I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
They say it’s healthier, easy to implement and most of all, helps the budget. Senate bill 10 makes more foods eligible to be taxed in New Mexico and it crossed its first hurdle on Friday.
The measure is sponsored by Senator Bernadette Sanchez, D-Albuquerque who told the committee the original repeal of the food tax in 2004 isn’t working like lawmakers want.
“I think the intent at that point was to assist families. Unfortunately what happened is the definition of food is really broad–it includes soft drinks,” Sanchez said.
Technically the bill narrows the list of foods which are exempt from taxes by only including those foods which fall under the guidelines of the Women, Infants and Children program. The measure would be expected to bring in $138 million dollars into the state’s coffers. It is the biggest tax increase the Senate Finance Committee has so far endorsed to help the budget.
Supporters also pointed out the foods which would still be exempt are healthier alternatives. For example whole wheat bread and tortillas would still be tax free, white bread and flour tortillas would not.
But there are many vocal opponents who took to the Roundhouse to protest the measure. Opponents say the bill would tax well over half the food in New Mexico grocery stores. Moreover, many are upset that no public comment was taken on the bill. Chairman John Arthur Smith, D-Deming did ask for a show of hands who was in support and who opposed the measure. Senator Rod Adair, R-Roswell then asked to have one person who opposes the measure to be able to speak to the committee, “in 25 words or less.” The request was denied and a packed agenda was given as the reason.
The measure passed the committee with every member but Adair voting in favor of SB 10.
