NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – More state agencies are submitting their spending plans for the next year. The New Mexico Public Education Department put in a $5.5 billion budget request. More than $52 million would go toward literacy programs, nearly $80 million is slated to improve graduation rates, and $9.5 million to improve attendance. The PED will present its budget to the Legislative Finance Committee on Thursday morning. Albuquerque Public Schools preps for changes in graduation requirements The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department proposed a $995 million budget which is a $210 million increase. The department said its priorities center on expanding Pre-K, child care assistance, early invention services, and home visiting programs. They also want to increase the childcare revolving loan fund which offers low-interest loans to childcare providers.