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House GOP Caucus Urges AG to Sue

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:39:00 GMT

HOUSE REPUBLICANS URGE AG TO FILE SUIT AGAINST NEW HEALTHCARE LAW

SANTA FE – Today, the House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Attorney General Gary King urging him to join the lawsuit that a bipartisan group of 18 states and Attorneys General have filed against the healthcare legislation recently signed into law by President Obama. The letter, signed by all 25 members of the caucus, asks the AG to file suit because the healthcare legislation is unconstitutional under the 9th Amendment and 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“There is a lot of diversity in the states, and one size doesn’t fit all,” commented House Republican Leader Tom Taylor (Dist 1 – San Juan). “The United States Constitution specifically reserves powers to the states, and that was done for a reason. Congress should take another look at this legislation because it violates the Constitution.”

“This is the first time I can remember Congress telling a person that they are violating the law because of economic inactivity,” said House Republican Whip Keith Gardner (Dist 66 – Chaves, Eddy, Lea, & Roosevelt). “The Constitution allows for the federal government to regulate interstate commerce, but this new law goes beyond what is allowed in the Constitution and punishes citizens for not taking action. I hope the Attorney General takes this seriously and pursues a lawsuit along with the 18 other states.”

The content is available for reading below.

NM House Republican Caucus - AG Letter

View more documents from New Mexico House GOP.

GOP Statement on Death of Former State Rep. Ted Hobbs

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:42:00 GMT

Albuquerque, NM— Republican House Minority Leader Tom Taylor and Harvey Yates Jr., chairman of New Mexico’s Republican Party released the following statement in response to the death of former legislator Ted Hobbs (R-Albuquerque):

“Ted Hobbs was a respected colleague and great example to many of us in the legislature,” stated Taylor. “Although Ted was a passionate Republican, he was always willing to bridge partisan divides to improve the lives of all New Mexicans. On behalf of the entire Republican caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

“Former Representative Ted Hobbs was a great advocate for commonsense principles in this state,” commented Yates. “His commitment to his constituents and his leadership in the Roundhouse will be long remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hobbs family during this time.”

During his tenure in New Mexico’s House of Representatives (1994-2006), Hobbs served as the minority whip and minority leader. Prior to his work in the legislature, Hobbs served his country in the United States Army and was employed by IBM for over three decades.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at French Lomas Blvd. Chapel (10500 Lomas Blvd. NE Albuquerque).

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Leadership Reacts to Budget Passage

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:17:00 GMT

REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

ON SPECIAL SESSION BUDGET VOTE

SANTA FE – Following the late night floor vote of House Bill 2, the budget bill, House Republican Leadership issued the following statement:

“Going into the wee hours of the morning, the House of Representatives finally voted on a budget. Some will say that this budget is balanced, but it is not,” commented Representative Tom Taylor, House Republican Leader. “We started off the session with the budget having a $230 million deficit and still have a budget with a $230 million deficit even after the vote early this morning. Clearly some folks are not interested in truly solving our budget problems.”

“House Republicans introduced a series of amendments that came to a total of over $350 million plus in budget savings to the state of New Mexico, with no negative impact to education,” said Representative Keith Gardner, House Republican Whip. “Unfortunately many members of the House are more interested in massive government spending and balancing the budget on the backs of hard working New Mexicans instead of real solutions to our budget problems. Massive overspending is what got us into this problem in the first place, and we continue to do so with this budget.”

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Roch Introduces Major Cost-Saving Amendment

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:36:00 GMT

REP. ROCH INTRODUCES COST-SAVING

AMENDMENT TO STATE BUDGET

Amendment eliminates more than 4000 vacant state jobs

SANTA FE, NM—State Representative Dennis Roch (R-Tucumcari) introduced an amendment to House Bill 2, the General Appropriations Act, which would have de-authorized more than four thousand vacant positions in state government.

“Citizens throughout New Mexico should not be asked to shoulder additional tax burdens,” Roch said during the debate on the amendment, “when taxpayer dollars continue to fund empty desks in Santa Fe.”

The amendment, which was tabled on a nearly party-line vote, would have eliminated thousands of positions. The consequential savings could have closed much of the estimated $300 million gap between state revenue and state spending.

