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News

BREAKING: Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Introduced in 2023 NMLEG

January 31, 2023 by SWLC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 30, 2023

Contact: Isaac De Luna | isaac@semillastrategies.org | 505.917.5501

New Mexico Legislators Introduce Paid Family and Medical Leave Act

Santa Fe, NM – Today, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Coalition is celebrating the introduction of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) at the 2023 New Mexico Legislature, sponsored by State Sen. Mimi Stewart, Sen. Michael Padilla, Rep. Christine Chandler, Rep. Lisa Serrato, and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero.

The PFMLA would establish the Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) Fund, administered by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). The Fund would be paid for through employee and employer contributions. Individuals who need to take a longer period of time away from work to manage certain kinds of medical and family issues would apply to NMDWS to receive a percentage of their salary, ensuring that no New Mexican has to choose between their health, their family, and their income.

“Research shows that companies that provide paid family leave tend to have lower absenteeism, increased productivity and improved employee morale, which all results in a positive impact on the bottom line,” said Sen. Stewart. “This legislation will also attract businesses to our state and help retain businesses already in our state, as it will show that New Mexico is a state that values and supports its workforce.”

The legislation would provide a level playing field for New Mexico businesses, particularly small businesses which are struggling to compete with companies that can afford to provide their own internal PFML program. The current version of this bill exempts 66% of New Mexico employers with less than five employees, while still providing the benefits of the programs to these small business employees. 

“The proposed Paid Family and Medical Leave Act would be implemented through a shared-cost model, where employees will pay 0.5% of wages, and employers with more than five employees will pay 0.4% of wages,” said Sen. Padilla. “Employers with fewer than five employees will be exempted from contributing to the fund while still providing the benefits of the programs to their employees. This means that businesses will not be burdened with extra cost by implementing this policy.”

Currently, 11 states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington—and the District of Columbia offer paid family and medical leave.

Recent studies also show that employees who take paid leave are less likely to take sick leave when they return, more likely to be employed by the same business two years later, and more likely to report high morale and workplace satisfaction. PFML programs have also shown to be effective in improving employee performance and engagement. Recent studies show that employees who take paid leave are less likely to take sick leave when they return, more likely to be employed by the same business two years later, and more likely to report high morale and workplace satisfaction.

“This law will help our small businesses better compete in the hiring market,” said Rep. Christine Chandler. “Without the state’s support, many small businesses can’t afford to offer Paid Family and Medical Leave, which is important for attracting and retaining talented workers, improving employee morale, and boosting our state’s economy.”

According to an October 2021 poll commissioned by the Southwest Women’s Law Center, on behalf of the ‘PFML Coalition,’ 77% of voters surveyed across the state stated they support the creation of a family and medical leave program.

“Paid family leave will give small businesses a competitive advantage as they grow and keep talent, and provide economic security to small business owners and hundreds of thousands of working families in New Mexico,” said Rep. Serrato. “It will be life-changing as we welcome new members to our families and care for their needs as we grow together.”

Paid family and medical leave is proven to support small businesses by decreasing employee turnover, a situation that creates a real cost to businesses in the form of lost productivity, depleted team morale from the additional workload and the loss of a colleagues, damaged brand, and all of it leading to possibly even more turnover.

“As a single mother, I had to work two jobs just to make ends meet and I could not imagine getting ill because I had no paid medical leave. So, I firmly believe that no one should have to choose between their job and their family,” said Rep. Roybal Caballero. “This legislation will provide much-needed support to working families in New Mexico so they have the time they need to take care of their loved ones without worrying about losing their livelihood.”

The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act was introduced as Senate Bill 11 and will be heard in the Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee.

The following are reactions from other members of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Coalition from across New Mexico:

“Across New Mexico, family caregivers help their older parents, spouses or other loved ones, live independently at home – most while juggling a full or part-time job,” said Dr. Joseph Sanchez, AARP New Mexico State Director. “Paid Family and Medical leave would allow family caregivers, often already under a financial strain, to take time off to care for a loved one without fear of losing their pay – or in some cases, their employment all together. AARP urges lawmakers to vote in favor of this important legislation,” – Othiamba Umi, Associate Director of AARP New Mexico.

