher educational obtainment, capital to start a business, and other wealth-building opportunities that have alluded too many, generation after generation.”

— Paige Knight, Albuquerque

“The Legislature has pushed many worse ideas than baby bonds. But, why wait until the kid is 18 to hand them the check especially in a state where the education system is failing? Why not just provide school choice?”

— Paul Gessing, Albuquerque

“The idea could work, it’s similar to the existing lottery or opportunity scholarship for college. The rules need to be clear and well-defined for it to work.”

— Alexander Jones, Los Lunas

“Handing an 18–21-year-old a large sum of money and expecting them to spend the money responsibly is like the taxpayers of New Mexico thinking our state legislators will spend our money responsibly. It won’t happen. The baby bond legislation is a complete waste of time.”

— Michael Davis, Albuquerque

“Baby bonds would help break the cycle of poverty in the state of New Mexico. Imagine if all children had a fair shot at their future regardless of the income status of their families. Baby bonds would help to make that a reality.”

— Candace Cichuniec, Las Cruces

“Just another handout. If New Mexico is flush with cash eliminate state taxes and refund those who paid taxes in the first place. Handouts don’t work.”

— Lori Berry, Tijeras

“Baby bonds are a chance to advocate for our children’s future. Let’s come together and show our support for baby bonds. Your voice can make a difference in securing this vital investment in our children’s future. Our N.M. families and children deserve a better future.”

— Lizzet Vargas, Albuquerque

“The baby bonds should not be approved. What the Legislature giveth, the Legislature can and will taketh back. If they see lots of money sitting in some account they’ll get their paws on it.”

— Marie Yordy, Albuquerque

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

"What were your takeaways from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's Tuesday speech at the Democratic National Convention?"

Submit your response at: https://www.abqjournal.com/site/forms/online_services/top_of_mind/

Responses must include your name and city of residence to be published.