“New Mexico is not undertaxed; it continues to overspend,” said Roch. “It’s unfortunate that some legislators prefer to make taxpayers pick up the cost of the state’s overspending.”

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Leadership Comments On Session

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:16:00 GMT

House Republican Leadership Comments on the 49^th Legislative Session

Santa Fe – Today in response to the conclusion of the 49^th New Mexico Legislative Session, the House Republican leaders offered the following statements.

“We spent more than $4.9 million for a 30-day session when our obligation was to pass a balanced budget. The House passed a budget with a deficit of $310 million and had a budget returned from the Senate with a $100 million deficit. The people of New Mexico were short changed with this session and will end up paying more than $50,000 a day for a special session,” said House Republican Leader Tom Taylor.

“Rather than agree to bad legislation just so we could go home, Republicans will continue to be a voice for sensible solutions: leaner government, lower taxes, fewer unnecessary regulations,” said House Republican Whip Keith Gardner.

“Let’s remember that cuts are not the goal, revenue is the goal. The only way we can increase our revenue is to make cuts, avoid raising taxes, and let the economy bloom again,” said House Republican Caucus Leader Anna Crook.

Fundraising Abuse

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:45:00 GMT

Republican Leadership Responds to

Democrat Fundraising Abuse

Santa Fe – Last night a KRQE Channel 13 news story by anchor Michael Herzenberg, who was on special assignment at the Roundhouse, revealed several New Mexico Democrat legislators solicited contributions on www.ActBlue.com during the legislative session. In addition, Rep. Jeff Steinborn, District 37, and Rep. Ben Rodefer, District 23, were soliciting on their own. New Mexico law prohibits the solicitation of contributions for a political purpose during any regular or special legislative session.

Prior to the current legislative session, each legislator in the New Mexico House and Senate received a letter of warning from Secretary of State Mary Herrera dated October 16, 2009. The first lines of Herrera’s letter reads, “Please be reminded that pursuant to Section 1-19-34.1 of New Mexico Statutes Annotated, it is unlawful for legislators to knowingly solicit contributions for a political purpose during any regular or special legislative session.” A copy of the letter is attached.

In Herzenberg’s report, Sec. of State Herrera was quoted as saying of the rule-breakers, “They will have to explain to me why they were on this web site soliciting funds.”

“The law is clear and this fundraising abuse is a blatant disregard for the law,” said Republican House Leader Tom Taylor. “It is shocking that the legislators who were caught abusing this law were members of leadership. For the most part, it was not rookies who made the mistake, it was legislators who chair committees, help govern their party, and certainly know better.”

“This latest offense is unfortunately one more incident in a long tradition of Democrat legislators in New Mexico abusing the law. It is unfortunate that these legislators cannot be trusted to adhere to basic laws regarding financing, especially after all of their talk this session about ethical behavior.” said Republican Whip Keith Gardner.

The list of legislators who posted campaign contributions include the eight legislators listed below. No Republican legislators were found to have violated the fundraising law.

House Speaker Ben Lujan, District 46

House Majority Leader, Ken Martinez, District 69

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Cisco McSorley, District 16

Senator Michael Sanchez, District 29

House Appropriations and Finance Chair Henry “Kiki” Savedra, District 10

House Representative Jeff Steinborn, District 37

House Deputy Chair of Appropriations and Finance Luciano “Lucky” Varela, District 49

House Judiciary Committee Chair Al Park, District 26

Water For Eastern New Mexico

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:26:00 GMT

WATER FOR EASTERN NEW MEXICO

Rep. Crook’s Utility Authority Clears House and Senate

Santa Fe – Last night HB 15 a bill to create the Eastern NM Water Utility Authority and provide the structure for distribution of water from Ute Reservoir in Quay County, passed the Senate with a vote of 35-0. On February 4 it passed the House unanimously with a vote of 49-0. It is one of the first bills the Legislature passed in the 2010 session.

This bill replaces the weak joint powers structure of the current water authority. It enables the seven Eastern NM Rural Water System members to raise capital, more readily access federal and state funds and to efficiently manage the project across various political boundaries. The legislation was introduced by Representative Anna Crook of District 64 (Curry) who also serves as the Republican Caucus Chair.

“The water table in the Ogallala aquifer is currently being depleted three feet a year. As we all know, we have no more groundwater left,” said Rep. Crook. “We must harness our share of the water from the Canadian River before it heads to Texas.”

