SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) –There’s a big push at the Roundhouse this year to get more doctors practicing in New Mexico, and one of the possibilities is funding a new medical school with a half-billion-dollar price tag.
The University of New Mexico said they’ve outgrown its current school of medicine and is ready for a big expansion. On the northeast corner of Lomas Blvd. and University Boulevard, construction on a new medical school could soon start if lawmakers pass a bill to fund a new school of medicine to help with the state’s shortage of doctors.
The bill, SB 6, would give over $540 million to fund the project, nearly 5% of this year’s $11-billion legislative budget. Democrat Senator George Muñoz (D-Gallup) is one of the sponsors of the bill and said it’s a critical investment. “We’re not a poor state. We have to take our money and invest it correctly, and this is one of those things that tells you this is what you need in New Mexico and we’re investing it right, give them the full amount and build this school of medicine,” said Sen. Muñoz…