DALLAS - New Mexico lawmakers will return to Santa Fe Aug. 15 for a special session to deal with issues high on Gov. Bill Richardson's agenda that got short shrift in last spring's regular session.
Richardson identified universal health care, tax relief, and a $200 million road funding bill as the top action items.
Under his program known as GRIP - for Gov. Richardson's Investment Program - the road bill would provide $100 million in surplus funds and $100 million of severance tax bonds for 13 highway projects throughout the state.
The new funding would complete nearly 90% of the GRIP program that was started in 2004, according to state Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught.
"In the last five years, the price of asphalt alone has increased by nearly 300%," Faught said. "With the money the governor has provided, we can complete several projects around the state, especially those in rural communities where public transportation is not always readily available."
Richardson, who was wrapping up his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination when the legislative session began, is calling for a $211 million health care package.
"We are ready to move forward with health care reform and cover more New Mexicans," Richardson said. "There is adequate room in the budget to get this done now. We can't afford not to act."
Richardson's "care" package includes a cost-of-living rebate to compensate for high energy prices. The credit would be $150 for each taxpayer plus $40 for each dependent for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes up to $60,000. For taxpayers with incomes between $60,000 and $65,000 the credit would be $125 for each taxpayer and $34 for each dependent. For taxpayers with incomes between $65,000 and $70,000 the credit would be $100 for each taxpayer and $26 for each dependent.
Richardson is also proposing a one-time "Tax Holiday for the Holidays" that would run Nov. 28 through Dec. 7 and exempt certain items such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and some appliances from state sales taxes.
Richardson also wants to expand the existing tax holiday for back-to-school items to seven days from three.
"This is a comprehensive package to provide a shot in the arm for New Mexicans who are getting hit hard as a result of high gas prices," Richardson said.
