N.M. Governor Digs In His Heels on Vouchers

By Lynn Schnaiberg

New Mexico's Democratic-led legislature and Republican governor are headed for a showdown. And the battle--which centers on private school vouchers--may throw New Mexico's schools into limbo.

After lawmakers adjourned March 20 without passing a private-school-voucher plan, Gov. Gary E. Johnson vowed to veto the $3.3 billion state budget and call lawmakers back to the capital for a special legislative session. That session is expected to focus on the budget, tax cuts, and vouchers.

Legislators and the governor must strike a deal by July 1, when the current budget runs out, or risk a shutdown of the schools and the...