Authorization of the project at the federal level for up to a 75% cost share was signed by the President on March 30, 2009. The authority acts as a wholesaler, delivering potable water to member communities. Member communities will include Curry County, as well as Clovis, Portales, Texico, Melrose, Elida and Grady.

“The Eastern NM Rural Water System represents a model rural regional water supply project for the state,” said State Engineer John D'Antonio, “It is consistent with the goals of the statewide water plan. The creation of a formal water utility authority that will serve as the entity to finance, construct, own and operate the facilities is a significant achievement and positions the system as 'construction ready' for the purposes of federal support.”

The bill addresses concerns related to oversight that are consistent with other similar authorities. It ensures eminent domain will be used only for right-of-way purposes, and not for acquisition of water rights. It also assures compliance with Office of the State Engineer 40-year water planning policy and water rights acquisition statutes.

“This legislation is a tribute to the state's commitment to the preservation of our way of life. This project represents the future for our children and our grandchildren.” notes Senator Clint Harden of District 7 (Colfax, Curry, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, Taos, Union).

“It is a pleasure to work with Representative Crook and all the member communities. This is a major milestone for the project.” said Senator Stuart Ingle, District 27 (Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Roosevelt).

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Dems Play Politics

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:40:00 GMT

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DEMOCRATS PLAY POLITICS

WITH KEY LEGISLATION

Rep. Bandy Outraged

Santa Fe – Late Sunday night, S. 531, a bill that Gov. Richardson vetoed last session, was reported out of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and then reassigned by Speaker Lujan to the House Judiciary Committee. In doing so, Lujan effectively eliminated the chances of a vote by the full House. S. 531 was introduced by Sen. Tim Keller, District 17 (Bernalillo).

The legislation would provide for program evaluation and review by the legislative finance committee of agencies and entities that receive state funding. In 2009 it passed both the House and the Senate with unanimous bi-partisan support before being vetoed by Gov. Richardson.

“By sending this legislation to yet another committee, Speaker Lujan is attempting to avoid the chance for the House to override the veto. This legislative shell game subverts the democratic process,” said Rep. Bandy, District 3 (San Juan).

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Budget Humor

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:09:00 GMT

Rep. Bandy Finds Humor in Budget Problems with Help from Constituent

Santa Fe – Late Friday afternoon Rep. Paul Bandy, District 3 (San Juan), took to the House Floor to share a letter from an outraged constituent who used humor to emphasize her frustration with overspending and government waste in New Mexico. The constituent, who requested that she remain anonymous, was pleased that her letter received so much attention.

“This letter brings so many of our policies that have led us to overspend and truly are absurd, into perspective,” said Rep. Bandy.

The constituent’s letter, which drew knowing laughter at key points from the representatives in attendance who have been fighting to slash the budget this legislative session, is posted below.

Dear Legislators,

I am submitting my resume for one of those gubernatorial appointee high paying positions since it is now confirmed that you don’t need any experience whatsoever for the job.

After not much thought, I would like to be the Director of Rail Runner Public Relations for Cow Fatalities. My qualifications or rather lack thereof, are that I have ridden a train, I’ve watched them pass by at the Willard crossing and I used to play with my brother’s toy trains when I was a child. Also, I have owned a cow in my life and I do eat red meat.

I was going to submit my resume for the Director of a non-existent museum, but that position was already filled by someone that obviously needs the money, a Maloof. I would like to earn $85,000 to $95,000 a year since that seems to be the going rate for these gift jobs from Governor Richardson.

I hope to hear from you soon with a job offer. I’m very excited about the opportunity to have a government job that I don’t have to actually do anything productive. In fact, these jobs don’t even have legitimate job descriptions, even better.

One other thing, I would like to work from my house for four days a week, but of course I would show up if there happens to be a cow fatality. If this position is already filled, please consider me for the Assistant to the Director of Rail Runner Public Relations for Cow Fatalities since assistants seem to make a boatload of money also.

Thank you for your consideration.

In the post-script, the constituent charged that the salaries of 750 exempt state employees listed in a report compiled in September 2009 by the Department of Finance and Administration are “absurd.” She suggested that the 750 exempt state employees should be cut by 75% and that the ones that are left should have their salaries lowered by 50% before any tax increase is considered.

