New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) HEROES Luncheon – SAVE THE DATE: The 2013 HEROES Luncheon will be on September 26, 2013 at the Albuquerque Country Club. Plan now to attend. For sponsorship opportunities or to nominate a HERO for 2013, contact NMBC at nmbiz@nmbizcoalition.org or (505) 836-4223.

Need more taxes? Doña Ana County voters are looking at a sales tax increase of 1/4 of 1%. Proposed by the Doña Ana County Commission, this tax increase will pay for expanded 911 call operations and ambulance services. Also on the ballot are three bond questions that, if passed, will continue a property tax that is already in place. If rejected, it will lead to a decrease in property tax rates.

Due to the recent passing of Governor Cargo, Senate Pro Tem Papen will be speaking at a memorial for him in Santa Fe today. Our condolences to his family.

Las Cruces BASH (Business and Social Hour) is HOT with Excitement: The first NMBC Las Cruces BASH will be Thursday, July 11, 2013, from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Join us at La Posta de Mesilla as we feature guest speaker Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen.

Job Opening - City of Albuquerque Mayor, Salary $103,854.40/Year. Want to be a part of the interview process?

Bernalillo County Right of Way Ordinance Will Be Decided Tonight: The Bernalillo County Commission is scheduled to vote TONIGHT on a proposed Right-of-Way Use Ordinance to impose fees on utility and nonutility entities that use county property. But this "fee" is really a tax. Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson put it this way, "A tax is a tax even when you call it a 'fee.' and utilities can, do and will pass the proposed 3 percent 'fee' on to you no matter what it's called." Read more by Commissioner Johnson HERE. The ordinance would allow for fees to be calculated and collected using two (2) options: 1) Franchise Fee - a percentage of gross revenues and 2) Assessed Usage Fee - a formula-based calculation using "assessed value" of property occupied. Because of utility rate structures, fees are usually passed on to ALL of a utility's customers - not just those residing in the affected area.

Transparency Should Be More Than A Campaign Promise: The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) believes in holding elected officials accountable. It doesn't matter what party they come from, promises made on the campaign trail should be kept. President Obama promised transparency as a candidate but he continues to make policy behind closed doors. He is excluding the public and the businesses affected, working secretly to determine what he thinks is best for America. If it's what is best, why the secrecy and exclusion of others?

Local Decisions Are Best for New Mexico. The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) works to improve the economy and quality of life for all New Mexicans. We believe the federal government has its role, but most decisions affecting New Mexico should be made by New Mexicans. Some elected officials step aside, forget about doing what is right as long as the federal dollars keep adding up. Others, like NM Representative Yvette Herrell understand that local decisions are best.

The Las Cruces City Council will be meeting today, Monday, June 10, at 1 pm to discuss plans for a proposed tax hike. This proposal is in response to the phase out of the Hold Harmless Agreement with the state when tax was removed from most food items. The phase out does not begin for three years and will take place gradually over a 15 year period. The long time frame was to allow cities and municipalities time to replace this revenue. It was not intended that taxes should be raised immediately - if ever! These government entities should be looking at economic development - not taking more of your hard-earned money.