As state lawmakers begin to tackle the state budget deficit, the blog world is far from silent on the issue.

First off, blogger Mario Burgos suggests financial restraint on the part of state expenditures needs to be addressed more heavily. He also quotes Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino in his criticism of the Richardson administration’s spending practices. Burgos sees this spending as a large contributor to the state’s budget woes.

Then, La Poltica: New Mexico suggests Richardson’s plan is nothing more than “smoke and mirrors.” Also, this blog coversconflict in the House and other budget-related strife facing the state Senate.

And, calling attention to yet another economic problem, former Albuquerque Mayor Jim Baca wonders about the economic status of Albuquerque, especially now with a new mayor moving into office. He writes: “There is an ominous silence on city finances from the incoming and outgoing administrations. The media has not asked for any comment on what the new Mayor is facing and the Mayor elect is not talking about it.”

Lastly, blogger Ched Macquigg discusses his views on how funding works within the state education system. He sums up his argument with brevity: “It is time to focus less on how much we are spending, and focus more on how we are spending it. He calls for an overhaul on our state education model, which he’ll admit comes along with high costs.”