Budget headed to governor’s desk

SANTA FE — A $10.22 billion budget was adopted by the New Mexico House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The body, by a voice vote, approved changes to the budget made by the Senate.

The budget, which is now headed to the governor’s desk, was a happy medium between a $10.5 billion budget proposed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the $10.1 billion proposal from the Legislative Finance Committee for the fiscal year that begins in July.

This year’s budget is 7% higher than last year’s, and is largely funded by oil and gas dollars.

Some of the changes made in the Senate Finance Committee include a $400 million increase in one-time spending for programs, including $25 million for local law enforcement recruitment, $5 million for food bank emergency assistance and $20 million for firefighter recruitment.

Other changes include $20 million in recurring funds for universal school meals, additional funding for developmental disability waivers and more money for the administration of the Health Care Authority.

Senior and disabled veterans would also be able to receive four times the amount of monthly supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits.

Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, said he was happy with the changes.

“They took their time with it, but they did a good job,” Small said.

One change became the point of debate: the reduction of a 4% raise for state public employees to 3%. The cut was criticized by the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico on Monday.

But other features have stayed the same. Education still makes up the biggest piece — $4.3 billion — of the budget. Reserves also remain high, at 31%.

Ultimately, the bill was adopted. The governor will have an opportunity to use her line item veto on the budget.