Democrats Kill Gardner's Bi-Partisan Redistricting Commission

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:13:00 GMT

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Democrats Kill Gardner’s

Bi-Partisan Redistricting Commission

Santa Fe – Today House Joint Resolution 15 which proposed to add a bipartisan redistricting committee to determine congressional and state legislative boundaries was indefinitely delayed by a House Voters and Elections Committee vote of seven to five. No Republicans voted to delay the bill. HJR 15 was authored by Keith Gardner, Republican Whip and Rep. for District 66 (Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Roosevelt).

“This is a sad day for democracy in New Mexico,” said Rep. Gardner. “Democrats in the legislature have sent a message that Democrat controlled redistricting is all but assured. Our hopes for an impartial, bi-partisan process are extinguished.”

Had HJR 15 passed, it would have placed an option for the establishment of a bi-partisan commission on the next general election ballot, allowing the voters of New Mexico the opportunity to say how they wanted re-districting carried out. By not enacting this bill, the Democrat controlled legislature will continue to determine congressional and state legislative districts.

“Rather than spending millions of dollars on litigation and court costs, this commission would have saved New Mexico taxpayers time and money,” said Gardner. “Democrats have ruled New Mexico for more than 70 years. At this point it is difficult to tell whether those votes are earned, or whether they are affects of heavy-handed, biased redistricting in their favor.”

The Democrats who voted to kill the bi-partisan redistricting commission are listed below.

Rep. Jose A. Campos, District 63

Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, District 34

Rep. James Roger Madalena, District 65

Rep. Ken Martinez, District 69

Rep. Danice R. Picraux, District 25

Rep. Debbie A. Rodella, District 41

Rep. Edward C. Sandoval, District 14

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HJR 15

View more documents from Matt Kennicott.

Budget Transcends Political Boundaries

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:34:00 GMT

The following op-ed appeared today in the Albuquerque Journal under the heading, “Permanent Fixes Needed to Reconcile State Budget,” and is offered for submission to all media.

Budget Transcends Political Boundaries

Submitted by the 49^th New Mexico State Legislature House Republicans

With so much at stake and so little time left in the 49^th New Mexico Legislative Session, we would like to lift the curtain on how the budget process is unfolding. The story this year has so far been a dramatic one as we and our Democrat colleagues clashed, debated, maneuvered, and finally come together in an effort to allow the budget to transcend political boundaries.

When this session began, New Mexico had a budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year of $600 million. The Legislative Finance Committee proposed a budget to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee that would reduce that deficit to $200 million. Rather than taking that recommendation and working to scale it back even further, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee added $90 million to it, creating a total deficit of $310 million with most of the balance temporary dollars.

The possibility of raiding our already depleted rainy day funds permeated budget discussions despite figures that proved they should be left alone to replenish. Once a thriving 13% of recurring appropriations, the state reserves have been reduced to 2.5% of recurring appropriations, or about $133 million.

It was clear from the beginning that the chances of receiving large amounts of temporary additional federal money is slim. The $23 million of federal money that is headed our way for education and the federal funding for the Medicaid program that will allow New Mexico to reduce general fund appropriations by $70 million are temporary. We will have to replace them next year.

A few weeks ago, Rep. Ken Martinez extended a hollow invitation when he said, “Even if you [the House Republicans] will not vote for any type of revenue enhancement I think you can have a hand in the policy making by just giving us your good ideas.”

In fact we had provided the powerful House Rules Committee that is controlled by Democrats ten of our “good ideas” in the form of bills that would institute responsible and necessary budget cuts that are not temporary. All of these bills were voted down, eliminating any chance of debate, testimony from New Mexicans around the state, and other legislative action that is vital to making responsible budget decisions.

It appeared that Democrats had chosen taxes increases as their solution to this enormous budget mess. They seemed oblivious to the reality that increased taxes would only halt job creation by compelling the businesses and individuals that pay these taxes to reduce the number of their employees, curtail any plans to expand, or move out of state to compensate for the new taxes they have to pay.

