HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS
Guaranteed earned sick leave for New Mexicans passed the House Judiciary Committee today with a 7 – 4 vote and will now head to the House floor for a full vote.
House Bill 20: the Healthy Workplaces Act is sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Daymon Ely (D-Corrales) and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque).
“No one should have to go to work sick, risking their own health or the health of others because they must pay their rent or keep their lights on,” said Rep. Chandler. “House Bill 20 ensures that hard-working New Mexicans never have to make that choice by guaranteeing the fundamental right of earned sick leave to everyone in our workforce.”
“HB 20 is not just about workers’ rights, it’s about public health, which is of greater importance now than ever,” said Rep. Rubio. “Many of our state’s working-class residents are in jobs where they handle food or interact closely with customers or patients. If they’re forced to go to work sick or exposed to COVID-19 because they can’t afford to lose a day’s pay, this pandemic will continue to cycle through New Mexico’s population.”
“A strong economy is built upon policies that value the workers who keep it running,” said Rep. Ely. “Not only is it the right thing to do, but providing earned sick leave is shown to actually save businesses money by reducing employee turnover and increasing productivity. When our workforce is healthy and supported, it drives the whole state forward.”
“Workers in New Mexico shouldn’t have to worry about shattering their family’s budget or their strong family cultural traditions to take time off if they or a loved one fall ill,” said Rep. Roybal Caballero. “House Bill 20 demonstrates that our state values those at the heart of our workforce, while also protecting public health and taking steps to halt the spread of COVID-19 and other unexpected public health crises.”
Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.