The Latest: Budget bill provides raises for politicians

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A revised spending bill for New Mexico state government includes a 10 percent pay raise for utility regulators and statewide elected officials including the state's next governor. The budget bill is headed to the state House of Representatives for a vote after approval Tuesday by a panel of lawmakers. Senate revisions are pending. The plan would provide a 10 percent pay increase starting Jan. 1, 2019, to the governor, attorney general, state treasurer, state auditor and secretary of state, as well as members of the Public Regulation Commission. The bill provides enough money for school districts to increase teacher salaries by an average of 2.5 percent. Compensation for state workers would rise by 2 percent, with greater increases slated for law enforcement, corrections officers and the judiciary.