Richardson proposes New Mexico budget

The governor detailed his proposed six billion dollar budget for New Mexico yesterday. It is heavily focused on education and health care. Among the highlights:

$119 million increase for "public schools, the Department of Education and other education programs." Included is a 3% pay raise for teachers. An additional $9.3 million was set aside to "expand pre-kindergarten programs across the state."

$110 million increase in Medicaid aimed at providing "medical services for children in lower income families." $9 million of this appropriation will go toward providing "health care coverage for an addition 9,000 children."

"2% pay raises for state employees."

$39 million increase for "the state's higher education network." This includes a 2% pay increase for "faculty and staff at [state] colleges and universities."

--Wyndam