Legislative Finance Committee

A nonprofit research firm says New Mexico doesn’t have enough funding in place to properly maintain and improve the state’s transportation system. What’s more, declining and deficient infrastructure is costing New Mexicans billions of dollars.

One of the largest general fund appropriations in the department’s history, the recommendation from the Legislative Finance Committee – which would be spread across three years – would bring aid for “species of greatest conservation need” with dwindling or threatened populations.

The Legislative Finance Committee released its recommendations ahead of the beginning of the session next week. They were close to a budget the Governor released last year.

In Santa Fe, state agencies galore made their case for a piece of the state’s expanding general fund this week as they presented budget requests. KUNM’s Daniel Montaño reports the state’s newest agency pitched a second year budget $3.1 billion more than its first year’s

Children, Youth, and Families Department Sec. Teresa Casados told lawmakers Tuesday that, while the department is improving, it needs more funding to make real progress.

Students across the U.S. are shifting away from traditional four-year college degrees, opting instead for post-secondary certificates. Over the last decade, New Mexico has seen a huge rise in enrollment in these types of programs, according to a new report.

The Children, Youth, and Families Department is embroiled in scandal that has left substantial frustration, especially as lawmakers questioned the department’s efficacy in the last legislative session. Wednesday Legislators heard updates on child maltreatment and workforce shortages and possible solutions to address these longstanding challenges.

Hospitals in New Mexico are facing financial challenges, with concerns about profitability and sustainability. During a legislative health and human services committee meeting Monday, the committee discussed ways to better manage and hold hospitals accountable.

In the last legislative session, no reforms were made to oil and gas regulations despite bills to impose fines for oil spills, limit fresh water use and create buffers around schools. Looking forward to next year's session, the Legislative Finance Committee met in oil-rich southeastern New Mexico Tuesday to discuss reintroducing one of those failed proposals — setbacks for wells.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill Monday that amends state law dealing with detaining defendants before they’re given a fair trial. It requires that courts jail people accused of committing a second felony while awaiting trial for a first until a hearing is held to review their conditions of release. The governor and bill sponsor Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Bernalillo) touted the measure at its signing as a major win for public safety, but it may have little impact.