k – SANTA FE, N.M. (krwg) The House is refusing to go along with a proposal that's a key piece of a state budget package.
The measure would save nearly $111 million next year to balance the state budget.
The legislation requires public employees and educators to pay more into their pension programs while the government reduces its payroll contributions by a similar amount.
The House refused to accept a Senate-passed version of the bill on a 38-30 vote early Thursday. The Senate has the option of retreating from its proposal or a joint legislative negotiating committee may be needed to work out a compromise before lawmakers adjourn on Saturday.
The House voted 51-17 for a Senate-passed bill capping film production subsidies at $50 million a year. The film measure goes to Gov. Susana Martinez.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. krwg