A RULING BY THE NEW MEXICO SUPREME COURT COULD COST THE STATE MORE THAN 20 MILLION DOLLARS. THE HIGH COURT SAYS IT AGREES WITH AN APPEALS COURT DECISION THAT ABOUT 11-THOUSAND STATE WORKERS COVERED BY UNION CONTRACTS ARE OWED BACK PAY AND RAISES.
THE JUSTICES SAY THE ADMINISTRATION OF FORMER GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON DIDN'T FOLLOW UNION CONTRACTS IN DISTRIBUTING MONEY APPROVED BY STATE LAWMAKERS.
