Credit Rep. Patricia Lundstrom LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico House passed a $7.39 billion budget Wednesday, Feb. 24, that would increase spending by 4.6 percent, with much of that going to schools, health care and state employees.
After moving through the House Finance and Appropriations Committee on a unanimous vote, House Bill 2 passed the House on a 60-10 vote. Republicans who opposed the bill questioned some of the increases, but praised the process led by Committee Chair Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup.
“We can proudly say that we completed our constitutional responsibility of preparing a state budget during one of the most trying times the state of New Mexico has ever faced,” she said. “The pandemic, along with economic volatility, is a challenge for any budget maker, but we pushed through, and proudly, with a unanimous vote coming out of committee.”
Damian Lara named City of Albuquerque deputy director of economic development bizjournals.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bizjournals.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
February 23, 2021
New Mexicans should expect smoother roads and state government employees can look forward to a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment in the upcoming fiscal year under a $7.39 billion spending plan the House Appropriations and Finance Committee unanimously approved Monday.
The proposed budget, which represents a 4.6 percent increase over the current fiscal year, includes $300 million for state and local roads.
The proposal also calls for $64 million in spending for a cost-of-living adjustment for all state government, public school and higher education employees.
“This is the cleanest bill I’ve seen in the last 20 years,” said Rep. Patty Lundstrom, a Gallup Democrat who chairs the committee. “There’s no love handles on this bill.”
State Budget Passes Committee, Moves To Full Vote ladailypost.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ladailypost.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Morgan Lee, Associated Press
A bill to shore up abortion rights in New Mexico by overturning a dormant 1969 ban on most abortion procedures has been approved by the Legislature, which is led by Democrats.
The state House passed the bill Friday and sent it to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has said she will sign it. The initiative stands as a counterpoint to proposed abortion bans this year in several Republican-led legislatures.
If left in place, New Mexico s ban on most abortion procedures could go into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.