Member Login

Urgent Action Needed – Oppose HB 11 to Protect NM Businesses and Taxpayers

by | Feb 21, 2025 | Press Releases, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Urgent Action Needed – Oppose HB 11 to Protect NM Businesses and Taxpayers

Dear Chamber Members:               

House Bill 11 (HB 11 – Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act Formerly Paid Family Medical Leave) is scheduled to be heard on the House floor as early as Saturday, and we need your help to stop it.

This bill imposes mandatory payroll taxes on businesses and employees, creating a costly, unsustainable government-run leave program with no dedicated funding source for key benefits.

If passed, HB 11 will:

  • Require employers and employees to pay into a state-administered leave fund—with no guarantee that the program will remain solvent without additional tax hikes. ONLY 6% OF NEW MEXICO’S WORKING POPULATION CAN USE THIS PROGRAM BEFORE BANKRUPTCY
  • Lack a dedicated funding source for the $9,000 Welcome Child rebate, meaning state taxpayers could be on the hook for $193 million annually.
  • Give the Legislature the ability to raise payroll taxes beyond current limits anytime the program faces a financial shortfall—without voter approval.
  • Put businesses with five or more employees at a financial disadvantage, forcing them to contribute to a program they may not need or want.

Take Action Now!

We strongly urge our Chamber members to contact their legislators and demand the following:
✅ VOTE NO on HB 11 to protect businesses, employees, and taxpayers from an unsustainable financial burden.
✅ Require an independent actuarial analysis to determine if this program is financially solvent before forcing all New Mexican’s to pay into it.
✅ Ensure that taxpayers are not left covering an unfunded program that could lead to endless payroll tax increases or state appropriations.

Contact Your Legislator Today!

Your voice is crucial in stopping this unfunded mandate before it harms New Mexico’s economic stability. Please email or call your legislator today and urge them to oppose HB 11.

📞 Find Your Legislator Here:  https://www.nmlegis.gov/Members/Find_My_Legislator

Let’s stand together to protect our businesses, employees, and the taxpayers of New Mexico. Thank you for being an engaged member of our Chamber and for advocating for policies that support our economy.

Letter for Legislators for Emails:

Subject: Protect NM Businesses – Vote NO on HB 11

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

As a business owner/employee in New Mexico, I am urging you to VOTE NO on House Bill 11 (HB 11), the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act. While the bill is intended to support paid family leave, it creates serious financial risks for businesses, employees, and taxpayers.

Under HB 11:

  • Employers and employees will be required to pay into a government-administered fund that could become financially unstable, leading to higher payroll taxes.
  • There is no dedicated funding source for the Welcome Child Benefit, meaning New Mexico taxpayers could be forced to cover a $193 million annual expense with no clear financial backing.
  • The Legislature can raise payroll taxes beyond current limits anytime the program faces deficits, leaving businesses and workers on the hook for an ever-growing financial burden.

I urge you to take the following actions:

✅ VOTE NO on HB 11 to protect businesses, employees, and taxpayers from an unsustainable financial liability.
✅ Demand an independent actuarial analysis to ensure this program is financially viable before mandating employer and employee contributions.
✅ Protect New Mexico taxpayers from an unfunded, unchecked government program that could lead to endless payroll tax hikes.

This bill threatens economic growth by increasing costs for employers and workers, with no clear plan for long-term financial stability. New Mexico needs responsible policies that support businesses and employees without creating indefinite financial liabilities.

Please oppose HB 11 and insist on a full independent financial review before committing taxpayers to this program.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your leadership in supporting New Mexico’s business community and workforce.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Business/Organization Name] (if applicable)
[Your Contact Information]

How to Use This Email:

  1. Copy & paste this email into your preferred email client.
  2. Personalize it by adding your name, business, and any specific concerns.
  3. Send it to your legislator using the directory below:
    📞 Find Your Legislator Here: :  https://www.nmlegis.gov/Members/Find_My_Legislator

Let’s take action together to ALL NEW MEXICO TAXPAYERS from an unsustainable mandate.

Thank you for making your voice heard!