HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS
Legislation guaranteeing earned sick leave for all New Mexican workers passed the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee today with a 6-3 vote, and will be heard next on the Senate Floor.
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), Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe).
“Every New Mexican should have access to paid time off when they are sick, or need to take care of an ill family member,” said Rep. Chandler. “House Bill 20 guarantees that all of the hardworking people who keep our economy running have access to this fundamental right.”
“No one should have to choose between going to work sick or not being able to pay their bills, but that’s the unfortunate situation facing many New Mexicans today,” said Rep. Rubio. “The Healthy Workplaces Act gives workers the access they need to paid sick days, so they can care for themselves or family members without harming public health or their own financial security.”
“More than half of New Mexico’s workforce currently does not have access to paid sick leave, including many frontline workers in positions that interact with the public or handle our food,” said Rep. Ely. “When they are sick or contagious and cannot afford to forgo a day’s paycheck, it can have lasting public health impacts as the virus spreads to customers, as well as coworkers, who will also have to come to work sick and continue the cycle.”
“A strong New Mexico begins when every worker has access to resources to care for the health and wellbeing of themselves and their families,” said Rep. Roybal Caballero. “This common-sense legislation demonstrates that New Mexico values its workers and families, and ultimately helps businesses by reducing the spread of illnesses through the workplace, increasing staff productivity, and decreasing employee turnover.”
The bill requires that all employees in New Mexico accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 64 hours of leave accrued annually.
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.