Governor Signs Historic, Bipartisan House Budget
Putting Unprecedented State Revenues to Work for New Mexicans with Responsible Investments in Education, Public Safety, Environmental Protections, and Economic Development
Santa Fe, NM﹘Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB 2, the General Appropriations Act, which will be New Mexico’s state budget for fiscal year 2023. This budget totals $8.48 billion, up 13.9% from last year while maintaining a robust 28.5% reserve.
“This budget puts our state revenues to work for the people of New Mexico, with smart investments that will grow our economy, create jobs, help our children and families thrive, and make neighborhoods safer across the state,” said House Appropriations and Finance Committee (HAFC) Chair, Representative Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup). “I am incredibly proud that we are able to make these responsible investments that will have a real impact for New Mexicans, while maintaining our robust reserve.”
The budget invests $3.87 billion in public schools and calls for an average 7% salary increase for teachers and other school personnel and increases minimum salaries for teachers to help our state recruit and retain talented education professionals. It also includes $15 million for the Indian Education Fund. This budget also funds the Opportunity Scholarship which will make college effectively free for many New Mexicans, including non-traditional students pursuing higher education later in life while balancing their career and family responsibilities.
To make streets and communities safer across New Mexico, the budget includes funding for a multifaceted approach to addressing crime, including 16% raises for state police, and big investments in housing, behavioral health, and violence intervention programs to address the root causes of crime.
The budget invests in job training programs and local businesses, including $50 million in funding for the Local Economic Development Act, to help attract business and create jobs statewide.
The budget significantly increases funding for the Environment Department and the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department to better enforce the environmental standards under their purview, proactively address climate change, and help New Mexico succeed in an expanding low-carbon economy. It also includes $30 million for drought mitigation efforts and $10 for dam rehabilitation.
“The historic investments we are making today will help us diversify our economy, create jobs, create our clean energy future, and ensure children across New Mexico get the high quality education they deserve,” said Representative Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Vice-Chair of HAFC.
The budget also includes major investments in healthcare, including fully funding Medicaid and eliminating the long waitlist for people with developmental disabilities to receive in-home care. Additionally, it includes $10 million for the development of new facilities at the state veteran’s home in Truth or Consequences.
During the Legislative Session, HB 2 passed the House with a vote of 56 to 13 and the Senate by a vote of 37 to 3, demonstrating strong bipartisan support.
The Governor has until March 10th to sign bills into law, after which, any bills not signed will be pocket-vetoed. Legislation can be monitored on the New Mexico Legislative website.
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