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

"On to the West"

Bill Richardson finished a predictable fourth in New Hampshire and, with 96% of precincts reporting, had garnered 5% of the vote.

But that doesn't faze the governor: he has pledged to stay in the presidential race through Super Tuesday (February 5th), when many western primaries will be held. The first will be Nevada, on January 19, but most will be on February 5. The governor is more well-known on the west coast, and is the front runner in New Mexico. He'll have the opportunity to place in the top 3 and perhaps higher in other western Super Tuesday states, such as Idaho, Colorado, Arizona and Utah.

It's good to see the governor in high spirits--it certainly trickles down to his supporters.

--Wyndam