New Mexico's Democratic-led Legislature sent an annual spending plan Wednesday to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for consideration that would increase annual general fund spending by 14% to underwrite tuition-free college, bolster rural rural health care networks and expand no-pay day care and prekindergarten.
"In brief, this ensures that the state keeps a close eye on vulnerable newborns and the family receives the support they need to thrive," said sponsor Senator Gay Kernan (R-Hobbs)
New Mexico's House of Representatives endorsed a 12% increase in annual state general fund spending Thursday, in a bill that would expand public support for early childhood education, shore up rural health care providers, and boost salaries and benefits for state workers and public school teachers.