SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on a soda tax ballot initiative in Santa Fe, New Mexico (all times local):
7:00 p.m.
Proponents of a tax on sugary sodas in Santa Fe, New Mexico, are raising and spending more in political contributions than opponents in efforts to sway the outcome of a city ballot initiative.
A political committee supported by the lobbying arm of the soft-drink industry reported in financial disclosures Tuesday that it has received about $1.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions. The Better Way for Santa Fe and Pre-K committee spent most the money in efforts to defeat the tax initiative.
A political committee backed by New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg that favors the tax has received nearly $1.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to promote the tax. The committee earlier said it was being outspent by the soft-drink industry, but campaign filings show that no longer appears to be the case.
Voters in New Mexico’s capital city have until May 2 to decide whether to levy a new 2-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks to expand prekindergarten programs.
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New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg has contributed more than $800,000 in recent weeks to push for voter approval of a tax on sugary sodas in New Mexico’s state capital city.
A political action committee that supports the proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Santa Fe, New Mexico, reported Tuesday a $400,000 cash donation from the former New York City mayor since April 7.
The committee Pre-K for Santa Fe says Bloomberg also provided just over $400,000 worth of additional support in advertising, research and consulting.
Santa Fe voters decide on May 2 whether to adopt a soda tax of 2 cents per ounce to expand early childhood education services. Artificially sweetened drinks would be exempt.
Pre-K for Santa Fe says tax supporters are being outspent by the soft-drink industry.
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