[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6290149,"mediaKeyId","2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12","parentId",2531547,"title","Committee gives due pass to bill to equalize minimum salaries for vocational and other teachers","audioSeconds",192,"startMs",4326800,"endMs",4519340,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12&start=4326&end=4519","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12/thumbnail_4326800.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6290149/New-Mexico/Committee-gives-due-pass-to-bill-to-equalize-minimum-salaries-for-vocational-and-other-teachers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290149-4f15458d39c02e084ff4234abf5bc7a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140485&Signature=AMvEuIeRHyJfGsoGXURrbE~p~KKQPkpZFDKKWK0Nzho0oVOvVBashb-gDTMcSBodntBs3Am3uzY7XA~wUUqODhWeUjICkhIMBeytazJkBzfmxIHNkeR0emJPUzAHuGSyheVnWA3Vp-WwVzrM~5uQEJ4~mSH7C~4Fn4UigXX014DkxZI8CZSPlZABnNFMQ52TfYLyWTGLp0KBkFKxfFIuEUtHVDtOM6eyjmQ1uz9MdKPjrN34jEPgnC84QAVlayK7~0q2mvjPXypIkIAZ8XESPeZ18KXHycdY0OZve3279CNAn4Xzf0X8WnBUBEgSYP9Ua0jhgY1JJWUG1r6~W-hbuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Mexico Legislature","date","2025-03-10T00:00:00Z","article","The committee advanced Senate Bill 343 on a due‑pass motion after testimony from education advocates that the bill would help recruit and retain career and technical education (CTE) teachers by ensuring equal minimum salaries across licensure tiers.

The bill removes a statutory exception for vocational teachers that had kept them outside the regular three‑tiered licensure salary schedule, updates an outdated reference from \"K‑5 plus\" to \"K‑12 plus,\" and implements changes stemming from 2023 legislation that created a pathway for vocational teachers to be licensed using industry experience. Kirsty Tyson of the LANL Foundation testified that schools across the state face difficulty recruiting and retaining CTE teachers and that equal minimum salaries would signal a commitment to CTE programs.

Supporters argued the change would make teaching more attractive to industry experts and help sustain CTE programs that are important for workforce development. The committee had no recorded opposition and members moved a due‑pass recommendation; a motion to do pass was made and seconded, and the committee advanced the bill to the next step without adopting amendments during the hearing.

The bill will move forward with the committee’s recommendation; staff and sponsors are expected to work on technical drafting and implementation details with education agencies as it proceeds to the floor.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House - Education Mar 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 343 would remove statutory exceptions for vocational teachers and ensure equal minimum salaries at each licensure level; the committee advanced the bill after testimony from education and workforce advocates.","taxTitle","House of Representatives, Legislative, New Mexico","taxId",78418,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6290154,"Committee advances change to return‑to‑work rules to let retired educators earn more and extend eligibility period",1052,3237560,4290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12&start=3237&end=4290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12/thumbnail_3237560.jpg","/articles/6290154/New-Mexico/Committee-advances-change-to-returntowork-rules-to-let-retired-educators-earn-more-and-extend-eligibility-period","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290154-cfb66b646f0c526462a5fe4c3963c83b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140485&Signature=kVK-F3tPw5fEgH72ti2hxFsS8cPPmwP8S3TaeDEIi2IkyPxfRRGcge9qSmuu5M7FHpQUjf-D9NNFZt4aeqqJ~ObZijW4MWO2AH~zn8TdagUlftN~1yeg745gSuMJnabJZemPU1S1HjvYcxdLF5LFV4TrADh7JYWnRwfPKNGVJQ1UuIXxj7JcYe7eRdofFULcgFGkQciK1kXCiX9lx1dxkZJCx8F6w~rTnK-KyDBXp8yp9mzKNEbBDSmvIScw9R7KlYxtmDklC~DO3tXyfaUPJemY~xkvpsditFx1Czb3hKyFimUozQrd7b~8vg4gvfBKDODxhQzLU4b0Nb3hjS6KoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee gave Senate Bill 133 a due‑pass recommendation after testimony that raising the earnings cap and extending the return‑to‑work period would help address educator and classified‑staff vacancies by encouraging retired staff to return in part‑time or temporary roles.

The bill would amend Section 22‑11‑25.1, NMSA 1978, raising the annual earnings limit that a retired member may earn while receiving retirement benefits from $15,000 to $25,000. The bill would also extend a provision allowing return‑to‑work members to serve up to 60 months (previously 36 months) without suspending their retirement benefits. David Archuleta, executive director of the Educational Retirement Board (ERB), described existing return‑to‑work programs administered by ERB and confirmed the bill’s principal changes.

