SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is unveiling a $6.46 billion budget proposal that emphasizes increased spending on public education, law enforcement initiatives and economic development programs.
Martinez announced her budget recommendations Tuesday at Corrections Department offices in downtown Albuquerque. Legislators convene later this month to craft a state budget.
The Republican governor wants to increase spending by $282 million over last year. That represents a 3.7 percent expansion.
About $101 million in new spending would go toward efforts to improve public education. Base pay for public school teachers would rise by $2,000.
Pay raises also are planned for prison guards, probation and parole officers, state police and child abuse case workers.
New state expenses associated with the federal expansion of Medicaid would consume $69 million.