On February 10, the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee reviewed Senate Bill 14, which has drawn opposition from various quarters, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. The bill proposes a review process by the state Office of Superintendent of Insurance for acquisitions and mergers that could significantly alter control over New Mexico healthcare entities. According to a fiscal impact report, these changes could potentially affect the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of care for residents.

J.D. Bullington, a lobbyist representing the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the bill's potential adverse effects. "Our hospitals, especially rural hospitals, are often cash-starved because of the high percentage of patients that aren’t covered by insurance and also because they’re located in low population centers," he explained. He suggested that acquisition by financially robust entities might be essential for some local hospitals to remain solvent.

The committee delayed voting on the bill until today due to time constraints and amendments made to the proposal.

In another development related to economic impacts on New Mexico industries, Peter Lorenz, incoming chair of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Unirac Inc., discussed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports in an article with the Albuquerque Journal on February 11. Lorenz highlighted how these materials are crucial for New Mexico's clean energy sector, noting recent expansions by companies like Array Technologies and Maxeon Solar.

Lorenz pointed out that approximately 85% of aluminum ingots used in U.S. industries are imported mainly from Canada. He warned that increased costs would likely affect not only solar but all sectors utilizing aluminum as prices would ultimately be transferred to consumers.

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