The New Mexico Senate has approved a $6.2 billion spending proposal for the next fiscal year.
Senators Monday night took up a budget bill largely unchanged from what the House approved last month.
The spending plan includes pay raises for new teachers and state police officers. Most department budgets remain flat, but education, the state's child welfare agency and tourism department get more money.
Gov. Susana Martinez and lawmakers have highlighted education as a priority with low performing schools. The bill calls for a $37 million bump for education initiatives.
The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved the bill last week, slightly rearranging appropriations for health and human services, public schools, and restoring cuts in higher education.
Adopting a budget is a must-do assignment for lawmakers before the session adjourns Saturday.
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