SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Democrat-led New Mexico House of Representatives on Thursday approved a spending plan for the coming fiscal year that would channel a windfall of state income toward public education, infrastructure projects and pay raises for public officials.
The $7 billion general fund budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 would increase annual state spending by nearly $700 million, or about 11 percent.
Roughly $450 million of that increase would go toward education initiatives as lawmakers grapple with a court order to provide more resources to struggling schools and minority students in particular.
The bill also includes $150 million in one-time subsidies for the film industry and would reinstate intercollegiate soccer, skiing and beach volleyball teams at the University of New Mexico.
It passed 46-23 with support from Democrats and one Republican, Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert of Corrales. It now heads to the Senate for consideration and likely amendments.