Supreme Court Rules for Democrats, Taxes on NM Businesses to Rise $128 Million in January

Alamogordo Daily News - SANTA FE -- The state Supreme Court dealt Gov. Susana Martinez another defeat Wednesday, ruling that she illegally vetoed part of a bill to stop a tax increase. Six Democrats in the Legislature sued the Republican governor over the veto. They said Martinez abused her power and actually endangered businesses by trying to strike down part of the bill. Martinez vetoed a $128 million increase in business taxes while allowing cuts in unemployment benefits to stand in the same bill. The Democrats, who paid for the lawsuit out of their own pockets, argued that Martinez could not veto part of a bill that did not involve an appropriation of state money. State Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, was one of those who sued the governor. She said Martinez acted irresponsibly by vetoing the business tax to shore up the state's unemployment insurance fund. Stewart said the court's 5-0 ruling against Martinez would put the original bill into law, and that the tax increase on businesses would begin Jan. 1. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Supreme Court Rules for Democrats, Taxes on NM Businesses to Rise $128 Million in January