State Rep. Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, announced he plans to introduce legislation in January that would establish a taxpayer bill of rights as a constitutional amendment.
The legislation will establish the New Mexico Taxpayer Bill of Rights and will restrict the annual spending of lawmakers in the state, as well as require a three-fifths majority in both chambers in the future for any tax increase, according to a press release.
“These increases are not only unsustainable, they are irresponsible,” Montoya said in the press release. “In a recent interview, Gov. Lujan Grisham answered the question as to when is it the right time to rein in spending and her answer was ‘we don’t stop‘ spending. Apparently, there is never a right time to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. The idea that Santa Fe can spend your money better than you can is outrageous!"
Montoya believes the bill of rights will create budget stability. The New Mexico Taxpayer Bill of Rights also would provide rebates to taxpayers after spending limits are met.
If approved, the amendment would be placed on the November ballot.
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