Public school budget bill approved

SANTA FE (AP) - A House committee is recommending that New Mexico spend nearly $2.4 billion on public schools next year.

The budget proposal endorsed Monday by the Education Committee represents a reduction of slightly more than 1 percent from this year's state spending on schools.

The measure isn't the final word on school finance. The House Appropriations and Finance Committee likely will make additional cuts in school spending as it develops next year's state budget. Under consideration is a cost-cutting proposal to require public employees to pay more for their pensions while the state lowers its contributions by a similar amount.

The Education Committee's budget includes no savings from a pension swap.

Charles Bowyer of the National Education Association-New Mexico says proposed cuts will be devastating on schools.