Santa Fe, New Mexico-On Friday, a panel in the New Mexico House of Representatives added more spending items to a massive bill that focuses on using federal pandemic relief funds for broadband projects and road infrastructure .

An amendment proposed by the House Appropriations and Finance Committee calls for the use of US$50 million to build a rural hospital. Although the location of the hospital has not yet been determined, some legislators prefer to build it in Valencia County.

Another amendment consolidated $123 million in Internet funding to allow state officials the flexibility to decide which technology to use. New Mexico considered everything from traditional fiber optic cables to satellites and airships.

Members of the Republican Committee pointed out that due to lack of funding, existing Internet projects amount to $25 million.

"They have been reviewed. They have been approved, but they are sitting on the shelf of lack of funding," Clovis' Rep. Randall Crowder said.

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The Senate also discussed broadband issues, and a lawmaker announced that state officials are seeking to buy a new form of satellite Internet for rural students—most of them will not be able to access it throughout the pandemic.

The State Department of Public Education is working on an agreement to connect rural students through StarLink, a SpaceX satellite network that will provide services to the public in New Mexico next year. Agency spokesperson Judy Robinson said that the service and receiver installation cost for the first year was $1.6 million.

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The legislation also includes US$142 million for roads and US$2 million for teacher training funds.

The purpose of increasing the training fund is to free the state from the growing shortage of teachers, which has swelled to approximately 1,000 vacant positions. Supporters say the bill can support up to 1,500 educators and aspiring educators.

"We have a serious shortage of teachers," said Democratic Rep. Nathan Small in Las Cruces, adding that he wants aspiring teachers to know that the legislature is taking action.

Cedar Attanasio is a member of the Associated Press/U.S. State Assembly News Initiative report.