Think New Mexico
Food Tax Repeal    Food Tax Repeal   Take Action!

Issue Summary

In late 2001, with the release of our fourth policy report, Think New Mexico launched a campaign to repeal New Mexico's food tax.

At that time, New Mexico was one of only nine states that continued to fully tax food, along with Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia. This antiquated tax is regressive, anti-family, and has worsened the state's hunger problem.

Our bipartisan legislation to abolish the food tax came extremely close to passing in the 2002 legislative session, but ran out of time at the very end of the session. In 2004, Think New Mexico teamed up with Governor Bill Richardson and House Speaker Ben Lujan to champion a successful bill to repeal the taxes on both groceries and selected medical services.

As of January 1, 2005, food is exempt from taxation in New Mexico.


Original Jonathan Richards cartoon illustrating how the food tax impacted New Mexico's children.

Resources & Media


Food Tax Repeal Policy Report

Think New Mexico's policy report on repealing the food tax


Coalition in Support of the Food Tax Repeal


Update: Stateline Article on food tax repeal efforts in other states


Santa Fe New Mexican Editorial on the implementation of the food tax repeal • January 5, 2005


Think New Mexico's opinion editorial on repealing the food tax • January 2003


Santa Fe New Mexican Editorial on the food tax repeal • November 4, 2001


Get Involved

Contact your Legislators Thank Your Legislators
During the 2004 legislative session, Think New Mexico supporters sent dozens of messages to their legislators urging them to support the food tax repeal, and legislators responded by putting in long hours to ensure that the food tax repeal bill was successful. Messages from constituents are the key to winning lasting policy reform. Click here to thank your legislators for repealing the food tax - you can compose and send emails or letters to them directly from Think New Mexico's Action Center.

Contact your Local Media Vocal public support of abolishing the food tax played a big part in making it happen. Legislators and the Governor were attentive and responsive to the many letters to the editor that called for an end to the food tax. We encourage you to express your support for the recent repeal of New Mexico's food tax through the media, as well as directly to your representatives. The Media section of Think New Mexico's Action Center provides the names and contact information for your local media, including newspapers, radio stations, and television stations, and you can compose and send any of them an email or letter right from the page.

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