2019 New Mexico Legislature End-of-Session Report

Date: March 20, 2019

By March 16 closure, paid family leave proposal defeated, tax increase reduced

Given the progressive blue wave that washed over the country after last year’s election, it could have been much worse for small businesses in New Mexico, but in the end, NFIB was able to help defeat some very bad proposals emanating from the Roundhouse and lessen the effects of others.

Defeated

Harmful bills that would have been detrimental to business were stopped before passage, these included:

  • Legislation mandating business to provide paid family and medical leave to both part-time and full-time employees
  • Several insurance mandates
  • Proposals to increase the gas tax
Made Less Worse

Thanks to the engagement of NFIB members, other bills such as minimum wage and personal income tax increases were tempered to lessen the negative impact on the small business community.

Minimum Wage—Several bills were introduced that would have substantially increased the state’s minimum-wage rate, including one boosting it to $15 in 2020 and increasing it annually thereafter. The bill that eventually passed and is expected to be signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham includes a graduated increase that peaks at $12 in 2023 with no annual increase thereafter.

Personal Income Tax—A bill originally proposing to increase the personal income tax rate in the top bracket from 4.9 percent to 6.5 percent was amended into a new top income tax rate of 5.9 percent and would be only imposed if New Mexico experiences a budget shortfall next year.

NFIB thanks its members who shared their voice with our elected officials. Your impact was felt, and our advocacy efforts created an impact. Please continue to lend your voice to your elected officials thanking them for their service, reminding them of our disappointments, and looking forward to 2020.

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