The Eastern New Mexico News - Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

The Associated Press

SANTA FE — Gov. Bill Richardson says he has pushed the start of a special legislative session back until Monday.

The governor says he had requests from House and Senate leaders for more time to negotiate spending cuts and tax increases before they resume debate over a state budget.

Richardson says he feels the state needs a budget sooner than later despite concerns by some lawmakers about waiting for updated revenue projections.

Democrat Sen. John Arthur Smith of Deming says he believes New Mexico’s revenue growth will be half of the projected 6 percent lawmakers assumed when hammering out a failed budget proposal during the regular session.

The special session was to have begun Wednesday.