Advocates say they will not be discouraged, will continue fighting for New Mexico workers and families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2025
SANTA FE, NM – Today, the New Mexico Senate Finance Committee voted against advancing HB 11, ending the possibility of Paid Family and Medical Leave becoming a reality for New Mexicans in this legislative session. In voting against the bill, many committee members voiced opposition to the funding structure of the Committee Substitute’s ‘Welcome Child Fund’ —a model that changed significantly in the House negotiation process without input from community stakeholders.
“While we’re disappointed, our resolve is not diminished,” said Tracy McDaniel, policy director at the Southwest Women’s Law Center. “We remain committed to fighting for this critical policy that will benefit workers, families, and our economy. This is not the end—it’s a call to action to build a stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous New Mexico.”
Throughout the legislative process, advocates worked tirelessly to pass the bill, and when it was changed in the House negotiating process, to restore vital components. Advocates urged lawmakers to reinstate nine weeks of paid medical, military, and safe leave and to return the bill to a fully contribution-based model to ensure the fund’s stability, and to secure a liveable wage for parents bonding with a new child.
“Paid family and medical leave is a vital investment in both our collective well-being and our state’s future. A strong policy empowers caregivers to focus on their loved ones without the burden of financial hardship and allows parents to bond with their children in early stages— which is essential for brain development and critical cognitive and emotional growth during infancy,” said Gabrielle Uballez, executive director of Voices for Children. “Our families deserve the strongest possible policy, and the committee substitute for HB 11 that failed today needed to be strengthened. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we are undeterred, and we’ll keep fighting for a robust paid family and medical leave policy until it’s passed into law.”
For six years, the PFML coalition has fought for a bill that is inclusive, equitable, and that benefits all families while keeping the funding mechanism solvent and fiscally responsible. The coalition plans to return next year to continue the fight for a fully inclusive paid family and medical leave policy. As community and constituent voices are such a critical part of the legislative process, coalition members urge lawmakers to leverage input from advocates next year to help guide the direction of the bill and ensure its success in supporting all New Mexicans.
The following quotes are from coalition members:
Terrelene Massey, executive director, Southwest Women’s Law Center
“I am saddened that the legislature did not pass a comprehensive paid family and medical leave bill. The original version of HB 11 had been vetted, refined, and was supported by communities. The House Commerce substitute version of HB 11 was drafted without input from community stakeholders and was riddled with questions about how the fund would work and whether it would be sustainable in the long-term. We will be back next year to advocate for a bill that will benefit all New Mexico families so that no New Mexican has to choose between their income and their family.”
Awesta Sarkash, public policy director, Small Business Majority
“We are deeply disappointed that a state-run paid family and medical leave bill failed to pass this session despite strong support from the small business community. Small businesses want to offer strong employee benefits like paid family leave but usually cannot afford to do so on their own. The result is small firms often struggle to compete for talent with larger firms that offer robust benefits. If New Mexico truly wants to help small businesses succeed, our elected officials must offer small businesses and their employees access to benefits programs that level the playing field.”
Jessa Cowdry, vice president of operations, CommonSpirit St. Joseph’s Children
“As the largest provider of home visiting in New Mexico, we journey weekly with hundreds of families statewide, starting while they are pregnant and accompanying them through the first three years of their baby’s life. We see the struggles that many of them face when welcoming a new child. Paid family and medical leave is essential in improving the health and opportunity for babies across the state, and we’ll keep fighting to make this policy a reality for our families.”
Richard Trent, executive director, Main Street Alliance:
“Main Street Alliance remains steadfast in our commitment to paid family leave. We are more determined than ever to ensure that the voices of small businesses are heard and that families in New Mexico have access to paid leave when they need it most. Our work is far from over, and we will continue to advocate for policies that support both our hardworking business owners and the families they serve.”
Meredith Machen, state policy chair, American Association of University Women
“For the past six years, a hundred -member coalition has worked on Paid Family Medical Leave legislation. After hearing from citizens and businesses across the state, it’s clear that New Mexico will reap long-term benefits from making short-term investments to support new parents and assist individuals with serious, compelling needs.”
Lan Sena, MHA, policy director, Center for Civic Policy and stage four Hodgkin lymphoma patient
“Our fight for Paid Family and Medical Leave is one that is years-long, and it is personal for me as a cancer patient who has nearly died twice in the past year. Having access to paid leave is a lifeline for those with serious illnesses and working families who are welcoming a new child. Today is not the end of our fight to pass Paid Family and Medical Leave. We will be here again next year fighting for a PFML bill that is crafted with impacted communities, is aligned with our values, and adequately serves New Mexico families.”
For more information on the coalition and our work, visit nmpfml.org.