Supporters included teachers’ representatives and education‑leadership groups. John Dirich of the American Federation of Teachers‑New Mexico said the changes could attract classified employees and experienced educators back to schools, naming bus drivers, educational assistants and front‑office staff as potential beneficiaries. Stan Rounds of the Coalition of Educational Leaders urged support for the longer 60‑month return‑to‑work option.

Committee members asked about fiscal effects and the reason for the existing caps and time limits. ERB testimony explained caps and timeframes are intended to limit negative actuarial impacts on the retirement fund: contributions and investment earnings are calibrated so extended returning‑to‑work arrangements can produce a modest fiscal effect if left unlimited. \"There is a slight negative hit there that our actuaries have... brought to our attention,\" ERB’s director said.

Committee members described ongoing teacher vacancy concerns (the transcript records an exchange noting 759 vacancies) and discussed tradeoffs between addressing shortages and protecting the retirement fund. A due‑pass motion carried at the hearing with no recorded opposition and the bill will move forward for consideration on the next legislative floor.","Senate Bill 133 would raise the annual earnings cap retired educators may earn while retaining retirement benefits from $15,000 to $25,000 and extend the return‑to‑work eligibility period from 36 to 60 months; committee gave the bill a due‑pass recommendation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6290158,"Committee advances loan‑repayment bill to recruit large‑animal veterinarians to rural New Mexico",1105,2133150,3239000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12&start=2133&end=3239","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12/thumbnail_2133150.jpg","/articles/6290158/New-Mexico/Committee-advances-loanrepayment-bill-to-recruit-largeanimal-veterinarians-to-rural-New-Mexico","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290158-102249341593b1a8c3c64ccd4d1bd477/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140485&Signature=iB-xEIBq2U6e22q57f8WWjaRnKYzhPMMihGk0kxkGHZefawWxhLQnMhi5g6W-aj3JaTG0SxRsaiSETx5q2jjz9XBqbQ9RmGah2yywGpDT3kS9xZF4vuLWQgG409KAXPDREqF4zKOcC-BBwpDzZNXcxXIx1-wcCRckBao3NGtV2vlNw~QaQYgidN8nWcyvy6wS-O9S1wv6I-L3yLDwrw~iE3JzAgjHc1VAeTwKDCSaNZqoUhB0WLK9xwqz6--n2NKY196rDZ3pX-oP5gmLx80HW~6r7hvMnF9lNEzigcwNyIyXUQGBX9ANyH8KST4ZiIr0lFPXCxblhJ6tdJChaiWtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee gave Senate Bill 8 a unanimous due‑pass recommendation after hearing testimony that the state needs more large‑animal veterinarians to support rural livestock producers, food‑safety work and disease surveillance.

Sponsor testimony described a loan‑repayment structure of $15,000 for each of the first two years, adding to $80,000 over four years as the bill is written. \"We're just trying to attract vets in the underserved rural areas with, more or less, loan repayment,\" the sponsor said, noting the program is modeled on similar state programs.

Agricultural and livestock organizations, county officials and university representatives testified in support. Tom Patterson, a Catron County cattle rancher and president‑elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, told the committee the state has \"fewer than 40 veterinarians in New Mexico who provide some material measure of large food animal services\" and that an incentive program can help sustain rural practices. Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and the New Mexico Farm Bureau also urged support, citing animal welfare, disease surveillance and food safety.

Belinda Garland, executive director of the New Mexico Livestock Board, explained the regulatory role veterinarians play in interstate movement and health certification. Samantha Hollick, state veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board, and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture described reliance on private veterinarians for emergency response teams and foreign animal disease diagnostic work.

During committee discussion, lawmakers asked implementation questions, including how the program would be administered and whether money for the program is in the budget. The sponsor said there is currently $2 million in the budget for the program and that she had asked for $5 million; committee members discussed the size of private loans vets carry and the program’s limits.

A due‑pass motion for Senate Bill 8 carried on a roll call with members recorded as voting yes; committee staff recorded the recommendation as a unanimous due pass. The committee did not adopt amendments in the hearing and directed staff to work on drafting implementing details with the Higher Education Department (which will administer loan repayment) and the state veterinarian's office.

