SANTA FE, NM  - After a lively 3 ½ hour debate on the House floor, the substitute for HAFC House Bills 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 did not pass.

The substitute appropriations bill totaling $6.174 billion prioritizes education with $2.7 billion for public education, a spending increase of $150 million or 5.8%; and an increase in higher education up to $42 million, or 5.3%.

An amendment was proposed by Minority Leader Don Bratton and also failed on a 34 to 34 vote.

The bill was placed back on the Speaker’s table for future consideration.