Commentary: Last year, DNC Chair Tom Perez announced that his goals for the Democratic presidential primary debates are to (1) give the grassroots a bigger voice than ever before; (2)  showcase our candidates on an array of media platforms; (3) present an opportunity for vigorous discussion about issues, ideas and solutions; and (4) reach as many potential voters as possible.  Perez announced 12 presidential primary debates to be held over the course of the 2020 cycle, with the first two occurring in June and July of 2019.

Commentary: Definition of "radicalism":  the beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.  Our news pundits toss the word "radical" around attempting to denigrate newly-elected Congressional Democrats.  Allow me to list a few "radical" policies:

• Radical:  2009 corporate bailouts, rather than adding jobs or increasing wages, enabled CEOs and stockholders to receive generous bonuses and stock buy-backs.
• Radical:  2018 tax cuts for top brackets caused the deficit to increase up to the trillions.  2018 changes to IRS tax codes result in reducing 2018 tax refunds.
• Radical:  Economists state "wealth concentration has returned to the excesses of the roaring twenties" - a radical rise in wealth for the super rich.
• Radical:  The upsurge in billionaires and their share of this nation's capital from poor to rich.  After WWII, the middle class grew and wage earners got raises and benefits.  The 1980s saw the beginning of stagnant workers' wages, benefits cuts and layoffs, yet the 1% grew much wealthier.

Commentary: On Wednesday, low-wage workers celebrated a step toward higher minimum wages for all as the New Mexico House of Representatives voted 44-26 to advance a proposal that would phase-in an increase in the state minimum wage for workers across New Mexico, including tipped workers.

HB 31, sponsored by Representative Miguel Garcia (D-Bernalillo) and Joanne Ferrary (D - District 37), would increase New Mexico's minimum wage from $7.50 to $10.00 beginning July 1, 2019 until reaching $12 an hour in 2021. The bill would also include an annual increase to adjust for inflation, beginning July 1, 2022. The last time there was an increase in minimum wage, it happened in 2009.

Commentary: During this legislative session, we can choose to continue tax cuts that benefit the wealthy and well-connected, or we can choose a new path and prioritize our children and families. It’s time to reverse course on excessive tax breaks and invest in healthy and thriving communities instead: investments in our schools to set our children on a path to success, investments in health care to keep people healthy and working, and investments in infrastructure – roads, bridges, and modern technology – that will benefit our families and businesses.

Commentary: Today, House Democrats stood with New Mexico workers and families as House Republicans attempted to push anti-worker legislation through the House Labor, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. House Bill 377 would repeal all of the provisions of the Public Works Minimum Wage Act, without proposing a replacement, and House Bill 378 would strip worker protections,stopping workers from collectively negotiating for fair wages, leave policies, and benefits, respectively.

“I am disappointed in my Republican colleagues for attempting to pass bills that are meant to blatantly hurt New Mexico workers. These bills have been proven, time and time again, to lower wages and negatively impact hard working New Mexicans,” said Chairman of the House Labor, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan). “Instead of pushing laws that hurt New Mexico workers and their families, we should be supporting initiatives to invest in small businesses, make college more affordable, expand job training opportunities, and improve education in our state.”