FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2025
Contact:
Katie Hoeppner at katie@neonvine.us
SANTA FE, NM – Today, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed HB 11, a bill that will ensure New Mexicans have access to paid family and medical leave (PFML). Right now, three out of four New Mexicans lack access to paid leave, forcing most people to return to work before they are fully healed from illness or surgery and while family members still require their support. Others are forced to leave the labor force altogether.
“Paid family and medical leave is about making sure the people who help New Mexico businesses thrive and fuel our economy have what they need to be healthy and well,” said Tracy McDaniel, policy director at the Southwest Women’s Law Center. “It’s also about valuing New Mexicans for more than their labor — because all of us have lives and families beyond our work that deserve our attention.”
A coalition of over 100 organizations and small businesses has been fighting to pass paid family and medical leave since 2019. Research from other states shows that PFML policies can lower infant mortality rates, improve physical and mental health outcomes for new parents, and reduce complications that arise when someone returns to work before fully recovering from a serious illness.
“Paid Family and Medical Leave is more than just a safety net for New Mexicans going through their darkest days, it’s a matter of life and death for cancer patients like me,” said Lan Sena, MHA, policy director at the Center for Civic Policy and stage four Hodgkin lymphoma patient. “We need adequate leave to be able to access live-saving treatments and have time to recover. New Mexicans should not have to make the choice of providing for their families or accessing the health care we deserve. Passing HB 11 out of the House is an important step towards making Paid Family and Medical Leave a reality in New Mexico.”
One in five New Mexicans serves as a family caregiver, providing an average of 18.4 hours of care per week, yet without paid leave, caregivers struggle to balance work and family commitments. 60% of New Mexico caregivers report using their own money to provide care, and 34% experience significant financial hardship.
“New Mexico’s hard working family caregivers are one step closer to having the relief they need,” said Othiamba Umi, AARP New Mexico Associate State Director for Advocacy. “At some point in people’s lives, most will be faced with the need to take time away from work to care for themselves or a loved one. No one should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck or caring for a loved one. New Mexico families are stronger when they can count on paid leave.”
The coalition champions the passage of HB 11 out of the House, but urges the Senate to restore some of HB 11’s vital protections, such as ensuring nine weeks of paid leave for people recovering from or taking care of family with medical needs, people recovering from sexual or domestic violence, and people dealing with military exigencies.
The following quotes are from coalition members:
Gabrielle Uballez, executive director, New Mexico Voices for Children
“We are building a future where every child in New Mexico thrives. That means creating policies like paid family and medical leave, so families can take time for life’s most critical moments—whether it’s welcoming a new child or caring for themselves or a loved one—without sacrificing their financial stability. New Mexico is poised to join the ranks of the 13 other states that have made this vital support a reality.”
Stephanie Welch, workers’ rights director, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
“No New Mexican should ever have to sacrifice their paycheck to care for a loved one. Today, with the House’s passage of the Paid Family and Medical Leave bill, we are one step closer to ensuring that no worker has to choose between their livelihood and caring for their family. While we celebrate this victory, we urge the Senate to restore nine weeks of paid leave instead of six to ensure more comprehensive paid leave for those facing serious health or personal challenges. This bill is about dignity, fairness, and guaranteeing that every New Mexican has the support they need during life’s most critical moments.”
Terrelene Massey, executive director, Southwest Women’s Law Center
“Our families deserve better than to face financial insecurity when they welcome a new child or face a personal or family medical crisis. Today’s vote is a vital step forward for ensuring our communities can prosper and thrive in their most challenging moments.”
Awesta Sarkash, New Mexico policy director, Small Business Majority
“Many of New Mexico’s small business owners struggle with workforce retention because they cannot afford to offer robust benefits to their employees. The result is that their employees often leave to work for larger businesses, sometimes in other states. That’s why it’s no surprise that research conducted by Small Business Majority found New Mexico small businesses overwhelmingly support the creation of a state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program. Passing HB 11 is therefore critical because it would bolster New Mexico’s economy by providing small business owners with access to the benefits they need to attract and retain a talented workforce.”
Richard Trent, executive director, Main Street Alliance
“Small businesses are the beating heart of New Mexico’s economy, and policies like paid family and medical leave help ensure they can attract and retain a strong workforce. HB 11 is a critical step toward leveling the playing field for small businesses that want to support their employees but can’t afford to offer paid leave on their own. By investing in working families, we’re also investing in the long-term success of our local businesses and communities.”
Francine Campos, SHRM-SCP, small business owner, Co-Chair of the Women in Business Industry Group at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, member of Main Street Alliance:
“As a small business owner and HR professional, I know that policies like paid family and medical leave are not just good for employees—they’re good for business. When workers have the ability to care for themselves and their families without fear of losing income, they return to work healthier, more focused, and more productive. HB 11 ensures that small businesses can offer this essential benefit without shouldering the full cost alone, helping them remain competitive with larger employers. It’s a smart investment in our workforce, our families, and our state’s economic future.”
Kelly Natewa, OLÉ Member and early educator from Zuni Pueblo:
“If my employer had offered medical leave, I would still have a job right now. I was an early childhood educator for 8 years and was recently terminated due to health issues with my heart. Taking time off for medical purposes was not supported at my workplace. I strongly support paid medical leave for all New Mexicans. We all need a lifeline just in case something happens. No one should have to lose their job just because they need some time to care for their health.”