SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico House of Representatives is poised to vote on a proposal to divert additional money toward early childhood education from a multibillion-dollar state trust fund.
Debate began Friday evening on the House floor about a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase annual distributions from the state’s $17 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund.
The amendment would provide about $145 million a year in additional public spending on early educational services for infants and preschool-aged children. Approval requires a majority vote of all legislators, a statewide public vote and the consent of Congress.
Lawmakers are confronting a court order to provide greater resources to public education, including early childhood programs. Recent attempts to increase distributions from the permanent fund have stalled in the state Senate.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.