Use surplus to help NM and not Hollywood

OUR STATE Legislature and governor are enamored with Hollywood. They keep giving Hollywood companies massive subsidies to produce movies and television shows in our state. However, we need to look at what is actually happening. Only 40% of every single dollar that is given to Hollywood companies in tax rebates comes back to the state. Only 40% folks! That means the state of New Mexico and the taxpayers of New Mexico lose 60% of state funds subsidizing Hollywood. No one would ever invest their own money that way. But oh, it’s just taxpayer funds so anything goes with this current regime. Remember the waste under Gov. Bill Richardson?

Instead of wasting state funds, the money from the oil boom needs to be used to rebuild state and county roads, dams and other infrastructure projects. Rest areas along the interstate need to be cleaned up and improved. State hatcheries and boating ramps need to be revitalized. State parks need to be fixed up. The police and firemen need new equipment and pay raises.

The governor of Colorado recently said that he wanted to reduce drug costs and make sure no one who is diabetic is charged over $100 a month for insulin. What a concept — taking care of taxpayers and dealing with drug companies to reduce drug costs. Our governor has not done one thing to help reduce the cost of prescription drugs for the citizens of New Mexico. Why isn’t money from our booming oil industry used to help with drug costs?

The public needs to let the Legislature and our governor know that subsidizing Hollywood is NOT in the best interest of the taxpayers of New Mexico. Stop wasting our money!

SUE MULLANE Albuquerque