SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A budget bill is advancing toward a Senate vote in New Mexico that would boost public salaries, shore up spending on public education and provide at least $400 million in state spending on economic relief measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Senate finance committee voted 6-4 with majority Democrats in support and Republicans in opposition to endorse amendments to a House-approved budget plan for the coming fiscal year.
State general funds spending would increase by $373 million to $7.45 billion under the proposal for the fiscal year starting July 1.
State spending on public education would increase by 5.8% to $3.35 billion. Public schools in New Mexico rely almost entirely on state spending for operations.
Senate amendments include a $1 million financial lifeline to the athletics department at the University of New Mexico, $750,000 toward the state government transportation fleet as it accelerates the transition to electric vehicles and $2 million toward tourism marketing in the wake of severe financial losses in the hospitality sector.
Approved pandemic relief measures include a tax holiday to restaurants and rebates of up to $600 to low-income residents.
House-approved tax reforms that are under study in the Senate would reduce state income by an estimated $52 million.
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