Albuquerque, NM - Today, the Republican Party of New Mexico released the following statement, urging Santa Fe voters to reject Mayor Javier Gonzales' sugary beverage tax:

"The voters should reject this regressive, burdensome tax that will hurt working families, local businesses, and do nothing to increase access to affordable pre-K," said Republican Party of New Mexico Spokesman Tucker Keene. "The tax disproportionately targets hard working Santa Feans without doing anything to increase the affordability of healthier drink options, ultimately leaving citizens worse off economically and no healthier. Prices on drinks many buy every day will skyrocket. Further, the programs funded by this tax are not traditional pre-K programs, as they would not be licensed by the Public Education Department. Santa Fe can do much better, and should reject Mayor Javier Gonzales' irresponsible tax hike."