1. BILL THAT WOULD NEARLY TRIPLE NEW MEXICO’S GAS TAX ADVANCES
IN HOUSE
That huge gas tax increase proposed by progressive Democrat Rep. Matthew McQueen is moving forward. The House Taxation and Revenue Committee cleared HB 173 by a vote of 8-4. McQueen wants to raise the tax to 45 cents per gallon over the next few years and to use the revenue for things other than its designated use–roads and infrastructure. Aren’t we taxed enough? This out-of-control taxing and spending will ruin this state. Check out the following Op-Ed this week in the Santa Fe New Mexican from our Republican leadership.
Rep. Jason Harper, (R)-Rio Rancho sees the gas tax bill as irresponsible and dangerous.
“I am shocked that the Democrats are continuing to burden wage-earning New Mexico families with increased taxes. What’s even more concerning is that HB 173 seeks to divert the gas tax revenue away from our roads. Our roads are in desperate need of repair.”
Call Rep. Matthew McQueen (505) 986-4423 and tell him New Mexico is taxed enough!
This bill moves to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
2. REPUBLICANS OFFER SOCIAL SECURITY BILL TO GIVE RETIREES A TAX
BREAK
Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R)-Carlsbad and Rep. Gail Armstrong (R)-Magdalena have presented House Bill 29 in the House Labor & Veteran Affairs Committee. It proposes to exempt state tax on social security income. Most retirees live on a reduced, fixed income, and a third have no retirement income aside from social security. HB 29 would repeal the tax and, on average, put $700 dollars in retiree’s pockets every year. A sensible move to stop this endless taxation.
“It’s inexcusable that retirees who paid into the social security system through their working years and were taxed with every paycheck are being taxed again in retirement,” said Rep. Cathrynn Brown, “Double taxation is unjust and unfair.”
The bill is expected to be heard in the Taxation committee in the coming weeks.
3. RED FLAG BILL BE HEARD IN THE JUDICIARY THIS WEEK
The 2nd Amendment Rally on Friday at the Roundhouse was a big success. In a rare move, parts of the Roundhouse were put on lockdown to stop people from getting to the Chamber where the Red Flag bill was being discussed. The Senate Judiciary Committee could possibly hear the bill tomorrow. We’ll keep you posted on when it will be heard. A reminder: SB5 would allow authorities to take a homeowners’ firearms if they believe he’s a threat to others. A total violation of our civil rights.
4. IT’S TIME FOR A WATCHDOG OVER THE CYFD–REPUBLICANS CALL FOR
AN OMBUDSMAN.
A Republican-sponsored bill looks to crack down on the continuous problems surrounding the Children, Youth & Families Department. Child deaths and abuse have led to concerns about the effectiveness of the Department. Now Reps. Kelly Fajardo, Rebecca Dow and David Gallegos are pushing a bill to create an ombudsman for child welfare. It’s about time there was some accountability in the Administration when it comes to child welfare.
“There’s a lot of problems within CYFD,” Fajardo said. “And all grievances and complaints and everything, employee complaints, to a foster parent, are all handled within CYFD. What it would do is take it out of CYFD.”
House bill 213 is currently in the Rules & Order of Business Committee.
ROUNDHOUSE PROFILES: WORKING HARD FOR YOU
Rep. Phelps Anderson, an Executive, lives in Roswell and represents Chaves, Lea & Roosevelt Counties.
