Two former financial employees of New Mexico's Early Childhood Education and Care Department have filed lawsuits claiming they were unfairly terminated after raising concerns about financial practices and a significant budget shortfall.

Attorney and former state senator Jacob Candelaria, who represents the plaintiffs, said, "This lawsuit is about two very dedicated state employees."

The lawsuits were filed by Chief Financial Officer Carmel Pacheco-Aragon and Budget Director Kimberly Gonzales. They allege they were placed on administrative leave after raising alarms about a forecasted $50 to $60 million budget shortfall and the transfer of funds between programs without legislative approval.

According to the lawsuits, Pacheco-Aragon raised concerns that money from programs like Pre-K and Head Start was being moved to the Early Childcare Assistance Program without legislative authorization. Gonzales recommended spending restrictions and hiring freezes until lawmakers could address the department's financial situation.

Candelaria said both women faced further action after voicing their concerns. "They were fired. Kimberly Gonzalez was fired right out. Carmel Pacheco-Aragon, as of this week, was finally served a notice of contemplated action by the department. And they are indeed contemplating terminating her," he said.

The department reportedly cited claims of unprofessional behavior as the reason for their actions. Candelaria, however, described the situation as "classic...

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