New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health [Video]

New Mexico would make major new investments in early childhood education, industrial water recycling, and drug addiction and mental health programs linked to concerns about crime under an annual spending proposal from Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.Released Thursday, the budget blueprint would increase general fund spending by about $720 million to $10.9 billion, a roughly 7% increase for the fiscal year running from July 2025 through June 2026.The proposal would slow the pace of state spending increases as crucial income from local oil production begins to level off. New Mexico is the nation’s No. 2 producer of petroleum behind Texas and ahead of North Dakota.The Legislature drafts its own, competing spending plan before convening on Jan. 21 for a 60-day session to negotiate the state’s budget. The governor can veto any and all portions of the spending plan.Aides to the governor said they are watching warily for any possible funding …