“PFML is an investment in the future of our state by supporting our Common Good and working families willing to take on the enormous responsibility and cost of raising the next generation of New Mexicans while so many are also caring for their aging parents.”

– The Rev. Dr. Holly Beaumont, Organizing Director, Interfaith Worker Justice – NM

“Small businesses want to offer competitive benefits in order to attract and retain a workforce,” said Awesta Sarkash, Public Policy Director at Small Business Majority. “But without a state-run paid family and medical leave program, it can be hard to do so. That’s why it’s important that the Legislature pass this bill so that New Mexico’s smallest businesses can afford to offer benefits that their employees need and level the playing field.”

“PFMLA is an important opportunity to improve the health and well-being of families by creating a flexibility to take care of issues that arise unexpectedly. It’s a pressing public health issue that can be taken care of by our legislators,” says Enrique Cardiel, Executive Director of the Health Equity Council.

“Many people with Multiple Sclerosis have suffered a loss of motor skills and need assistance for daily life activities. For that same reason, many people who have MS rely on a family member who can care for them. It is reassuring for people with MS to know their caregivers’ place of employment also will support their efforts,”– Dominic Braham, Senior Manager of Advocacy for National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“The health and well-being of New Mexico’s families is one of the most important factors influencing the success of our state’s students, in school and in life.  PFML is a critically important step we can take to improve student success!” Charles Goodmacher, Do Good LLC Government Relations.

“As people of faith, we are called to care for the sick, to seek justice for the marginalized, and to support the health and well-being of our families. Passing PFML is vital to us being able to live out our calling in the state of New Mexico. NMRCRC stands in full support of this bill, and we ask lawmakers to join us in this support.” Rev. Bethany Meier-Evans, Clergy and Congregational Advocacy Organizer for New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

“Paid family and medical leave is an essential tool for promoting gender equity in the workplace. This is because women are more likely to take time off for family caregiving than men, and without paid leave, they are more likely to experience career interruptions, reduced earning potential, and increasing potential for discrimination in the workplace. This is especially true for low-income women, who are disproportionately likely to work in jobs without paid leave,” – Terrelene Massey, Executive Director, Southwest Women’s Law Center.

###

The Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) Coalition represents 40 organizations committed to ensuring that all New Mexicans have access to a state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave program. These organizations serve a broad swath of those most impacted by the lack of PFML, including communities of color, low-wage workers, immigrant families, pregnant and lactating people, fathers, unpaid caregivers, elders, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ families, young children, women, single parents, multigenerational households, and entrepreneurs.

—

Filed Under: Paid Family & Medical Leave Act

Tracking Paid Family Medical Leave for New Mexico

January 24, 2023 by SWLC

“The time has come for New Mexico to get this bill passed and join the eleven other states with paid family and medical leave. We’ve worked together with the business community to ensure that their concerns over timing and the impact on small businesses have been addressed, and now have a proposal I believe will benefit everyone. With paid family and medical leave in place, more people will stay employed, productivity and workplace safety will improve, and better economic security for more workers and communities throughout the state will come as a result,”

State Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque
via NM Political Report

Learn more about the status of PFML for New Mexico:
Paid family and medical leave proposal returning to NM Legislature: Measure would allow workers to take leave and keep their jobs via Source NM

Legislature expected to consider Paid Family & Medical Leave bill in 2023 via NM Political Report

Paid Family & Medical Leave is About Valuing Family via NMSU KRWG

Legislators hope to pass Paid Family Medical Leave Act in this year’s session via NM Political Report

Paid Family and Medical Leave is not a partisan issue via NMSU KRWG

Filed Under: Paid Family & Medical Leave Act

The Southwest Women’s Law Center Issues Statement on the Commemoration of Roe v. Wade

January 24, 2023 by SWLC

January 20, 2023, by SWLC

Today marks what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. But last June, the Supreme Court of the United States eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, decimating access and jeopardizing people’s health, lives, and economic security.

