Hundreds of Jobs Lost Due to Movie Theater Shutdowns

Like our weather, business closings in New Mexico are snowballing as a result of Gov. Lujan Grisham's unjust, inequitable and random Public Health Orders aimed at curbing COVID-19.

Now we've learned that Las Cruces-based Allen Theatres is going into "hibernation," as it announced it's closing all 13 theaters in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.

The closings will cost more than 400 employees their jobs.

The reason? Our governor. Since March theaters across New Mexico have had to shut their doors. So Allen Theatres turned to drive-ins, but the governor's revised policies drove people away.

What will drive people out of state is the continued economic shutdown that's devastated New Mexico. Without any discernible plan or sensible agenda, the governor's mandates have collapsed our economy, costs thousands of jobs, permanently shuttered hundreds of restaurants and led to chaos and decline in our education system. Her actions have also damaged peoples' livelihoods and caused mental anguish across the state.

In addition to blaming Washington, the governor has constantly blamed patient New Mexicans for the worsening crisis, but the responsibility for our state's mess lies with our Chief Executive.

It's time to reopen New Mexico with safe practices and a well thought-out plan.

The governor's lack of leadership speaks volumes as we all witness what has happened to New Mexico.