Budget presentation highlights early childhood, health-care and water investments in House Bill 2
Loading...
Summary
Presenters told Senate Finance the House bill 2 framework would add $36 million in new recurring spending and prioritize early childhood, health-care affordability, housing and water investments, including $80M for universal childcare and $300M for water projects.
Representatives briefing the Senate Finance Committee outlined the House appropriations framework in advance of committee budget work on House Bill 2.
Presenters said the proposal represents about a 2.7% increase in recurring spending and includes roughly $36 million in new recurring commitments. Major priorities listed include $80 million directed to universal childcare (using federal funds and state match), $63 million in a health-care affordability fund to shield New Mexicans from potential Medicaid changes, $150 million in economic development funding with $75 million targeted for research and development and $300 million in water investments. The presenters also said $55 million in water settlement funding has been dedicated to date and that additional targeted sums—such as $10 million for tribal housing infrastructure and $13.5 million for outdoor recreation grants—are included.
Committee members asked about amounts for water testing, career and technical education and program-specific maintenance-of-effort rules; presenters provided estimates and said work will continue to refine allocations. The committee adjourned with plans to reconvene the next morning.
