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Enchantment State News

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Small businesses express concern over paid family medical leave proposal

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Brad Close President | NFIB New Mexico

Brad Close President | NFIB New Mexico

Despite the bipartisan rejection of a mandatory paid family medical leave program during the 2023 Legislative Session, New Mexico lawmakers are revisiting the issue. The Legislative Finance Committee is set to hear a presentation from supporters of the mandate.

NFIB State Director Jason Espinoza has urged legislators to consider the impact on small business owners. He stated, "According to a recent survey, inflation and the labor shortage are the two biggest obstacles to owning and operating a small business. It’s no wonder nearly 90 percent of New Mexico small business owners oppose this costly mandate. Exchanging custom, employer-provided benefits for an overly broad and loosely defined state-run mandate will result in fewer jobs and higher costs, both of which damage our communities. We’re asking lawmakers to keep these obstacles in mind and stand up for Main Street."

In NFIB's 2023 New Mexico member ballot, 89% of small business owners expressed opposition to the proposed mandate. The program was described as burdensome and loosely defined, intended to be funded by payroll taxes on employers and wage taxes on employees. This proposal was defeated with bipartisan support earlier this year.

The NFIB survey highlights ongoing concerns among small business owners about labor shortages and inflation.

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