New Mexico lawmakers move to restore vetoed funding
Source: Associated Press
By MORGAN LEE, Associated Press
Published: May 24, 2017 7:02 PM CDT Updated: May 24, 2017 7:02 PM CDT
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers on Wednesday pushed forward with a string of tax and fee increases despite resistance from Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, as they worked in a special legislative session to restore hundreds of millions of dollars in previously vetoed funding for higher education and the Legislature.
The two-term governor and the Democratic-led Legislature have been feuding for months over how to fill a budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. Martinez last month rejected a variety of tax hikes, while vetoing $765 million in state spending.
Setting the stage for budget negotiations, votes to override the governor's actions by a two-thirds majority failed in both the House and Senate. Sen. Majority Leader Peter Wirth said the override attempts ensure that the Legislature can still appeal budget cuts to the state Supreme Court — a second time — if the governor rejects another budget plan.
Republican and Democratic lawmaker found some common ground Wednesday as the House approved proposals to impose taxes on online retail sales, along with nonprofit and government hospitals.
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