New Mexico House approves teacher salary increases in House Bill 156

The New Mexico Senate Finance Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss several key legislative measures, with a primary focus on House Bill 156, which proposes significant salary increases for teachers across the state.

House Bill 156 aims to raise the salaries of teachers to $55,000 for Level 1, $65,000 for Level 2, and $75,000 for Level 3. This adjustment is intended to address inflation and rising insurance costs since 2022, making teaching salaries more competitive with other professions. The bill received strong support from educational advocates, including Edward Webstrom from NEA New Mexico, who urged committee members to vote in favor of the proposal.

During the meeting, the committee also discussed amendments to the bill, which were described as necessary to ensure fair treatment within the Senate. The amendments were adopted without objection, and the committee moved forward with a motion for the bill to pass as amended. The motion was approved unanimously, reflecting a strong consensus among committee members regarding the importance of supporting educators.

Senator Brandt highlighted the progress made in teacher salary increases over the past four years, noting that New Mexico now offers higher starting salaries for teachers compared to neighboring states. Despite these advancements, concerns were raised about the overall educational outcomes in the state, with only a small percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations in math and reading.

The committee's actions signal a commitment to improving teacher compensation as part of broader efforts to enhance educational quality in New Mexico. The next steps will involve further discussions on related bills, including House Bill 137, as the committee continues its legislative agenda.