Fortunately, Friday’s budget and tax votes indicated a shift in thinking among some of the House Democrats. The bi-partisan votes indicate an abandonment of party-line agenda in favor of objective analysis. Eight Democrats voted against HB9, a bill to impose a surtax for three years on certain personal income, making the margin of victory for the bill only four votes. Democrat and Republican opposition to HB270, a bill to take away itemized tax deductions, caused the bill to fail 34 to 33, with ten Democrat votes against it.

There are still some large flaws in our pending budget and tax legislation. For instance, there are a lot of temporary dollars in the six main House budget bills. Temporary tax increases are burdensome because they are tax increases that later go away and leave government thirsty. They also add a variable to the fiscal landscape and make it more difficult for individuals, families, and businesses to plan. Another problem is that we are simply spending too much and must further decrease our fiscal year 2011 expenditures.

In the face of great challenges, it is important to remember that the budget process is only half over. As the budget bill moves to the Senate, we hope the tax and spend liberals will recognize the long term ramifications of this problem and help create permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Track Legislation Essential to Economy

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:36:00 GMT

The following editorial appeared in the Ruidoso News today under the heading “Support track legislation,” and is offered for submission to all media.

Track Legislation Essential to Economy

By State Representative Zach Cook, District 56

We in Ruidoso make up a small community and we rely heavily on tourism to support our local economy. Currently the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino is being threatened by low revenue and is considering relocating. In fact, the race track has gone as far to file an application with the New Mexico Horse Racing Commission asking for permission to move the business to the Las Cruces area.

The loss of the track would have a significant impact on our community’s economic well being and would result in significant job loss as well as a large decline in tourism to the area. This session I’m supporting legislation (HB 203) to provide the people of Lincoln County the opportunity to keep the race track in Ruidoso.

The track has a local payroll that is close to $ 4.8 million and employs more than 130 people year-round. During the racing season employment climbs to more than 400 employees, boosting the economy of the entire Ruidoso region. In addition, tourism escalates to nearly 300,000 visitors each year. All of this activity adds up to an impact of more than $30 million.

HB 203 allows the community the option to hold a vote for a county gross receipts business retention tax. If counties with race track casinos choose to take this option, the race track will be able to take a credit against the tax.

Recently a survey was taken to gauge support for such an option. Greater than 74% of those surveyed were residents of Lincoln County and nearly 26% lived in other counties but took an interest in the issue. The survey found that residents and non-residents alike support the race track casino by an overwhelming margin and believe, rightfully so, that it provides an enormous economic impact to the area. According to an executive summary of the survey, more than 76% of respondents were familiar with tax parity legislation while more than 86% responded that they would support a local option county business gross receipts retention tax to help keep the race track casino in Ruidoso Downs.

If HB 203 is not approved this legislative session the Ruidoso region will likely lose Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino. This means that at least 530 of us will lose full-time or seasonal employment. This means that we will lose many of the 300,000 visitors to our corner of New Mexico throughout the year, who help bring in nearly $30 million a year to the region. This means that our community will lose a major piece of our economy.

I strongly urge you to write, call, or visit your legislators to support this legislation. Without your support, HB 203 will not make it through the process and we could lose Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Espinoza on the Budget

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:33:00 GMT

Dear Editor,

The condition that New Mexico’s state budget is in is unfathomable to me. When it comes to finances, my entire life I have followed a simple rule: The amount of money that goes out, is always less than the amount of money that comes in. I am unemployed and my husband, who is self employed in the insurance industry, resolved very early in our marriage that we would never over-extend ourselves for indulgences and pay for them with money we did not have. It is shocking to see how many legislators are willing to do just that - allocate public funds for their pet projects and indulgences, even when there is not enough money to pay for them. Insult to injury, it is I and all of the other taxpayers who are responsible for the burden of debt they incur.

When this session began, New Mexico had a budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year of $200 million. In the last few weeks that number has increased to $310 million. During this time my Republican colleagues and I introduced bills that would institute responsible and necessary budget cuts. All of these bills were voted down, eliminating any chance of debate, testimony from witnesses, and other legislative action that is so important to the budget process. I repeatedly asked for information regarding Governor Richardson’s Exempt Employees list in order to see where we could make significant improvements in our deficit. Every tax dollar that is being spent to satisfy the salary of the exempt employee, is a dollar we could be using to shrink our budget.

Democrats have chosen to raise taxes as their solution to this enormous budget mess, even though taxes will only discourage job creation at a time when we need to do the opposite, and worsen the problem for New Mexico’s working families.

