New Mexico agencies, lawmakers grapple over limited dollars

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials with three key state agencies made their case to an influential panel of New Mexico lawmakers on Wednesday as the battle over limited revenues begins to shape up ahead of the legislative session. The Children, Youth and Families Department and the Health and Human Services agencies appeared before the Legislative Finance Committee during the third day of a weeklong hearing in Sana Fe. Human Services Secretary Brent Earnest says his agency now administers services to more than 900,000 low-income New Mexicans and the goal is to keep improving access but that costs are rising. Heath Secretary Lynn Gallagher says funds are needed to repair or replace equipment at the state scientific lab that's being held together by masking tape. Otherwise, she says testing could be compromised. Funding for child care initiatives and worker retention is also on the line.