Rebecca Dow, a representative for New Mexico's 38th House District, expressed her gratitude towards Republican colleagues and four Democrats following the defeat of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. "I’m proud of the house and senate republicans who offered reasonable compromises and thankful to the four democrats who voted 'no' when it matters most," she said in a March 15 post on X.
"Thank you to all the citizens who engaged in this process," said Dow, State Representative. "I'm proud of the house and senate republicans who offered reasonable compromises and thankful to the four democrats who voted “no” when it matters most."
According to KRQE, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act stalled in the Senate Finance Committee on March 15, failing to advance further in this legislative session. The bill was defeated with an 8-3 vote in the final committee before it could reach the Senate floor. A joint statement from Senate Republicans emphasized that stopping the bill was a top priority, asserting that "common sense prevailed" that day. They argued that House Bill 11 and other progressive Democratic policies would have negatively impacted the state’s economy and hindered economic development.
Screenshot of State Representative Rebecca Dow's March 15 post on X.
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The committee substitute for House Bill 11 introduces the Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act, establishing a Family Wellness Leave Fund to provide eligible applicants with a percentage of their wages for family wellness leave. It also creates the Welcome Child Fund, offering refunds to eligible applicants upon childbirth or adoption, allowing time off for bonding. From January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2030, employers with five or more employees are required to contribute 0.15% of each participating employee’s wages up to an earnings cap. In 2030, this contribution will increase to cover 100% of each participating employee’s wages up to the earnings cap.
On March 3, according to the New Mexico Sun, the New Mexico Business Coalition highlighted HB 11's passage under its new name: Welcome Child and Family Wellness Leave Act. This act provides six weeks of paid leave for medical reasons and twelve weeks for childbirth or adoption. Parents would receive $9,000 per child at birth or adoption, with potential costs reaching $183 million annually. The act also introduces a tax on employers effective January 1, 2027, and on employees starting July 1, 2027; benefits would commence on January 1, 2028.
Dow is a Republican politician representing Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra counties. She reclaimed her seat in House District 38 in 2024 by defeating Democratic incumbent Tara Jaramillo. Her campaign focused on pro-business initiatives and education reform; she has been recognized for her contributions to early childhood education and community service.
