Lawmakers debate what to cut amid shortfall

Posted at: 10/20/2009 7:37 AM | Updated at: 10/20/2009 7:42 AM
By: Eyewitness News 4

New Mexico lawmakers headed back to the capitol Tuesday to try to solve the state's $650 million revenue shortfall, and it is a near certainty the solution will be found in budget cuts rather than tax increases.

House and Senate committees decided Monday that tax increase plans are not authorized under the special session guidelines handed down by Gov. Bill Richardson.  The House Rules and Order of Business Committee overwhelmingly voted against measures to raise alcohol, tobacco and motor vehicle excise taxes.

That isn't stopping some members pushing consideration of tax increases or repealing tax cuts as means to raise revenue.  Richardson has remained opposed to tax increases.

As a result, the Roundhouse has been flooded with bills proposing where to cut funding, with education becoming a battleground.  The Senate's latest proposal would trim school funding by six percent.  The House version would cut funding by four percent.  Richardson is hoping to reduce cuts to education by 1.5 percent.

What else is on the chopping block?  Funding for a Santa Fe rape crisis center, an opera rehearsal hall and a bridge over the Santa Fe River are on a list of hundreds of capital-outlay proposals facing legislative cuts.

Gov. Richardson says he'd consider a "comprehensive, well-reasoned revenue package" in the regular legislative session in January and will appoint a working group to come up with that plan.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News 4 and KOB.com throughout the day for updates on the Legislative Special Session.

 

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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