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.”
According to the Economic Policy Institute, states with so-called “Right to Work” laws, like House Bill 378, have wages that are 3.1 percent lower than those in states without those policies in place. House Democrats will protect the best interests of hard working New Mexicans by stopping efforts to roll back wages and worker protections. New Mexican communities deserve more opportunities to better their lives, not fewer.
House Democrats will continue to fight for policies that strengthen workers’ rights and support New Mexico families. House Democrats stopped House Bill 377 and Houser Bill 378 in the House Labor and Economic Development Committee today.