by Walter Rubel, Las Cruces Sun-News
Jan. 28, 2021
LAS CRUCES – A bill that would give a tax break to restaurants and a $600 check to low-income workers was passed unanimously and enthusiastically out of the state Senate Taxation Business and Transportation Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 26.
The only resistance came in a warning from Sen. Gay Kernan, R-Hobbs, who cautioned that new federal restrictions of oil and gas production will have a negative impact on the state budget. But, there was complete agreement that restaurants in New Mexico have been harmed by restrictions put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and need help.
“I’ve spoken with several restaurant owners in Silver City, and all of them are saying this has been their most difficult year,” said Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill, D-Silver City, a co-sponsor of the bill. Restaurants are reporting drops in revenue of 60 to 70 percent, she said.
Read more at the Las Cruces Sun-News