We have fewer than two weeks left to fix this problem. The choices that are made now can affect us here in New Mexico decades to come. I ask every person who is reading this letter to please contact as many Democrat legislators as you can to tell them to stop the wild spending and cut frivolous projects.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rep. Nora Espinosa, District 59

The Case for Protecting Our Teachers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:55:00 GMT

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The following editorial appeared in the Santa Fe New Mexican on February 6, 2010 under the heading “Law says fund schools first,” and is offered for submission to all media.

The Case for Protecting Our Teachers

By State Representative Dennis J. Roch, District 67

As the state legislature deliberates over New Mexico’s budget shortfall, I have frequently heard the statement, “Every program must take its share of cuts.” This statement assumes that every program is of equal value, and has an equal return for our future benefit, an idea which is far from the truth.

On the contrary, public education is a constitutional requirement and an essential government service. It deserves to be fully funded before we even think about spending our hard earned tax dollars on non-essential services.

Our schools have already suffered cuts of more $200 million in general fund dollars over the last two years, a decrease of more than 10%. Because such a large portion of school funding is in personnel, cuts of this magnitude compel schools to eliminate positions, resulting in larger class sizes and causing student performance to suffer. As someone who has taught both high school and middle school and now serves as a district-level administrator, I have seen firsthand how teacher funding affects education. Colleagues of mine who were excellent teachers have sought other professions that compensated them more fairly for their education, skills, and experience. I have seen students who were once energetic and passionate about their studies become disenchanted or frustrated because they were not getting what they needed in order to succeed.

So where did the $200 million that was cut from education go? Shockingly, it was diverted to such non-essential programs as the Spaceport. As of last year, the state had spent $198 million on this project, one for which I don’t see any requirement in the state constitution. I called on my colleagues to suspend expenditures on the Spaceport, both in this session and in last fall’s special session. Both times, my efforts were thwarted in committee. So while school funding is threatened, the state pays for a third chef at the Governor’s Mansion, a Rail Runner that loses thirty-four million dollars a year, a jet for Governor Richardson and Lt. Governor Denish, and university lobbyists with staggering six-figure salaries—paid for with tax dollars to lobby for more tax dollars.

While all of these extravagances continue to receive funding, some have even suggested a 2% cut to teachers’ salaries. This proposal comes after these same employees were hit this year with a mandatory increase in their retirement contributions, reducing their wages by another 1.5%. Then, on top of all this, there is now talk that educators’ health care deductibles could nearly double next year, increasing their out of pocket expenses and further decreasing their take-home pay yet again.

Trust me, shortchanging education has dire consequences for New Mexico’s teachers and students. So before buying the line that, “Every program needs to be cut,” consider how the loss of even one excellent teacher compares to the loss of the Governor’s jet or his third chef. There couldn’t be a stronger case for protecting our teachers.

FY11 Budget Passed

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:23:00 GMT

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The House passed the budget. WHAT NEXT?

Santa Fe – Upon the passage of the FY2011 New Mexico State Budget (HB2), Rep. Tom Taylor (San Juan) and Rep. Keith Gardner (Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Roosevelt) issued the following statements.

“It is irresponsible for the House to pass the budget with a $310 million deficit built in. It is even more irresponsible to address that reduction through tax increases to New Mexico’s hardworking families. This session, Republicans introduced numerous measures to cut costs to taxpayers and unfortunately all of them were voted down by Democrats,” said Republican Leader Tom Taylor.

“To compound the problem, there are a lot of temporary dollars in this bill. Temporary tax increases are burdensome because they are tax increases that later go away and leave government thirsty. They are also burdensome because they add a variable to the landscape and make it more difficult for individuals, families, and businesses to plan. For someone who looks beyond the tip of their nose, it is clear that the legislature is going to have to revisit these same issues next year unless we solve this problem now,” Taylor continued.

“We entered this session with a $200 million defecit and in a little under a month it has grown to $310 million. Fortunately, there is still time to fix this problem. We are only done with the first half of the budget process,” said House Republican Whip Keith Gardner. “As the budget bill moves to the Senate, we are counting on our colleagues there pick up the torch of budget savings and responsible fiscal policy. We must avoid raising taxes and instead make careful spending cuts.”

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