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We made a great step forward when we initiated the state supercomputing center-the first public-private partnership of its kind. Now companies and universities are using the supercomputer to create alternative fuels, develop solar energy projects, and attract millions of dollars in venture capital. And the supercomputer's next task? ----Turning two-dimensional movies into 3-D movies for Hollywood and earning hard dollars for state coffers.
On renewable energy, we lead by example, having nearly tripled our usage of wind- powered electricity over the last six years. But each year our current electrical grid loses over one hundred megawatts of power through inefficiency and out-of-date technology.
I propose we lead the nation in the construction of a Green Grid to harness the power of solar and wind, and use smart electronics to deliver energy to consumers cheaper and more efficiently.
The Green Grid will also help us tackle the toughest environmental challenge we face----Climate change.
Climate change threatens New Mexico tourism, recreation, forestry, agriculture and our precious water resources---in short, our quality of life, and our way of life. We've joined forces with eleven states and provinces to form the Western Climate Initiative and implement a regional cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I'm proposing we take a bold new step and pass the New Mexico Global Warming Solutions Act to start carbon trading in the region.
Next, we should extend the hybrid vehicle tax credit, and help keep fuel-efficient cars and trucks affordable.
This year we will also pursue a carbon storage enabling act, because before we move forward on clean coal or natural gas, we need a clear regulatory framework.
I also am calling for the creation of a new Pecos Canyon State Park, the fifth I've established as Governor, to join the thirty-five other treasures that make up our world-class State Park system.
The fourth point on my economic security plan is to help working families make ends meet.
We are expanding healthy breakfasts to 270 elementary schools, and will cover more than 100 thousand elementary students. We will continue before- and after-school programs, provide kids with healthy food choices, and make sure our children get physical education.
These programs help give working families a little more time at the job and assurance that their child's basic needs are being met.
And to safeguard against food insecurity for our poorest citizens, I will support the construction of a major new warehouse for the Roadrunner Food Bank.
Next, we recognize that many families with young children depend on safe, affordable childcare in order to stay working. But now, childcare costs can run more than $5 thousand dollars per year. And those costs often decide whether a parent can afford to stay in the workforce.
For our lowest income families, we need to keep expanding child care assistance until we get to double the federal poverty level. And for the 12 thousand working families making less than twice the minimum wage, we should double the Child Day Care tax credit over the next two years. That means that a working family with two children would see their credit more than double.
And for the families struggling to make ends meet-many of whom are asking for government help for the first time—we will be there. That means assistance to put food on the table, keep the heat and lights on, train them with new skills, offer basic health insurance, and provide them enough income to get them to their next job.
