Legislative Affairs Update: January 25, 2010

The latest news from the 2010 Legislative Sessions in Santa Fe.

January 25, 2010

The 2010 Session of the NM Legislature resumed today, getting back to the task of balancing the budget.   We are working hard to ensure that the Legislature does not harm education and makes it their top priority in funding.

Last week, the House and Senate spent most of their time introducing legislation and working on preliminary budget proposals.  Today hearings should start to take place on some bills.  

We will present information to the House and Senate Education committees on the district’s FY 11 appropriation request for the increased cost of insurance.  Please find the committee agenda below. It is important for employees to know that we have to get an appropriation for the increased cost of health care so that it does not affect employee paychecks. We will make the case and present what insurance premiums and plans would look like if we did not get an appropriation. The bottom line: we need funding so that APS employees do not continue to see a decrease in “take-home” pay because of rising healthcare costs.

House Education Committee - Rick Miera, Chairman

Joint House Education Committee & Senate Education Committee -

Rick Miera, Chairman & Cynthia Nava, Chairwoman

Monday, January 25, 2010 - 8:30 a.m. - House Chamber

1. Public Education Department Legislative Priorities
1. - Dr. Garcia
2. FY10 and FY11 Public Schools Insurance Update
1. - New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority Staff
2. - Mr. Sammy Quintana, Executive Director
3. - Robert Romero, Comptroller
4. - Ms. Ernestine Chavez, Benefits Manager

Following Joint meeting House Education Committee Members will continue with HB 3 in Room 317

*HB 3 EDUCATION APPROPRIATION ACT (MIERA)