  • Abortion access is workplace justice. Abortion is an exercise of self-determination that enables workers to plan out their futures, advance their education and careers, and maintain and improve their economic security.
  • People who are denied an abortion are four times more likely to live below the poverty line.
  • The Court’s decision to overturn the right to abortion is an attack on workers everywhere, especially workers who are lower-paid, people of color, women, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+.  
  • While we mourn the loss of Roe, we acknowledge that the abortion access crisis started long before Roe was overturned – for too long, access to abortion has been dependent on where you live and how much money you make.  
  • Today, while we commemorate Roe, we also recommit ourselves to building a world where communities thrive, and workers can exercise their full agency, determine their own reproductive futures, and live with dignity.

In New Mexico, we have been working to prepare for this year’s legislative session to make sure that those outside our state do not implement unnecessary and dangerous restrictions in reproductive healthcare. We are also leading the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act to ensure that no family will face economic uncertainty due to a health condition or family caregiving responsibilities.

For more information about Paid Family & Medical Leave, visit our website here: Southwest Women’s Law Center, Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (swwomenslaw.org)

For more information about the Reproductive Healthcare bills that the ACLU has been working on see this article: https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2023/01/19/legislators-to-push-for-two-reproductive-bills-in-a-post-roe-world/

Filed Under: Roe v. Wade

Crisis Centers Preying on People Seeking Abortions

August 14, 2022 by SWLC

By: Shaun Griswold at the Louisianna Illuminator– July 7, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — It’s a nice storefront sandwiched between an insurance office and massage parlor. Two double-sided signs on the sidewalk in front of the building off San Mateo in southeast  Albuquerque advertise free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Their website has resources for social services, housing and adoption care. 

One thing these places won’t offer: safe and reliable access to abortion care.

Whenever they collect your data, they’re able to share it with states like Texas. And so somebody who inadvertently contacts them, that CPC finds out that you got an abortion then tips off Texas,” said Jessica Serrano, a lawyer with the Southwest Women’s Law Center. “I think we need to do more to warn people.”

Continue reading on Louisianna Illuminator

Filed Under: Featured

SWLC’s Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision

June 24, 2022 by SWLC

Today we all have heavy hearts because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to take away healthcare rights from millions of Americans. This ruling strips away a constitutionally protected right and elevates states’ interest in a fetus over a pregnant person’s right to bodily autonomy. This decision also rolls back 50 years of pregnant people being able to make sound decisions about their life and health.  

Trigger bans in half of the states will take effect today. People who went to sleep last night with the right to make their own bodily and family decisions woke up this morning to criminal laws surrounding abortion. More states will likely follow with new bans of their own.  

In states like Oklahoma, abortion providers now face criminal consequences. Performing an abortion or attempting to perform the procedure is a felony punishable by a maximum fine of $100,000 or a maximum of 10 years in state prison, or both. The pregnant person who sought the abortion would not be criminally charged or convicted for seeking or obtaining the procedure; however, a failed Louisiana bill proposed this legislative session sought to do just that, signaling this as a possibility in states willing to pass similar measures through.  

States like Idaho are already considering banning emergency contraception like Plan B. Survivors of rape would have no option but to carry a pregnancy to term in states with abortion and emergency contraception bans.  

Other states have banned the shipping of medication for abortion. For people facing ectopic pregnancies, medication abortion pills are lifesaving. There are already stories of pharmacists refusing to fill prescriptions for this necessary medication.  

This decision also has much farther-reaching implications. This decision isn’t just about the right to make life and healthcare decisions about pregnancy. Justice Alito tried to distinguish abortion rights from other privacy rights through discussion over “potential life” and how abortion poses a “critical moral question.” However, the further justification for overturning the right to abortion has the potential to overturn other privacy right based critically moral questions by the same groups that oppose abortion. There is no doubt we will see future challenges to the right to contraception, the right to marriage, and the right to other bodily decisions. Justice Thomas’s concurrence in today’s decision specifically states his willingness to revisit the precedents establishing these very rights. We have already seen several states ban discussion of the LGBTQ+ community in schools and access to transgender care.  

Today is hard. This decision on the right to abortion is demoralizing. But we need to keep up the fight and turn large setbacks like this to our advantage. We should use this time to refocus our fight. 

