A legislative committee has recommended boosting funding for education and child welfare initiatives with a budget proposal that would increase overall spending in New Mexico by $140 million next year.
The plan from the Legislative Finance Committee provides for an additional $71 million in general funds for public schools and $25 million for expanding programs that specifically target early childhood initiatives such as prekindergarten programs.
The budget proposal will form the foundation for the Legislature's spending decisions when lawmakers convene for a 60-day session on Jan. 20.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has also said education will be a priority.
Lawmakers warned Friday the drop in oil prices has resulted in uncertainty about how much the state will actually have to spend in the next fiscal year and more adjustments are expected once the session starts.
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