NMBC Proposes Legislation to Help Protect the Unemployment Insurance Fund (See Urgent Call to Action Below): The health of the NM Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund is in jeopardy. That’s not good for New Mexican’s out of work or for employers who have increased their UI tax payments to fund unemployment benefits. But help from the Round House is on the way! Carla Sonntag, President of the NMBC, will be working with sponsor Rep Larry Larranaga on HB 482 Reduce Some Unemployment Benefits. This bill will help ensure solvency of the UI Trust Fund for those who need it most by getting New Mexico more in line with other states for unemployment benefits.

BERNCO Tax Increase, Special Meeting on 2-26-15 at 9:00 am: The Bernalillo County Commission is having a special meeting on Thursday to get public input on a new Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) that would generate $42 million a year. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, at 9:00 am, in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers.

Legislators are serving because they believe in making a difference. Whether you agree with their position or not, they deserve respect when we communicate with them. Likewise, they should be respectful of all those with whom they encounter.

The House continues to keep to a schedule out of respect for the people they serve. The committee chairs in both chambers are working hard to hear as many bills as possible while allowing everyone to speak who desires to do so.

With Your Support, the NMBC is Making a Difference! Action taken by the NMBC and individual members from around the state has helped stop bad legislation in Santa Fe and support the advancement of pro-business legislation. The past few weeks have shown the value of getting facts out to the public and the power of communication between constituents and elected officials. The NMBC is an effective non-partisan, pro-business, grass roots organization with boots on the ground to bring you the information and facts you need. We have the passion, manpower and drive to keep it up but the NMBC relies on the support of New Mexicans like you to make the truth known. Can you help continue this work by giving $5 or more today?

NMBC Members Spoke - Legislators Listened: SB 319 County IRB Projects and Complaint Process, sponsored by Senator Leavell was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee late last night. Many of you contacted legislators and the NMBC was in the room to stand and support this bill that expands opportunities for counties to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB).

SB 319 County IRB Projects and Complaint Process, Senator Leavell: This bill expands opportunities for counties to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB) to help spur economic development. That’s a good thing! Current law allows for affected parties to protest, should there be an issue with direct competition. Read more about this issue here.

It was a pleasure to witness the bipartisan action of the Senate Corporations & Transportation committee on Monday afternoon. The committee is chaired by Senator Phil Griego and runs like a well-oiled machine. Legislation is introduced, the audience given an opportunity to express opinions; it is discussed by the committee and a vote is taken.

Legislative Hero says ‘NO’ to Raised Gas Tax and ‘YES’ to Saving our Perm Funds: With so many New Mexicans out of work and struggling to provide for their families, the last thing we need are increased taxes. While some legislators tried to raise taxes on gasoline, Representative Jason Harper was one of those who voted NO and stopped this effort in committee. Rep Harper said, “For the pain we’ll cause New Mexico Families…it’s not really an effective solution.”

Respect for the Public Heroes: The NMBC would like to thank the new Speaker of the House, Representative Don Tripp. For the first time in recent memory, the House is respecting the public’s time with hearings and floor sessions by actually following posted schedules. Rep Tripp promised the public committee meetings would start on time and they have! The House floor has been conducting a shorter session focusing on lighter business in the morning and then working hard on bills in the afternoon after committees have adjourned.