The more than $300 million relief plan is now headed to the governor’s desk.
After she signs it, that money will be given out to New Mexicans and local businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.
During Tuesday’s special session, the house and senate both passed the more than $300 million bill.There will also be a one-time $1,200 payment to qualifying New Mexicans on unemployment.
During house debates, some lawmakers said the session was rushed through and were critical that they didn’t have more time to consider amendments that were ultimately shot down.The governor said she supports getting assistance to essential workers, adding that there is still plenty more work to do for COVID relief in January’s regular session.Most of the proposed spending will be made possible by federal relief funding previously assigned to New Mexico, including around $319 million in unspent funds that were expected to expire soon.Democrats said federal guidelines would prevent such spending and they vowed to find ways during the upcoming session in January to address the issue.
Some lawmakers say the bill as it stands would only provide a temporary fix and would’ve liked to discuss other options for pandemic relief efforts.
The $1,200 relief checks will also go to the 1,515 people who have exhausted all of their state and federal unemployment benefits, according to the Department of Workforce Solutions.New Mexico depleted its unemployment insurance fund in September and has begun borrowing money from the federal government to fulfill claims?
Tuesday’s bill would divert any leftover federal coronavirus relief from the spring to pay down that unemployment debt.
(AP) – The state legislature is meeting for the second time this year to tackle the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and has introduced a bill to channel millions in federal funding into a one-time stimulus of $1,200 to economically stressed workers.
For workers laid off during the pandemic, it would provide a $1,200 one-time payment to help hurting households.(KRQE) - Lawmakers held a special session on Tuesday to approve emergency financial relief for New Mexicans struggling during the pandemic
They told a KRQE New 13 crew that they are protesting because they want schools and businesses to reopen and they don't agree with how the pandemic relief money could be spend