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New Mexico Judiciary Cuts Spending Amid State Budget Crunch

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's judiciary system is cutting travel reimbursements to help rein in spending as the state wrestles with a budget shortfall. The Administrative Office of the Courts announced Tuesday plans to save about $500,000 this fiscal year by lowering the mileage reimbursement rate for travel by judges, court staff, jurors, interpreters and court-ordered witnesses. The New Mexico Legislature is preparing for a possible special session to replenish depleted operating reserves and address revenue shortfalls linked to energy markets. Gov. Susana Martinez has directed agencies under her control to attempt to trim spending by 5 percent with some exceptions. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels says that even a 1 percent spending reduction by the judiciary would affect some drug courts, while a 3 percent would impact jobs and court hours.