KWES NewsWest 9 / Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, TX: newswest9.com | NM lawmakers end special session, OK budget cuts

NM lawmakers end special session, OK budget cuts

Associated Press - October 23, 2009 10:15 PM ET

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico lawmakers have ended their special legislative session, sending Gov. Bill Richardson a package of bills aimed at fixing a $650 million shortfall in this year's $5.5 billion state budget.

The measures included a plan to cut spending by $253 million this year in schools and colleges and state programs.

Education cuts had been controversial, and public schools were effectively reduced by less than 1 percent.

State agencies would be trimmed at least 2 percent, some by 4 percent. Those directly under the governor would take a much bigger hit, 7.6 percent.

The package also includes shuffling state money around and filling some gaps with federal stimulus money.

Opponents said spending cuts weren't deep enough and the state could be in worse trouble when lawmakers come back in January for their regular session.

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