Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman announced the U.S. Senate has approved legislation that would help New Mexico close its budget gap with an eye toward preventing cuts to health care and teacher layoffs.

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

A separate proposal would provide an additional $65 million to New Mexico's public schools, helping prevent scheduled educator layoffs in school districts around the state.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a major boost to states when they needed it most, and it succeeded in helping to prevent deep cuts to health care and education.  This recession has proven to be deeper and longer than anyone expected, so this additional boost is needed to help states close their budget gaps," Bingaman said.  "I'm very glad New Mexico will be getting this helping hand, during this very difficult time."

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on these bills on Tuesday.