New Mexico Legislature confronts budget stalemate

The New Mexico Legislature is racing against the clock to resolve a budget stalemate over how to spend a windfall in state income.

House lawmakers were preparing Wednesday for a likely conference committee with Senate colleagues to iron out disagreements over a $6.3 billion spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

House lawmakers are refusing to concur with an assortment of Senate budget amendments because of disagreements over road funding.

The Senate-approved budget allocates additional money to Albuquerque-based prosecutors and pay raises for state police, prison guards and parole officers.

Democrats hold a majority in both chambers of the Legislature. The Legislature has until noon Thursday to send a budget bill to Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

A rebound in the oil sector is shoring up state government finances.