"Don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes." This timeless saying is relevant to several points I wish to discuss. In a previous column, I expressed my appreciation for our citizen legislators and the dedicated work they do, especially given that they receive only a modest stipend for their efforts. I recognize their tireless efforts to enact legislation that helps all our residents lead the best lives possible.

Many people may only recognize me as the former long-time mayor of Las Cruces, but I am also a business owner with over 30 years of experience and eight employees. I can personally vouch for the importance of providing employees with time off. It can be a difficult decision to make when one must choose between continuing to work or taking unpaid leave. While some businesses can afford to pay their employees during their time off, many others simply cannot.

The New Mexico legislature is currently discussing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (HB 11. I share these points to remind our legislators, while many of whom are business owners, some are not—of the obstacles faced by those looking to start or manage a business.

Here are a few reasons why individuals may hesitate to start a business:

• Insufficient experience
• Limited financial resources
• Heightened stress levels
• Uncertain income
• Greater responsibilities

Additionally, here are some common reasons businesses fail:

• Cash flow issues
• Ineffective marketing strategies or lack of funds for promotion
• Insufficient capital at the start
• Difficulty in securing business loans
• Increased competition

Even though there are already some companies that have the financial means to provide 12 weeks or more of paid leave, I encourage our legislators to consider the significant costs associated with offering 12 weeks of paid leave, especially when some companies can only provide up to four weeks of paid time off. One option might be to pursue a practical compromise that is financially viable and to consider using the State's general fund to establish a more robust support system.

The State’s anti-donation clause allows for the use of taxpayer funds to support residents who meet specific income thresholds. I am confident that the state can identify ways to streamline its operations within its $10 billion budget, potentially saving at least 10% or $1 billion, which could significantly aid in funding essential programs like this one—not entirely, but certainly a substantial portion.

Kenneth Daniel Gallegos Miyagishima was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1963. He is of both Japanese and Mexican descent. He has lived in Las Cruces since 1971. Ken was elected Mayor of Las Cruces in 2007 and retired on December 31, 2023. He attended public schools and, in 1985, graduated from New Mexico State University (NMSU) with a BBA majoring in finance and real estate. He also has an MBA from UT-El Paso (UTEP). In 1984, while still attending NMSU, Ken began his insurance and financial services business, which he still owns today. He is also an adjunct college professor of finance at NMSU. Ken and Rosie have four children, Danielle, John, Frank and Carlos.