Scott Hindman Public Safety BIG Chair Excellent Schools New Mexico | Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
Minority Leader Sen. Bill Sharer (R-San Juan) addressed the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors about the recent 60-day legislative session. The session, which concluded on March 22, was discussed during the board’s monthly meeting on April 24.
Speaking to the directors, Sen. Sharer emphasized the challenges Republicans faced in opposing proposed legislation considered potentially harmful to New Mexico's oil and gas sectors. Highlighted among these were the Clear Horizons bill, aimed at achieving zero-carbon emissions, and a bill concerning paid family medical leave.
“We had to work together to stop these bills,” Sharer stated. “These bills seemed impossible to stop. With a little reorganizing and collaborative efforts, we were able to stop them. Both of these bills would have been detrimental to New Mexico.”
Additionally, a last-minute tax bill that proposed significant taxes on the oil industry caught Sharer's attention due to the industry's contribution of 49% to New Mexico’s budget. Sen. Sharer also discussed his cooperative efforts with Majority Floor Leader Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe) in maintaining smooth Senate floor operations.
“It’s important to establish relationships,” Sharer remarked. “I also encourage constituents to take the time to get to know legislators better. Building personal connections can make all the difference.”
