The House passed House Bill 11, which would provide paid family and medical leave, to the Senate on a vote of 38-31 despite overwhelming opposition from businesses throughout the state. Five Democrats joined 26 Republicans in voting “no.” Those five are Reps. Martha Garcia (D-Cibola &McKinley), Wonda Johnson (D-McKinley & San Juan), Patty Lundstrom (D-McKinley), Marian Matthews (D-Bernalillo) and Joseph Sanchez (D-Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel & Taos).
We will continue to fight against this legislation that is a business and job killer. Stacks of letters were on the desks of Republican members expressing opposition to HB 11. It’s clear that businesses don’t want this, nor do many employees. In this era of extraordinary inflation yet giant budget surpluses, there is no reason to raise taxes. More coverage on this will be in tonight’s Legislative RoundUp.