Roosevelt County Chamber’s

March 9, 2021
It certainly makes no sense
“What a marvelous idea that makes no sense,” said area Representative Phelps Anderson facetiously as he began to ask questions and offer criticism of HB236 the Public Banking Act late last week. Even though huge numbers of the public on both sides of the issue logged on to offer comment on the bill during the House Appropriations Committee meeting, it was obvious that the momentum was starting to slow before Anderson and other committee members weighed in. Former Democrat Senator Clemente Sanchez told the group that he couldn’t see how the needs weren’t being met by private banks. He commented that the proposed structure of the bank’s board would make it political and that would likely endanger its liquidity. The bill was tabled during that meeting and “withdrawn for subsequent action” on Monday. It may not be done but it seems to have been slowed with less than two weeks left.

Boss, I’m going to need some time off
HB20 which mandates every business in the state to offer paid sick leave moved forward on Monday night with a party-line vote in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. The good news was that an amendment ordered by the Governor’s office would delay the start of the legislation until July 2022, giving businesses time to make plans to implement the policy or liquidate and close. Policy experts speaking against the bill have said this is the most far-reaching proposal of its kind in the nation.

Our state senate’s always on call

Senators in the Roundhouse this week were starting to crack jokes about it finally but after two rare procedures for a “call” on the senate in just a few days thinks weren’t so jovial all week. The first one came after Sen. Jacob Candelaria of Albuquerque pulled the tactic out to stall debate on a bill addressing medical bill payments. A call requires that every member of the Senate be present and requires the Sgt. at Arms to lock the floor and began working to locate the missing folks. The stunt caused Candelaria’s own floor leader to lose his cool and drop the f-bomb on the senator as he confronted him at his chair. The second time it was used was by Republicans to stall debate on SB8 that would allow for stricter environmental standards than federal regulations. This effort was less controversial and accomplished getting the bill stalled. “We are a state that loves to attract industry but invariably we change the rules,” said Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales. “It just astounds me that we constantly talk about doing good things for New Mexico and in reality what we are doing is making this state that is not business friendly in any sense or fashion.”

Permanent fund raid bill advances
A bill that would increase the amount of money disbursed from the state’s permanent fund moved forward on Friday as it passed the Senate Rules Committee on a party vote. HJR1 passed the House floor last week and if approved by the Senate would go to the voters in the fall. It would increase the percentage of that fund by 1 percent to fund early childhood programs. Opponents say that it puts the permanent fund in danger at that level. They also note that the money will pay more to the general fund for the short term if left alone. The budget for early childhood programs, including a new department has grown rapidly over the last few years to near half a billion dollars this year.

All over soon, but not soon enough
With the legislature set to adjourn March 20, the pace is picking up now with lots of floor sessions stretching into the night and packed committee agendas. Hopefully quantity doesn’t outpace quality as we hit the home stretch.