A PUBLIC POLICY GROUP IN NEW MEXICO IS PUSHING FOR HIGHER TAXES ON ALCOHOL TO HELP CLOSE THE STATE’S BUDGET GAP. PETER DE BENEDITTIS WITH “ALCOHOL TAXES SAVE LIVES AND MONEY” SAYS NEW MEXICANS PAY A HUGE PRICE FROM EXCESSIVE DRINKING. HE SAYS THE STATE COULD FILL 800-MILLION DOLLARS FOR DWI COSTS, COURT CASES, HOSPITAL COSTS, DETENTION, AND EXTRA POLICE.
THE PROPOSAL WOULD HIKE THE PRICE OF A SIX-PACK BY A BUCK-50…AND A BOTTLE OF WINE BY A DOLLAR-25.
GOVERNOR MARTINEZ HAS SAID SHE’LL OPPOSE ANY TAX INCREASE WHEN LAWMAKERS CONVENE IN SPECIAL SESSION.
