
Santa Fe, N.M. – A bill working its way through the New Mexico legislature would help eligible communities serving a high percentage of low-income residents fund governmental services.
House Bill 163, the Community Supplemental Support Fund, sponsored by Representative Candie Sweetser (D-Deming), supports eligible medium-sized towns throughout the state with populations between 10,000 – 15,000 struggling with operating expenses due to low tax revenue and poverty levels above the statewide rate.
Representative Candie Sweetser said, “Many of New Mexico’s smaller communities are struggling to meet the needs of their residents,” “Whether it’s because of low gross receipts tax collections, high poverty, or oftentimes both, communities like Deming are looking for ways to make ends meet and deliver critical services to their people. Setting up this fund could mean a world of difference to communities such as: Artesia, Deming, Española, Gallup, Las Vegas, Portales, and Sunland Park.”
Money in the Community Supplemental Support Fund would be given to qualified municipalities in proportions that reflect the city’s population.
House Bill 163 was voted out of the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee unanimously and will be heard next in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.