SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A plan to slash New Mexico state agency spending by nearly 3 percent with the exception of public safety and child welfare programs was approved Wednesday by the state House of Representatives.
The proposal closely resembles a Senate-approved bill, and House Republican majority leader Nate Gentry said he had negotiated a "handshake" compromise with Senate leaders that resolved disagreements by cutting higher education funding by 5 percent. House Republicans initially advocated for greater cuts to public colleges, universities and vocational schools.
The House bill would deepen Senate approved cuts to 5.5 percent of current operating budgets at most agencies, including departments overseeing public health programs, taxation and revenue, economic development, state museums and historic sites, along with the state attorney general's office.
The 36-32 vote in the House advances a key budget solvency provision as lawmakers confront a nearly $600 million general fund shortfall linked to a downturn in oil and gas markets.
"This is about the least fun I've ever had in Santa Fe is figuring out what areas of government to cut," Gentry said. "Gridlock cannot prevail here because if it does, government shuts down."...
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