Parents and early educators from across New Mexico will meet with members of the Legislative Finance Committee to address their goals for the state’s early education system on Aug. 19. The meeting will take place at the Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales SW, in Albuquerque, at 1 pm.

During the meeting, parents and early educators will share personal experiences, challenges, and ideas concerning the early education system. They hope to relay their goals for early education funding, which includes the programs that must be protected, like zero copays for parents and increasing early educator wages. They plan to focus the meeting on the need for a wage and career ladder for early...

I have to admit—I don’t know much about Star Wars. Somehow I missed the window to watch them during my formative years. Although I have glasses, write about grammar and prefer staying inside, my lack of Star Wars appreciation makes others seriously second-guess my nerd street cred.

Here’s what I do know about Star Wars: Luke and Leia were brother and sister, which made things awkward, especially after they kissed. Darth Vader was Luke’s dad. We pretend Episode I never happened (especially Jar Jar). Han shot first. What shot second. And I don’t know is on third. Also, Yoda is an awesome green Muppet (voiced by Frank Oz, who also voiced Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Cookie Monster...

As Gen Xers and Millennials move into planning their post-career lives, there has been a shift in their thinking. Healthcare costs in retirement have now become the top concern of those over 50. However, this awareness of poor health’s impact on retirement has not translated into more people factoring mental and physical health needs into their plans.

Want to stave off cognitive decline? Stay purpose-driven, active, and health-conscious. According to the CDC, nearly 16 million Americans experience some cognitive decline. Cognitive decline runs the gamut from occasional forgetfulness to the inability to learn new skills or perform routine daily activities. New research supported by...

From a young age, we teach our children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and cleaning up after themselves when they make a mess. We should expect the same from the oil and gas industry working in New Mexico.

But for far too long, antiquated policies under the current leasing system have left our families on the hook to pay to clean up messes left behind by bankrupt oil and gas companies – messes involving orphaned wells with decaying and leaking infrastructure that can pollute our air and water. This has robbed our communities of tax dollars that could have been put to use improving our children’s classrooms, and our hospitals and roadways.

Thankfully...