Gov. Richardson has unveiled his high school reform plan for New Mexico. It looks good. It creates a high school “diploma of excellence” for high-achieving students, raises graduation requirements (in MATH!), adds funding for teacher training and AP courses, adds funding for pre-AP courses for kids in underserved areas, and other stuff.

The year of the child continues. Education is, hands down, one of the smartest investments you can make as a state. The money you put into educating children will pay off in the most unexpected and immeasurable ways. Education is a core issue of the Democratic party, an issue of national importance and moral depth, and it is one on which this governor has been absolutely, positively excellent. Bravo; here’s to more to come.