Albuquerque, NM --- Opening session kicked off this morning with an opening speech from New Mexico’s Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales. Howie Morales (D) is currently serving as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. With nearly 40 participants, the guest speaker spoke to the opening session about service both in our community and our families.
Morales emphasized how “we can bring people together” when asked about the recent New Mexico legislative session. He spoke about differences in Santa Fe during the pandemic saying “Being in the roundhouse in 2021 is much different than when I was in the roundhouse in 2008.”
Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales thanked students for their hard work on this virtual conference during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He continued saying, “You're not the leaders of the future, you're the leaders of now.”
Morales’ youth counterpart, Lt. Governor Gabriella Delgado, said “It's incredible that this program has such opportunities.” She continued “He gave us some very important insight into his job and our government.” The Lt. Governor explained how he works to bring both sides together to get things done in Santa Fe.
Official Statement from Governor Olivia Taub:
"Seeing Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales at our opening session this morning was incredible. Oftentimes delegates in Youth and Government forget about how important their voices and opinions are. Students talk to each other about their work, but seeing an elected official at this conference and hearing him remind us of our impact is incredibly inspiring. His message felt personal and genuine, something that today’s youth looks for in the people that represent us."