The Seal of the State of New Mexico inside the Roundhouse on Jan. 10, 2024. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source NM)
New Mexico has not raised its alcohol excise tax since 1993 , but not for lack of trying.
Numerous bills have been introduced over the last three decades, but none have been signed into law. Last year, an increase made it through the Roundhouse only to be vetoed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. This year, lawmakers in the state with the highest alcohol-related death rate in the country are giving it another go.
New Mexico has long struggled with residents dying from alcohol use and the issue is worsening, according to a recent legislative report. The alcohol-related death rate increased over 30% from just 2019 to 2021, when about six New Mexicans died each day from drinking.
House Bill 179 co-sponsor Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Doña Ana) told the House Health and Human Services Committee Monday that hiking the tax by 25 cents per serving could help change that.
“Other policy changes can be made too, but raising the liquor excise tax is the most immediate and effective solution we have to start saving the health and lives of our friends and family,” she said.