No food taxes

Keeping groceries and prescription medicine tax-free is essential for working New Mexico families, seniors and anyone living on fixed incomes (“Senator looks to revive tax on food, exclude healthier items,” Jan. 27). New Mexicans should not have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.

Senate Bill 129 would have reimposed the food tax on many locally produced foods, including goat cheese, chile powder, and all nuts, including New Mexico pecans and pistachios. To purchase groceries without paying tax, New Mexico families would be limited to purchasing only the specific brands and specific sizes of foods that are included in the federal Women, Infants and Children nutrition program. The legislation appears to be dead this session, but citizens must remain alert.

A 2017 study by Ernst & Young commissioned by the New Mexico Legislature found the food tax would hit lowincome New Mexicans three times harder than wealthier residents. Thirty-four states, including our neighbors of Arizona, Colorado and Texas, balance their budgets without taxing food or medicine. New Mexico should continue to do the same.

Dot Greene

Santa Fe