Today, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash, testified in favor of SB 11, which would establish a state-run paid family and medical leave program in New Mexico. The testimony was before the New Mexico House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
New Mexico Small Business Owner Highlight

The past year has stretched many households to their broadband limit with kids learning virtually and parents working remotely at the same time, but for rural small business owner Shayai Lucero, this isn’t a new challenge.
New Mexico Events
New Mexico Policy
Ahead of a Senate floor vote, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash submitted a letter to New Mexico's state senate urging them to swiftly pass SB 11, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, which would establish a state-run paid family leave program.
Ahead of a hearing in the New Mexico Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee, Awesta Sarkash, Public Policy Director, submitted a letter of support for SB 11, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. The bill would create a state-run paid family and medical leave fund that employers and their employees can take advantage of during critical health-related moments.
Today, Public Policy Director and New Mexico Outreach Director submitted a letter to New Mexico's House Health & Human Services Committee in favor of HB 51, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Act. This legislation would help address the high cost of prescription drugs, which have a great impact on small business owners who are struggling to offer healthcare
New Mexico Research

This report compiles findings from focus groups and roundtable discussions with rural small business owners and other small business stakeholders in four states, as well as the results of a national poll of rural small business owners. The report also features recommendations for policymakers and service providers to increase opportunities for rural entrepreneurs.

New scientific polling in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico shows small business hiring of lower-level employees is diverse, but more can be done to increase diversity in the hiring of upper-management employees. Additionally, some small employers plan to hire or promote in order to increase the diversity of their high-level workforce within the next few years.

Many small business owners think of their employees as family, and they believe in taking care of their employees in order to retain a happy and loyal workforce and to attract top talent. They also know it’s important for their employees to be able to balance their work and family responsibilities. New scientific polling shows the majority of small businesses in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico offer benefits like paid leave and provide family-friendly policies for their employees.