The chairman of an influential legislative budget committee says state funding for public education in New Mexico is almost certain to be reduced further to offset plunging state revenues.
Democratic Sen. John Arthur Smith said Thursday that the Legislature cannot leave out potential cuts to public schools as it wards off budget deficits.
Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera is urging lawmakers to hold steady operational funding for educational next fiscal year, after a recent 2.5 percent budget cut. The administration of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez is proposing to tap cash balances at school districts instead. Public education accounts for 43 percent of state general fund spending.
New Mexico's oil-dependent economy is reeling from a downturn in energy markets.
Lawmakers say a possible moratorium on new charter schools might save money.
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