Senator Pat Woods expressed concerns regarding the Legislative Finance Committee's (LFC) FY26 budget recommendation, highlighting the need for measurable goals, targeted expenditures, and increased accountability for taxpayer dollars. This statement was made in a press release on January 15.
"We must demand that these expenditures are targeted in achieving their purpose and that there is a true return on the public's investment," said Woods. "I see many places that these dollars could be better spent. Simply throwing money at the problems has not generated positive outcomes."
According to the New Mexico budget report, the LFC's FY26 budget recommendation suggests $10.8 billion in spending, marking a 5.7% increase from FY25. The plan includes allocations for one-time projects such as $350 million for transportation, $222 million for water projects, and $50 million for regional recreation centers. General fund reserves are expected to remain at 33% of planned spending.
The budget recommendation also designates $4.69 billion to public education, reflecting a 6% increase from FY25. This includes funding aimed at supporting schools serving lower-income students and a public education reform fund. Healthcare investments feature an increase in recurring funds for Medicaid, with the Health Care Authority’s total budget rising significantly due to new hospital surcharge funding and federal matching.
Despite these increases in education funding, New Mexico Voices for Children reports that the state continues to rank low in national education performance metrics. In 2020, New Mexico was ranked last by the Annie E. Casey Foundation for education performance nationwide. Persistent challenges include insufficient targeted funding for high-poverty districts and teacher shortages.
VoteSmart provides background information on Senator John "Pat" Patrick Woods of Broadview, NM, who has represented District 7 in the New Mexico State Senate since 2012. He holds a degree in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration from New Mexico State University and serves on several key committees related to economic development and natural resources.
