NFIB/New Mexico 2007 Legislative Agenda
Eminent domain
There have been a number of bills filed this legislative session, and we will be working diligently to make sure none of them will hurt the small and independent business owner. A number of these bills deal with the repeal of certain eminent domain expenses and litigation costs.
Taxes
The State of New Mexico continues to see an increase in revenues, revenues that rightfully belong to you, the taxpayer. While the challenges remain too numerous to list here, we will continue to fight for the return of your money.
Minimum wage
There are several bills dealing with an increase in minimum wage. First, House Bill 759 by Ben Lujan would increase the minimum wage to $7.50 an hour on Jan. 1, 2008, and then on Jan. 1, 2009, the increase of the minimum wage would be tied to a cost of living increase. Under HB 759, the minimum wage would go up every year after 2009.
Another minimum wage bill, Senate Bill 324, would simply raise the minimum wage over time to $7.50 an hour on Jan. 1, 2009. SB 324 would not be tied to a cost of living increase.
NFIB/New Mexico continues to oppose any increase in the minimum wage.
Workers' compensation
House Bill 80 by Antonio Lujan would require workers compensation coverage to include farming and ranching operations. Any farm or ranch that employs three or more employees would be required to carry workers compensation insurance. NFIB/New Mexico will continue to oppose legislation which requires any small business to carry mandatory workers compensation insurance.
Other important small-business issues
House Bill 559 by Candy Spence Ezzell provides that membership in a labor union not be required as a condition of employment and would prohibit the deduction of dues or fees from the compensation of employees without proper authorization. NFIB/New Mexico supports HB 559 and will continue to support the right to work.
