The Associated Press is reporting that Gov. Bill Richardson will announce today that he will add to the agenda of a special legislative session a proposed tax rebate for New Mexicans and a 10-day tax holiday in November.

The AP goes on to report:

The proposals are part of an economic relief package for New Mexicans that the governor will ask lawmakers to approve during a special legislative session, which he plans to call in September."<

Richardson proposes suspending the gross receipts tax on certain purchases from the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, through Dec. 7. The day after Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season.

Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman for the governor, said Wednesday that the tax break would help families getting ready for the Christmas holiday and cover certain items, including clothing and some electronics like laptop computers. The proposal is expected to cost about $1.9 million in the current budget year.

Since 2005, New Mexico has offered a three-day tax holiday before school starts on purchases of some clothing, school supplies and computers. It will be Aug. 1-3 this year.

No details of the governor’s tax rebate proposal were released.

Richardson and the Legislature last agreed to give New Mexicans tax rebates in 2005 when the state was swimming in dollars from oil and gas revenue.

Gallegos said on Wednesday that despite the new proposals health care reform remains the top priority of the special legislative session.