Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

U.S. SENATOR Jeff Bingaman

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Contact Senator Bingaman's Office:

Jude McCartin
Maria Najera
703 Hart Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5521

Bingaman: New Mexico Will Receive Funds to Close Its Budget Gap

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today applauded passage of legislation that will help New Mexico close its budget gap – and help prevent cuts to health care and teacher layoffs.  The House of Representatives approved the measure today; the Senate approved it last week.  It will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.

Under the proposal, New Mexico would receive an additional $126 million through Medicaid, which frees up this amount in state dollars for other priorities.

The legislation also provides an additional $65 million to New Mexico's public schools, helping prevent scheduled educator layoffs in school districts around the state.

"This boost to New Mexico will help ensure that our students have enough teachers in their classrooms, and that New Mexicans have access to life-saving health care," Bingaman said.