State Assembly members approved a water rate increase proposed by the Governor’s office four days after being introduced
In only four days, Baja California lawmakers analyzed and approved a bill submitted by the left-leaning Governor Marina Avila for a criticized water rate increase.
Legislators voted 16-8 in favor of the proposal thanks to the majority of the National Regeneration Movement Party.
The bill to modify state Tax Law was first considered by lawmakers with the Commission of Taxes and Budget.
Previously, business organizations asked the state to vote no for the bill.
Conservative National Action Party leaders criticized the governor for its impact on families.
“Governor Marina betrayed families’ economy by increasing water rates,” the party wrote on Twitter. “It’s enough to abuse those who have less.”
Among those who voted against the measure were Sergio Moctezuma and Marco Antonio Salinas, who belong to the majority coalition.
The lawmakers criticized assembly leadership for stopping legislators from expressing their concerns in public.
The bill’s content says water rate increase targets large commercial consumers and seeks to conserve water.
Also, the bill indicates those consuming over 4,000 gallons per month will not be affected either. Many Mexicali residents are above that threshold.
“None of us is in favor of affecting the most unprotected sectors of Baja California people,” Assemblyman Juan Manuel Molina said.
According to Molina about 70 percent of Mexicali residents do not consume more than 4,000 gallons per month.
Lawmakers also voted to increase rates of the Payroll Tax.
The bill was enacted by Governor Avila days ago.
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