A proposed budget of nearly $9.6 billion that includes record-high levels of state spending has cleared the New Mexico Senate, setting up a final debate in the House. The Legislature must approve the budget before the session ends Saturday at noon. Some lawmakers complained about backroom dealing over the weekend to restore spending that had been cut earlier in the process. The plan currently provides average 6% salary increases for state workers and teachers. In the House, lawmakers endorsed a package that includes $500 tax rebates for each filer and income tax cuts.
