New Mexico House, Senate reach budget compromise

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Leading New Mexico lawmakers have resolved a budget standoff between the House and Senate that is delaying approval of a $6.3 billion spending bill. A conference committee of six lawmakers from the House and Senate agreed Wednesday to adjustments in spending on road maintenance, highway restroom upkeep, school district reimbursements and subsidies for police hiring. Rep. Patricia Lundstrom said it was important to preserve spending on roads to boost employment and the state economy. She also described the budget disagreements as no big deal. The committee agreed to $44 million in general fund spending on statewide road maintenance for the coming fiscal year. The state will return $5 million to public school district accounts, and earmark $4 million toward highway rest stops. -