Pandemic relief spending bill passes in New Mexico House

By CEDAR ATTANASIO
Associated Press / Report for America

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House has passed a $500 million bill that would direct federal pandemic relief funding to broadband internet improvement projects and road infrastructure. The largest spending categories in the bill passed Friday include $123 million for internet infrastructure and $142 million for roads. Additional spending items were added to the bill, including $50 million for a rural hospital. While a location for the hospital has not been determined, some legislators lean toward building it in Valencia County. The legislation also includes $2 million for teaching scholarships. The state is trying to fill about 1,000 teacher vacancies. Legislators say the teacher shortage is acute.