Bill Sponsors Respond to House Vote on Paid Family and Medical Leave

Santa Fe, NM - Today, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, which would have provided paid time off to New Mexican workers when they grow their family, need to recover from a serious medical issue, or take care of a loved one facing such an issue, narrowly failed to pass the House of Representatives with a vote of 34-36. 

The bill’s House sponsors Representative Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos), Representative Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe), and Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque) issued the following statement in response: 

“In New Mexico, we understand the importance of working hard and caring for our loved ones in times of need. We believe our policies should reflect these values.

After years of hard work to bring stakeholders to the table, we join the workers, families, businesses, and communities who are deeply disappointed that Senate Bill 3 did not cross the finish line. Despite this setback, our work is not over. Big change takes time.

We are heartened that we got closer than ever to making sure no New Mexican has to fear losing their paycheck because they are facing a devastating medical issue, growing their family, or caring for a loved one.

We will continue this fight along with communities across our state until we can deliver a Paid Family and Medical Leave policy that lives up to our values as New Mexicans.”  

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