We will center the abortion movement on people of color. We will uplift voices that have not always been heard. We will use this time to make sure we are including the LGBTQ+ community in conversations about reproductive rights and justice.  

We need to protest for the right to abortion and in the same breath discuss the crisis of reproductive healthcare “deserts.” When we talk about bans off our bodies, we also need to remember those bans include everything from abortion to the right to have a child and not be subject to forcible sterilization. 

We cannot and will not be silent in the face of this clear attack on the rights of more than half of Americans. Today we reset from this devastating blow. Tomorrow, we uplift historically silenced voices. Tomorrow, we channel our anger and sadness into action. Tomorrow, we restart the fight for access to abortion and reproductive justice. 

***

JOIN US
Debrief on the U.S. Supreme Court Decision

Our panel of experts will break down the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision and what it means for the future of New Mexican pregnant people. We will also discuss the dangers of Crisis Pregnancy Centers and their role in the anti-abortion movement.

Register Here

Filed Under: Abortion, Advocacy, Birth control, Bodily autonomy, Roe v. Wade

Frustrated and scared about the news?

May 3, 2022 by SWLC

We are right there with you, feeling the range of emotions from today’s news – anger, frustration, heartbreak, and even though we were bracing ourselves for it, shock. However, today abortion remains LEGAL, and we are fortunate to live in a state where abortion will remain legal, even if Roe is overturned. BUT we must remain VIGILANT. The Southwest Women’s Law Center is committed to fighting for access to safe abortion for future generations. Keeping women and girls in New Mexico safe and healthy is our priority. 

What the SWLC is doing to help the abortion healthcare crisis:

The SWLC is working to expose the Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) industry in New Mexico. You may have driven by a CPC and not even realized it. With names like, “Pregnancy Resource Center”, “Casa de Mariposa”, and “Women’s Pregnancy Options”, it’s easy to mistake them for legitimate clinics. But CPCs are part of a national anti-abortion network collecting sensitive personal and medical information from pregnant people seeking healthcare. 

CPCs are anti-abortion organizations that target low-income people facing unintended pregnancies to prevent them from accessing abortion and contraception. In recent years, the anti-abortion movement has expanded and elevated the role of CPCs within the broader movement, in part by facilitating the coordination of sophisticated data collection and exploitation systems.  

Read more in Designed to Deceive, the report by the SWLC and partners that make up the Alliance: State Advocates for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.


TAKE ACTION

Show up for Abortion Rights TODAY, May 3rd, 5 PM:
Albuquerque: Federal Courthouse, 333 Lomas Blvd. NW
Santa Fe: Federal Courthouse, 106 S. Federal Place
Las Cruces: City Hall/Albert Johnson Park, 700 N Main St.

Support these organizations:

Abortion funds:
Indigenous Women Rising
New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Mariposa Fund

Abortion Healthcare and Policy:
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains 

Work to expose CPCs and Abortion Healthcare Policy:
Support the SWLC and join us in preventing CPCs from receiving state funds or gaining more momentum in New Mexico.

Filed Under: Abortion, Bodily autonomy, Roe v. Wade

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During the 2021 Session:

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Paid Family & Medical Leave Act

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Unemployment Compensation Restriction Changes

View All Active House Bill Details

SWLC News

  • BREAKING: Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Introduced in 2023 NMLEG
  • Tracking Paid Family Medical Leave for New Mexico
  • The Southwest Women’s Law Center Issues Statement on the Commemoration of Roe v. Wade
  • Crisis Centers Preying on People Seeking Abortions
  • SWLC’s Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision
  • Frustrated and scared about the news?
  • URGENT: CPC Report Re-release
  • The Southwest Women’s Law Center Statement Regarding the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
  • New Polling Data Shows that New Mexico Voters Overwhelmingly Support the Creation of a Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program
  • In the News: Crisis Pregnancy Centers Endanger Women’s Health—With Taxpayer Dollars and Without Oversight

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128 Quincy NE
Albuquerque NM 87108
Telephone: 505-244-0502
Facsimile: 505-244-0506
info@swwomenslaw.org

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