New Mexico weighs greater funding for early education

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to divert additional money toward early childhood education from a New Mexico state trust fund has cleared its first hurdle in the Legislature.

Amid emotional debate, a legislative panel on Wednesday voted 10-4 to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase spending from the state's $17 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund.

The amendment would need to be approval by the Legislature, a statewide public vote and Congress to provide an additional $144 million for spending on early educational services for infants and preschool-aged children.

Lawmakers are confronting a court order to provide greater resources to public education, including early childhood programs.