Is New Mexico’s Tax Structure Fair?
January 27, 2017— This week on New Mexico in Focus, we look at one lawmaker’s proposal to close the loopholes in our tax system that he says have left it looking like a block of Swiss cheese. Plus, we talk to a tax policy expert who says politics destroyed a well-intentioned tax system. Is the state ready to re-examine the dozens of exemptions that critics say benefit “anyone with a friend in Santa Fe”?
Rep. Jason Harper is a Republican from Rio Rancho who has served as the chair of the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee.
Kelly O’Donnell is an economist who served as the director of state tax policy and deputy cabinet secretary for economic development under Gov. Bill Richardson.
Further Reading:
- Reform Tax Code, Budget to Grow Economy—Paul Gessing, New Mexico in Depth
- Creating a 21st Century Budget for New Mexico—James Jimenez, NMPolitics.net
- Polls Show New Mexicans Favor Some Tax Increases to Balance Budget—Andy Lyman, NM Political Report
- Governor’s $6.09B Budget Proposal Calls for More Belt-Tightening—Andrew Oxford, The Santa Fe New Mexican
This segment is part of our People, Power and Democracy project.
People, Power and Democracy explores ethics, accountability and transparency in government. Our partners are KUNM, New Mexico in Depth, New Mexico News Port and New Mexico PBS.
Support for coverage on NMiF comes from the Thornburg Foundation and NMPBS viewers.
You can follow reporting from our partners on Facebook and Twitter