FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 13,2019
Contact: Yvette Perez (505)986-4882
SENATE PASSES SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING “JUNIOR” BILL IN UNANIMOUS VOTE
SB536 ALLOCATES $30.2 MILLION TO FUND MUCH-NEEDED COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Santa Fe, NM–By a vote of 39-0, the Senate passed a substitute version of Senate Bill 536, allocating $30.2 million to fund community projects. The supplemental spending bill, also known as the “Junior” bill, is due to the $1.1 billion dollar budget surplus, which is largely made possible by record oil and gas production in the southeastern part of the state. It is separate from the capital outlay and general appropriations budget bills.
Members of the senate caucuses came together to determine how to put this budgetary windfall to the best use, closely examining where there was the most need in New Mexico communities. $15.1 million is earmarked for non-recurring projects, with $15.1 for recurring projects.
Some of the projects include:
- Motor vehicle purchases for police departments
- Gear for firefighters and body armor for police officers
- Programs to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking
- Upgrades to security cameras and audio/video systems for courtrooms
- Recycling center for medical equipment and furnishings for homeless and non-profit organizations
- Expanded behavioral health services for detention centers
- Healthcare outreach for homeless
- Assistive technical devices and home modification for indigent persons with disabilities
- Statewide support services for grandparents raising grandchildren
- Purchasing of New Mexico grown fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritious senior citizen meals
- Support for tribal health councils
- Empowerment programs for young pueblo women
- Support for Native American filmmakers and film projects
- Dyslexia screening, planning and training for teachers
- Digital media education and training programs in public schools statewide
- Workforce Solutions STEM programs
The last time the legislators had a supplemental spending bill was in 2007.
For more information, visit:
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=S&LegType=B&LegNo=536&year=19
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