A bill proposing to put a 1-percent excise tax on TV sets, video games and video game equipment sold in New Mexico will be submitted to the state legislature on Monday to fund programs preventing childhood obesity and improving school performance.

State legislator Gail Chasey, an educator and sponsor of the bill, expects to raise $4 million from the tax each year.

The proposal is endorsed by the conservation group Sierra Club and other organizations, Agence France-Press reported.

According to Michael Casaus of the Sierra Club, the consumer goods were chosen because they are linked to obesity and poor school performance.

Medical studies show that one of four children in New Mexico are overweight and just over graduate from high school, he says, adding the bill promotes school performance, healthy lifestyles and provides children with outdoor classrooms in state parks and public lands.

Outdoor study improves grades, including performance in mathematics and science, supporters of the bill say.