Monday, March 1, 2021
WHAT'S HAPPENING
HOUSE APPROVES SICK LEAVE BILL
The House yesterday passed HB-20 that would require private employers in New Mexico to offer paid sick leave to their workers. The bill passed 36-33, with nine Democrats crossing party lines to vote against it. It heads now to the Senate. This bill would place more financial hardship on already struggling businesses. It's a particularly bad time to impose costly new regulations on employers already hurting because of the pandemic.
CALL TO ACTION: Call senators and tell them "no" to passing this bill.
SENATE TO TAKE UP RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA BILL AFTER HOUSE PASSAGE
The New Mexico Senate will soon consider HB-12, a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults. Late Friday The House approved the legislation 39-31. The Republican Party doesn't support this bill. First of all, this is not the time—in this pandemic and economic crises—to justify such a bill when lawmakers should focus their attention on more pressing needs for hurting constituents. This legislation also promises big tax dollars, but there's no certainty when it comes to exactly how much revenue will be generated. And finally, legalizing recreational pot will lead to all kinds of problems, like driving impairment, underage use and a black market.
CALL TO ACTION: Call senators and tell them "no" to passing this bill.
NM GOP