NM HM61

Requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to examine compensation for classified public school employees, including educational assistants, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, and security personnel

Requires analysis of statewide costs of living and housing availability, noting MIT data shows New Mexico's minimum living wage is $20.10/hour for single-person households and $24.51/hour for a four-person household with two working adults

Seeks options to improve compensation, including career advancement opportunities and salary differentials based on experience, credentials, or staffing needs

Cites 2025 New Mexico educator vacancy report showing over 300 vacancies in classified classroom positions, with disproportionately high vacancy rates in special education; notes 2023 legislature raised educational assistant minimum salary to $25,000/year, still below the national average of nearly $34,000/year

Requires findings and recommendations to be reported to the governor and legislature by October 31, 2026, with input from the legislative finance committee, public education department, school districts, charter schools, and employee unions