SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Legislature has wrapped up work on a must-do state budget proposal for financing public schools, colleges and government services next year.
A $6 billion budget measure passed the House on Wednesday on a 58-8 vote. The spending plan goes to Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
A spokesman for the governor called the budget a good compromise.
Lawmakers also are sending the governor a measure financing $169 million in capital improvements for colleges, senior citizen centers and libraries.
The budget provides for a 5 percent increase in government spending next year, or $293 million.
Democrats and the governor have been at odds for much of the session over education spending, but the budget provides more than $30 million for initiatives backed by Martinez.