Senator Bill Sharer and Senator Crystal Brantley Issue Statement on Advancement of PFML Tax

Legislation will raise taxes on New Mexico employees and employers 

SANTA FE—Today, the Senate Finance Committee advanced the Paid Family Medical Leave Act on a vote of 6-5 with all Senate Republicans voting against the measure. The bill would impose a mandatory tax on every New Mexico business with five or more employees and an additional tax on the employees’ paychecks. Contributions would feed a state fund to pay out up to 12 weeks of paid leave. 

“Today was a contrast between responsible government and idealistic thinking,” said Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington), the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Not only did the sponsor choose to implement an additional tax on small businesses and employees, but two of the three projections indicate this fund will soon be insolvent. We have a multi-billion dollar surplus, and yet, Senate Democrats are choosing to implement another tax.”

“No one understands the importance of maternity leave better than a mother,” added Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte). “However, this bill is not universal parental leave. Rather, it’s a wide-open invitation for fraud with limited guardrails that will harm small businesses and raise taxes on hardworking New Mexicans. With this vote, progressive Democrats continue to demonstrate their insatiable appetite for higher taxes and more government control.”

Senate Bill 3 will now be considered by the full Senate.