Martinez signs bill to encourage nurses to become educators

Gov. Susana Martinez has signed legislation that supporters say will help address New Mexico’s shortage of nurses.

Martinez signed the bill, sponsored by Democrat Pete Campos of Las Vegas, during an event Monday in Las Cruces.

The measure passed both chambers on unanimous votes during the recent 60-day legislative session.

The legislation expands the pool of people eligible to receive financial aid from the state’s nurse educators fund. It’s aimed at those who pursue advanced nursing degrees to teach the next generation of nurses at public colleges and universities.

The state Higher Education Department spent nearly $145,000 on the nurse loan-for-service program last year. At the time, only faculty members were eligible to receive aid.

Lawmakers have called for spending $850,000 in general funds on the program next year.