The New Mexico Supreme Court says governors must veto entire sections of the state budget in order to erase specific funding that is included but not itemized.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Supreme Court on Thursday released an opinion explaining its June 11 decision that judges across the state were entitled to a 5 percent pay raise because Gov. Susana Martinez didn't eliminate money for it with a veto.
The written opinion now serves as legal precedent for other cases.
The Supreme Court said that to properly veto the judicial pay raises opposed by Martinez, she had to veto the entire appropriation for all judicial salaries and benefits.
Information from: The Albuquerque Journal.
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