Jared Hembree IPANM Board President 2023-24 | Independent Petrolium Association of New Mexico
Progressive Democrats in New Mexico faced a setback when their efforts to advance a paid family and medical leave plan were thwarted by the Senate Finance Committee. Despite previous success in passing the plan through the House, the committee rejected it with an 8 to 3 vote.
The defeat comes after progressive Democrats invested significant resources and time in last year's primaries to unseat conservative coalition members in the state House. However, they encountered unexpected opposition from a similar coalition in the state Senate.
Chairman George Muñoz led the committee that halted the bill's progress. The development left many progressives disheartened, as one supporter expressed: "Joe, we cut off the head of the snake in the House only to see it grow back in the Senate. The shock is like an earthquake in the middle of the night."
The outcome has caused disappointment among those who championed paid family and medical leave, highlighting ongoing challenges within New Mexico's political landscape.
