SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New state laws will require New Mexicans to pay higher taxes on cigarettes as well as other goods and services, ranging from clothes to plumbing.
State and local government workers and retirees also may feel a financial squeeze from a law that will stop them from double dipping.
The new laws take effect Thursday.
If a retiree returns to work after July 1 with the state, a city or other governmental employer affiliated with the Public Employee Retirement Association, the person's pension is suspended while they're in the paid job.
The tax increases were enacted to help balance the state budget.
The gross receipts tax increases by one-eighth cent and the cigarette tax goes up by 75 cents a pack.
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