By LISA SHIN
Chair
Republican Party of Los Alamos
Dear Friends:
Last night, our County Council voted against a minimum wage increase, on a narrow 4-3 vote. I wanted to express a heartfelt thanks to and commend Councilors Cull, Hand, Lepsch and Reagor for supporting our small business community! I appreciate all those who attended the community meetings, wrote our Councilors, and made public comments on this important issue.
Recently, Daniel’s Cafe announced its closure, and we just learned that Ruby Ks is seeking a buyer to pass the baton to. Our Council must continue to vote for business-friendly policies that attract more entrepreneurs. Many citizens of Los Alamos would like to see a robust, thriving business community and a local government that encourages growth, not a town that has numerous closures, empty storefronts, and a local government that prohibits the success of our restaurants and shops.
Another pressing issue: Paid Family Medical Leave Act (PFMLA): Senate Bill 3 heads to the full Senate for a vote soon! Carol Wight, CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association has written a sobering editorial, Taxes on businesses and workers will increase. She writes, “Raising money for this new tax, at this time, on the backs of the businesses and workers shows the lack of understanding that our elected officials have for the working class. Now is not the time.This year’s Fiscal Impact Report on HB-6 paints a troubling picture. The program begins running a deficit immediately in two out of three scenarios. That means taxes on businesses and workers will increase to make up the deficit.”
This legislation favors larger employers like the Los Alamos National Laboratory and big box retailers, but puts Mom & Pop businesses, especially restaurants, at a severe disadvantage. It increases their administrative burdens and operating expenses. Smaller businesses like mine, with 5+ employees, cannot operate and continue to provide high quality goods and services when employees are out. I am concerned that employers who are forced to replace workers on extended leave will be punished for doing so.
Employees who have good leave policies negotiated directly with their employers, but not as generous as PFMLA, can immediately access their benefits. With SB3, they will be forced to access a cumbersome and inconvenient state-run program instead. Employees who are young, healthy, single, and do not have family nearby, will be forced to accept a reduced paycheck for a benefit they will never use. There are no protections against “dine and dashers”—self-employed people who pay into the program for six months, use the leave for a qualifying event, and then stop paying into the fund.Please sign the petition today HERE.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Lisa Shin, RPLA Chair
Contact me at leadership@losalamosgop.com, our website: www.losalamosgop.com, Facebook: @RepublicanPartyofLosAlamos
