Legislative Affairs Update: March 1, 2010

March 1, 2010

This afternoon the New Mexico Legislature will go into Special Session to focus on the budget.  During the 30-day session the legislature did not pass a budget and so they will take a few extra days to try and do so.  They hope to wrap up the special session by Wednesday.  We will continue to advocate for the sufficient funding of our school district and education in New Mexico.

We want to remind you that during the 2009 Special Session of the Legislature the district was cut 2 percent or $12.2 million. In addition, the district has cut nearly $15 million from various parts of the district but mostly from administration. This brings the total cuts over the past two years to about $27 million in the district. Any additional cuts from the legislature would have a major impact on the classroom.

The New Mexico Legislature did pass a number of important bills that affect APS.  The Report of All Bills Tracked During the 2010 Legislative Session has a complete summary of all bills that APS tracked. You will also find that those highlighted passed both houses and are awaiting the governor’s signature. 

We will keep you updated on the developments of the special session.