By LISA SHIN
Chair
Republican Party of Los Alamos
Dear Friends:
Recently, Senor Tortas closed its storefront at the American Legion Post 90 and now operates a food truck. Seeking Chameleon and Professional Skin Care Choices joined the long list of small business closures in Los Alamos, giving us even fewer choices for goods and services essential for our quality of life!
It is vital that our local government avoids a hostile regulatory climate that ultimately drives small businesses away and shuts them down for good. This past weekend, I spoke with a local health care provider who closed his practice due to the unsustainable and enormous cost of government mandates. SALA owner Allan Saenz perfectly described our small business owners, “They, too, navigate the arduous process of sustaining a business in Los Alamos, often dealing with sleepless nights, stress, employee shortages, and other financial strains.” The last things our small business owners need are a minimum wage and tax increase!
Wage and tax increases have little effect on larger employers like LANL, Smith’s, or even Starbucks who have the resources to cope with government mandates and higher taxes. Many small businesses have already raised their wages above the proposed hike due to the labor shortage. However, others have not been able to afford the additional payroll expenses. Let’s support them, too!
Wage increases should be market-driven, voluntary, and a private negotiation between employer and employee, not dictated and coerced by the government. If these measures pass, our local entrepreneurs will be forced to increase prices, cut jobs, employee hours, benefits, vacation, and paid time off. We can certainly expect more business and restaurant closures.
Two local meetings will give the public an opportunity to share their views on these proposals:
- On Monday, June 26, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, Los Alamos County Councilor Chair Denise Derkacs and members Melanee Hand and Randall Ryti will hold a town hall meeting to discuss potentially increasing the minimum wage within the county.
- On Tuesday, June 27 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, our County Council will consider a half-percent increase in our local gross receipt tax (GRT) rate.
Please attend these meetings to give public comment and/or send your comments to countycouncil@lacnm.us. I ask you to speak up for our small business community!
Sincerely,
Lisa Shin, RPLA Chair, leadership@losalamosgop.com, phone: 505.310.3254 website: www.losalamosgop.com.