The moment of sanity was brief, very brief.
New Mexico is primarily a rural state. We have 3 large population centers: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. Those centers lean far to the left, especially Santa Fe. The rest of the state is quite rural and rather conservative. A four hour drive to anywhere is pretty much considered "local". Ranchers and other rural folks rely heavily on our vehicles and they serve a wide variety of purposes, everything from herding cattle to transporting kids to school.
One of the Democrat state representatives, Matthew McQueen, who represents parts of Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Torrance, and Valencia Counties, sponsored a very regressive fuel tax, HB 173 Gas Taxes New Funds and Distributions. It would raise the gasoline and diesel taxes in the state from about 17 cents / gal to 47 cents / gal, which is an increase of 176%!!! Why? All in the name of Gov Michelle Lujan-Grisham's "Green New Deal" also known as the "Energy Transition Act" which was passed in secret proceedings with no voter input, no public discussion, no impact studies, and with no regard for the taxpayers' wallets. The "Energy Transition Act" mandates that New Mexico moves to 100% carbon free energy. This law is essentially a carbon tax and it has resulted in lost energy jobs, higher utility rates, and reduced state revenue. This in a state where the ONLY industry is oil and gas.
Lunacy, I tell you!
Anyway, McQueen's bill was winding its way through the legislature and it had been passed by the Tax & Revenue Committee on an 8 - 3 party line vote. It had the support of high school kids to "combat climate change" and it was said to be for repairing roads, however, a goodly portion of the revenues raised were tagged to buy the State electric vehicles and charging stations. Mind you, this is for a rural state that is 342 miles wide by 370 miles long and it is the 5th largest state in the Union. Where's the common sense? I truly believe Leftist Democrats have no common sense. The only thing they have is a wanton desire to pick pockets.
Thankfully, sanity prevailed in the Appropriations Committee where it was tabled.
Rep Jason Harper (Rio Rancho) said, "I'm shocked that Democrats are continuing to burden hard-working New Mexicans with increased taxes."
Rep Gail Armstrong (Magdalena) said, "This is a rural versus urban situation. I'm voting rural."
Oh... before I forget, here are the Representatives who want to really pick your pockets with a 30 cent fuel increase.
Javier Martinez (D, Dist 11, ABQ)
Jim Trujillo (D, Dist 45, Santa Fe)
Abbas Akhil (D, Dist 20, ABQ)
Micaela Lara Cadena (D, Dist 33, Mesilla)
Christine Chandler (D, Dist 43, Los Alamos)
Brian Egolf (D, Dist 47, Santa Fe)
Doreen Gallegos (D, Dist 52, Las Cruces)
Antonio "Moe" Maestas (D, Dist 16, ABQ)
Christine Trujillo (D, Dist 25, ABQ)
If you are a Democrat and are tired of increased taxes, little representation, high crime, and your voices being stifled, I suggest you #WalkAway from the Leftist Democrats and join the Republicans. I know I walked away several years back and I've never been happier. Join me!
2 comments:
I am running opposing J8m Trujillo, or his replacement. I have heard he is retiring and will 'hand off' his title to a dem of his choosing.
Sharing this with some of my down South friends.
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