New Mexico legislature approves sending $500 to residents

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- The Associated Press is reporting the New Mexico legislature approved new payments to help offset inflation.

The payments will provide $500 to individual adults or $1,000 per household.

The State Senate vote to send the Democratic-sponsored bill to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was 35-1.

This effort was made to offset high gas prices and rising inflation.

Nearly $700 million will be distributed across New Mexico to adult residents. The aid will be given to all income levels, including the elderly who didn't file income tax and undocumented immigrants.

This comes amid an economic surge in New Mexico, with newly legalized cannabis sales topping $5.2 million in sales in its first weekend.