SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A top staffer for Gov. Bill Richardson says the Democratic governor is leaning toward vetoing a proposed tax on food.
The Legislature approved a proposal to reinstate the gross receipts tax on food at the rate imposed by local governments, which averages about 2 percent statewide.
Deputy Chief of Staff Gilbert Gallegos told The Associated Press on Tuesday the governor is leaning in the direction of a line-item veto of the food tax. The provision is part of a bill with about $200 million in tax increases to help balance the budget. The food tax provides about $68 million.
Gallegos said Richardson will make a final decision on Wednesday. That's the deadline for signing or vetoing bills passed during a recent special legislative session.
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