Richardson: Tax increases inevitable

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., said he opposed any tax during last month's special session, but Monday he said it will be a different story in January when lawmakers meet again.

At a news conference on Monday, Richardson said a tax increase is inevitable.

The governor will appoint a task force made up of business leaders and government officials to look at specific tax hike proposals.

In October, the legislature passed a series of sharp budget cuts to deal with the state's huge deficit.

Many lawmakers also say the deficit cannot be fixed with cuts alone, adding that taxes must be raised.