SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Susana Martinez's administration says the finances of New Mexico's unemployment compensation program are improving and the fund should remain in the black through early 2013, a year longer than previously projected.
However, it remains uncertain how much businesses must pay in taxes next year to finance the program. As it stands now because of a veto by the governor, there's nothing in state law that sets unemployment tax rates for businesses starting in January.
The governor wants lawmakers to address the unemployment issue during a special session planned this fall.
About $745,000 a day is paid out in unemployment benefits to jobless New Mexicans.
The unemployment fund had a balance of $129 million earlier this month. It was more than $500 million three years ago.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
