New Mexico
New Mexico lawmakers work to increase affordability
Different communities have different problems that require different solutions, but one thing just about every lawmaker agrees on is life is getting more expensive.
SANTA FE, N.M. – There are a lot of regional differences in the Roundhouse. Different communities have different problems that require different solutions, but one thing just about every lawmaker agrees on is life is getting more expensive.
“New Mexicans have seen a rise of cost in utilities, groceries and everything is more expensive,” said state Rep. Rebecca Dow.
“Affordability for me has been paramount this entire legislative session,” said Speaker of the House Javier Martinez.
It seems both sides believe there are extra savings hidden inside New Mexico’s tax laws.
“We have billions of dollars of surplus. Solutions exist,” said Dow.
For House Republican leaders, that means getting rid of the state’s personal income taxes, even though legislative analysts predict that would cost the state more than $5 billion in revenue over the next two years.
“We’ve got reforms on Social Security and veterans tax. We’ve got reforms on GRT,” Dow said.
But it appears Democratic leaders are more interested in increasing certain tax credits.
“We’ve got an expansion of what we’re calling the Earned Income Tax Credit, which was the old working Family Tax Credit,” said Martinez.
Martinez says the proposal would essentially exempt even more low-income New Mexicans from the state’s income taxes, putting more money in their pockets.
“We hope that families are able to take advantage of that tax program for them to be able to afford, like I said, the high cost of milk, eggs, bread, you know, everyday staples that the federal administration has yet to address, but I know are impacting people here in New Mexico,” said Martinez.
House Democrat leaders are expected to unveil their tax package in the coming days, and we’ll see what other cost-cutting measures they have in store this year, and what compromises they make with Republicans.
Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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