Legislative Finance Committe

In a sweeping new policy report presented to the Legislative Finance Committee Thursday, analysts say “piecemeal” funding and various local water system shortfalls need to be addressed to keep New Mexico’s aging water infrastructure healthy.

After the governor made massive cuts to the Legislature’s tax relief bill last year, lawmakers are proposing an even more conservative approach than she is this time around.

Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal told the Legislative Finance Committee on Wednesday that money from the Healthcare Affordability Fund had saved small businesses and their employees $12.5 million by November 1, and lowered the cost of personal insurance coverage.

At a committee hearing held Thursday in Chama, program evaluator Nathan Eckberg said that prevention programs are effective and should be prioritized.

The proposed Hermit's Peak Fire Assistance Act would allow anyone affected by the fire to claim full compensation, because the state's largest-ever wildfire began as two planned burns by the US Forest Service.

New Mexico legislative leaders say talks are underway to try to forge a compromise on a funding bill for building work and other projects across the…