A House committee has approved a proposal to increase spending on public schools by nearly $149 million next year, including at least 3 percent salary increases for all educational employees.
The budget proposal endorsed by the House Education Committee on Wednesday sets the stage for a likely clash with Republican Gov. Susana Martinez over school financing.
Besides a 3 percent pay hike for all workers, the panel recommended raising minimum salaries for all teachers by $2,000. The governor had proposed a $3,000 increase in salaries only for entry-level teachers.
The committee split along party lines in approving its $2.7 billion education budget proposal, which provides for a 5.8 percent spending increase. The governor proposed a 3.9 percent budget increase for schools but no across-the-board salary increase for educational employees.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.