Supporters said the program would help attract veterinarians who provide extensive services in rural communities, improving disease detection, food‑safety compliance and the economic viability of livestock producers. The bill now proceeds to the next legislative step with the committee's due‑pass recommendation.","Senate Bill 8, to create a loan‑repayment program for veterinarians who serve food‑producing animals in underserved rural areas, received a unanimous due‑pass recommendation after supporters described shortages of large‑animal vets and a $80,000 four‑year repayment structure.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6290164,"Committee hears testimony on bill to create higher-education homeless liaisons; $500,000 proposed for training",2033,65750,2099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12&start=65&end=2099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2531547-25832549487a1d724fc2a30cb3119e12/thumbnail_65750.jpg","/articles/6290164/New-Mexico/Committee-hears-testimony-on-bill-to-create-higher-education-homeless-liaisons-500000-proposed-for-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290164-5de90e83c8e624b11d1116bf18ede469/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140485&Signature=A44cR2vPhX7LPiJLUKoS-vbd5cXMWr3hCZ~d47-GSkFQxifjQ7g9K8~Noq9QYtwbaoKyXUSufyfll--sdAdZ0v0NMoQvxYTr8yTeC3eQklftIc2XSsg9lLC-ho6zRXOIKQzdXf6Ph5uVuEAmnzZd80i~j-9TlYOB6Db28Dscp7c0BH62SCZulpR8KeaaS3vdB0e-sdb4cE5dpNpYCN6oQ1S21YS3UlByUFuWp8p3p4ZFr2LXjZtH2myrP3uXqbP4pTbPCo4xBrT2MA-ia9gdbwWm6XUHDTr726vJCkwpqLFDxHicHOBqL96nSs5F6G9Vn4~UMwe4B3IbjufqkG3FAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A House committee heard testimony and public comment on House Bill 537 on the creation of designated homeless liaisons for higher-education institutions, and received details that the bill carries a $500,000 general-fund appropriation for training but does not fund staff salaries.

Supporters told the committee the bill aims to close a gap between K–12 homeless support under McKinney-Vento and services available to students after high school. \"Students are supported in K through 12, but the support isn't the same once they go into higher education,\" said Rob Montz, director of state policy for SchoolHouse Connection. Montz cited the New Mexico Higher Education Student Basic Needs Report, saying surveys found high rates of housing and food insecurity among college students.

The bill would have the Higher Education Department coordinate training and an annual survey of students experiencing homelessness, according to testimony from Patricia Trujillo, deputy cabinet secretary for the higher education department, and materials in the fiscal information report (FIR). Trujillo told the committee the $500,000 in the FIR is appropriated for training and outreach only; it is not an appropriation for salaries or new full‑time positions.

University and college representatives said campuses already offer a range of student supports but that services vary by campus. \"The challenge is that it doesn't happen consistently from campus to campus,\" Rob Montz said, arguing a dedicated liaison can improve coordination and student outcomes. Clayton Abbey of New Mexico State University, speaking in support, said existing funds and institutional staff could be braided to provide the liaison function at some campuses.

Committee members pressed for details about scale and cost. Representative Roybal Caballero referenced the FIR and asked whether the $500,000 would be sufficient; he noted one campus estimate put annual costs at about $700,000. Sponsor comments acknowledged the appropriation in the bill would fund training and survey administration but not necessarily full FTE salaries, and suggested institutions could assign duties to existing staff in some cases.

Members debated whether the program should initially cover four-year campuses only or include two-year and branch campuses; several lawmakers urged including community colleges and other institutions so the program would cover the spectrum of students who rely on two-year institutions. Committee members also discussed FAFSA and Pell Grant mechanics; witnesses said FAFSA can identify students who are homeless for federal purposes but that Pell Grant awards and other aid often do not fully meet housing and basic-needs costs.

No formal vote on the bill was taken. Committee members discussed budget options and coordination with the Senate side; the sponsor said she would work with the Higher Education Department to seek additional budget authority if needed. \"If we can polish this up, make it better, and make it more inclusive, and include more of the things that have come up, I would be more than willing to do that,\" the sponsor said. The committee elected to roll the bill for further work rather than advance it that day.

Supporters asked the committee to consider the Basic Needs Consortium's ongoing work and to pursue braided funding from state, institutional and private sources to cover positions and wraparound services if the program is expanded beyond training. The committee did not adopt amendments during the hearing and left open the option of returning with clarified language and budget requests.","Lawmakers heard testimony supporting House Bill 537, which would designate higher-education homeless liaisons and fund training with a $500,000 appropriation; committee rolled the bill for further work and budget discussions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee gives due pass to bill to equalize minimum salaries for vocational and other teachers

Committee advances change to return‑to‑work rules to let retired educators earn more and extend eligibility period

Committee advances loan‑repayment bill to recruit large‑animal veterinarians to rural New Mexico

Committee hears testimony on bill to create higher-education homeless liaisons; $500,000 proposed for training