A $6.2 billion spending proposal for the next fiscal year has been left largely intact by a New Mexico Senate committee.
Adopting a budget is a must-do assignment for lawmakers before the session adjourns March 21.
The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved the budget bill Tuesday. The full Senate could vote on the plan as early as Saturday.
The measure cleared the House last month.
The spending plan includes pay raises for new teachers and state police officers. Most department budgets remain flat, but the bill boosts spending for education, the state's child welfare agency and tourism.
Gov. Susana Martinez and lawmakers have highlighted education as a priority with some of the lowest performing schools in the nation. The bill calls for a $37 million bump for education initiatives.
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