SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Public schools and other educational programs are in line for more than $2 billion in state aid next year under a budget proposal approved by a House committee.
Public schools account for the largest share of New Mexico's state budget.
The Education Committee endorsed a measure Monday to allocate nearly $2.5 billion for schools operations, the Public Education Department and other programs such pre-kindergarten.
The committee's proposal provides for an increase of nearly 4 percent or $93 million in the fiscal year starting in July. That's slightly less than the nearly $97 million increase recommended by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
Committee chairman Rep. Rick Miera, an Albuquerque Democrat, says the proposed budget tries to fund some of the governor's initiatives and meet the needs of local school districts.
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