The 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session concluded with the passage of House Bill 2 (HB2), the FY27 General Appropriations Act, delivering a significant boost to higher education statewide and specifically for the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech).

Dr. Michael Jackson, Interim President of New Mexico Tech, expressed his gratitude to the Office of the Governor and members of the 2026 Legislature for their investments in the university.  “These investments will allow New Mexico Tech to assist with initiatives related to student success and workforce development, advance our efforts in defense and energetics, support New Mexico’s 50-year Water Action Plan, and provide timely information on potential seismic hazards,” he said.

At the conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session, New Mexico Tech was approved to receive approximately $60.55 million in recurring state funding for FY27. This reflects a $3.48 million (6.1 percent) increase compared to the previous year, acknowledging New Mexico Tech’s critical role in STEM education, student success, and applied research.

Key Investment Highlights

• One-Time Appropriations: New Mexico Tech secured over $40 million in supplemental funding for specialized projects, including
• $23 million overseen by the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources for aquifer monitoring, characterization and integration of data as well as for seismology equipment to expand the capabilities of the Bureau’s seismic monitoring network
• $9 million for a wireless technology hub at the Playas Research and Training Center
• $7 million for EMRTC munitions examination
• $1 million for weather monitoring and modification
• $500,000 for student support services.
• Infrastructure:
• NMT has been recommended for $48 million in General Obligation Bond funding for the renovation of the Mineral Science and Engineering Complex and construction of a core storage facility for the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, pending voter approval.
• $700,000 was appropriated for minor capital projects by New Mexico legislators, including $500,000 provided by the Office of the Governor in support of the Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence, an initiative created through the generosity of one of New Mexico Tech’s many distinguished alums, Dr. Raul Deju. 
• Employee Compensation: A 1% compensation increasewas approved for faculty and staff state-wide.

Beyond the direct appropriations to the institution, which also included support for a Structured Literacy Coordinator, New Mexico Tech will be eligible to apply for funding related to a variety of initiatives led and overseen by different agencies such as the New Mexico Economic Development Department (e.g., defense, aerospace and advanced energy initiatives), Higher Education Department (e.g., Children’s Center), Public Education Department (e.g., STEM Innovation Network), and Department of Finance and Administration (e.g., Campus Safety).

Overall, the 2026 legislative session reinforces the state’s commitment to higher education as a driver of workforce development, research innovation, and technology development.  For New Mexico Tech, this will allow for expanded opportunities for STEM education, student success, and research that addresses problems of interest to New Mexico and the Nation.

Contact:
Katie Ismael | Director of University Marketing and Communications, New Mexico Tech
(909) 229-8840
katie.ismael@nmt.edu  |  marcom@nmt.edu