Bid in NM Senate to revive tax bills is rejected

Posted at: 10/20/2009 3:30 PM
By: DEBORAH BAKER Associated Press Writer

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A group of rank-and-file Democrats in the New Mexico Senate tried unsuccessfully on Tuesday to resurrect tax-increase measures as part of a plan to fill a $650 million hole in the state budget.

The lawmakers complained they had been effectively handcuffed when Gov. Bill Richardson said in his official proclamation that tax hikes weren't on the table during the special legislative session.

They argued that the governor had exceeded his authority, and that deferring to him meant they were giving up some of the Legislature's powers.

But they were outvoted when Senate Democratic leaders joined Republicans to block consideration of the tax bills. They upheld an earlier ruling by a committee that the measures were not relevant to the session.

 (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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