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With just 17 days remaining in the legislative session, there is still a significant amount of work to be done. Key legislative priorities continue to move through the process, and the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is keeping a close eye on developments that will impact the business community. Legislative Progress Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has already signed two major pieces of legislation:
The House and Senate leadership committed to making behavioral health and competency treatment a priority, and they have followed through on that promise. However, with over two weeks left, many bills are still pending, and the state budget remains the top priority. State Budget and Federal Concerns The budget, which passed the House, is now in the Senate Finance Committee for review. A looming concern is potential federal budget cuts, which could have a significant impact on key sectors such as higher education and healthcare. Legislative leaders are considering adjustments to fill potential funding gaps, and there is speculation about a possible special session later in the year to address these issues. Taxation Proposals A proposed tax package is moving quickly through the House, which includes:
While these measures could generate an estimated $500-$600 million annually, they also raise concerns about the impact on industries that have been driving New Mexico’s economic growth. The Chamber will continue to monitor these proposals and advocate for policies that support a healthy business climate. Business-Related Legislation Several bills are of particular interest to the business community:
Workforce and Housing
A Call to Action The Chamber encourages business leaders to stay informed and engage with their elected officials. Visit www.nmlegis.gov to find your representatives, share your perspectives, and provide feedback on legislation that affects the local business community. Recognizing Leadership A special thank you to Bridget Dixon, President & CEO of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of local businesses. Her leadership, along with the efforts of the Chamber team and board, has been instrumental in ensuring that business voices are heard at the Roundhouse. As we approach the final stretch of the session, we remain committed to keeping you updated on key developments. The next legislative update will take place on Wednesday, March 19. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to the Chamber team. Thank you for staying engaged, and we look forward to the final weeks of this legislative session.
How It Works Here’s how you can take advantage of this new benefit:
Boost Your Recruitment Efforts
By offering this benefit, we aim to make recruitment less of a burden and more of an opportunity to grow your business. Whether you're looking for your next team member or making your first hire, the Chamber is here to help! If you’re not yet a Chamber member and want access to this benefit (along with many others), join today. Check out the job board at santafechamber.mcjobboard.net/jobs. For more details or assistance with posting jobs, contact our team at (505) 988-3279. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth, opportunity, and community success! March Membership Madness  The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is more than a business network—it’s a driving force for economic growth, advocacy, and community engagement. Through strategic initiatives that support local businesses, workforce development, and civic involvement, the Chamber helps make Santa Fe a thriving place to live, work, and do business. And March brings even more reasons to join! Our Commitment to the Community The Chamber actively builds a strong business environment by:
March Membership Madness: Join & Save! We’re launching a March Membership Madness campaign with exclusive incentives for new members. Join in March and receive:
The Santa Fe Chamber is dedicated to strengthening businesses and families. Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit, or growing company, join a network of leaders shaping Santa Fe’s future. Join today! Learn more at santafechamber.com/march-madness, or contact us for details at (505) 988-3279
Welcome to this week's legislative session update from the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce. As we move past the midpoint of the session, critical legislative developments are unfolding that could significantly impact the business community. Below is a summary of today’s discussion led by Public Policy Committee Chair Matt Jaramillo. Legislative Session Status
House Bill 11 and Committee Substitute Today at 1:30 PM, the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee will debate House Bill 11 (Paid Family Medical Leave Act) and its newly proposed committee substitute, the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act. Comparison of the Original Bill vs. Committee Substitute
The committee substitute is viewed as more fiscally manageable and business-friendly, though concerns remain about its administration and solvency. Other Key Legislative Measures
How to Stay Informed Visit www.nmlegis.gov to follow today’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act debate and explore other legislative measures. The site provides committee schedules, webcasts, and legislator contact information for those wishing to voice their opinions. Looking Ahead The legislative session concludes on March 22, and key discussions will continue over the coming weeks. Tune in next Wednesday for more updates, and thank you for supporting Bridget and the Santa Fe Chamber’s efforts to advocate for the business community. Thank you for staying engaged, and we look forward to bringing you more updates as we work together to make New Mexico a thriving place for businesses and communities alike. The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce continues to closely monitor the fast-paced developments of the 2025 legislative session. Public Policy Committee Chair Matthew Jaramillo provided this week’s update, highlighting key discussions and emerging policies that could impact New Mexico businesses and residents. Governor’s Race Announcement Former Interior Secretary and Congresswoman Deb Haaland announced her candidacy for Governor. With Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham nearing the end of her term, this announcement marks the first in what is expected to be a highly competitive race. Key Legislative Highlights
Community Safety Resource Guide The Santa Fe Chamber recently launched its Community Safety Resource Guide on santafechamber.com. This comprehensive guide provides resources related to crime prevention, safety, health, and wellness. Visit the website for more information and support tools. Engagement and Advocacy Community members are encouraged to voice their opinions on proposed legislation. Contact information for representatives and updates on bills are available at nmlegis.gov. The legislative session runs through March 22, 2025. Stay tuned for next week’s update as we cover more specific developments related to healthcare and crime. Thank you for staying engaged, and enjoy the beautiful Santa Fe weather!
