New Mexico lawmakers consider $1,200 payment to unemployed

By CEDAR ATTANASIO AP/Report for America
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers considering a virus relief bill during a one-day legislative session called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill aims to inject about $350 million in direct economic aid for the unemployed, small businesses and emergency housing subsidies. For workers laid off during the pandemic, it would provide a $1,200 one-time payment to help hurting households.  Money may also be allocated for increased COVID-19 testing capacity to speed up results. Lawmakers say the proposed spending will be made possible by federal relief funding previously assigned to New Mexico.