Investing in professional development and networking at events like W.A.C.E. strengthens our Chamber’s ability to champion local businesses, foster strategic partnerships, and bring innovative solutions back to our community. We look forward to implementing what we’ve learned and continuing to enhance the value we provide to our members.
Learn more about W.A.C.E. at waceonline.com. As we enter the third week of New Mexico’s 2025 Legislative Session, the pace is picking up with over 550 pieces of legislation already introduced. In this week's update, Matt Jaramillo, Chair of the Santa Fe Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, was joined by Ricky Lee Chavez, Founder of Capitol Counsel & Consulting, LLC, to discuss key legislative developments and policy priorities. Key Takeaways from the Session
Staying Informed & Engaged The Santa Fe Chamber remains committed to keeping the business community informed on legislative developments. Advocacy efforts are in full swing, ensuring that local businesses have a voice in policy discussions. For those interested in following the legislative process, all bill hearings and legislative updates can be accessed online at nmlegis.gov. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the session, please reach out to Matt Jaramillo, Ricky Lee Chavez, or the Chamber team. Stay tuned for our next update on Wednesday, February 12 as we continue tracking critical legislation impacting businesses and the community. House Bill 11: Unintended Consequences for New Mexico  The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is committed to policies that strengthen our economy and support workers. However, House Bill 11, the proposed Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) initiative, presents serious financial risks for businesses and employees alike. This bill introduces a $450 million tax on working New Mexicans, projected to rise to $545 million by 2031. For many small and medium-sized businesses operating on tight margins, this additional cost could mean cutting jobs, reducing wages, or shutting down. These businesses drive job creation and innovation—policies that weaken them ultimately harm the very workers they aim to help. Consumers will also feel the impact. Higher costs for businesses often translate into price increases, worsening inflation and reducing household purchasing power. At a time when many families are already struggling with rising living expenses, adding another financial burden is counterproductive. House Bill 11 also imposes a one-size-fits-all mandate, ignoring the diverse needs of businesses and workers. A locally owned shop does not have the same resources as a large corporation, yet both would face the same obligations. This lack of flexibility creates unintended consequences, disproportionately hurting smaller employers. Providing paid family and medical leave is a valuable goal, but there are better ways to achieve it. Encouraging voluntary participation, offering tax incentives for businesses that provide leave benefits, and leveraging public-private partnerships could support workers without disrupting economic stability. Moreover, the bill’s reliance on increased taxation raises concerns about its long-term sustainability. With pressing economic challenges like infrastructure improvements and workforce development, our state must be strategic about funding priorities. Burdening businesses with additional taxes will only stifle growth and discourage new investments. New Mexico should pursue policies that uplift both businesses and employees. By exploring alternative solutions, we can ensure workers receive necessary support without undermining the foundations of our economy. I urge policymakers to seek balanced, sustainable approaches that foster prosperity for all. For more information visit: www.workingfamiliesnm.com
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