New Mexico

New Mexico revives paid family and medical leave debate with improved proposal

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2024

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New Mexico revives paid family and medical leave debate with improved proposal

The debate over paid family and medical leave will return to the Roundhouse this year.

SANTA FE, N.M. — The debate over paid family and medical leave will return to the Roundhouse this year.

Just like the original, the new proposal aims to give all New Mexico workers the ability to take up to 12 weeks of paid time off when they need it most – that includes after the birth of a new child, a family emergency, or a medical crisis.

Employees and their employers would be required to consistently pay a small amount of money based on their wages into a state fund, which would end up paying workers on leave. Employers would not be paying those worker’s wages.

“The bill is better, stronger, more oriented towards business in certain ways,” said Democratic state Sen. Mimi Stewart.

Stewart says they’re taking extra steps to make sure New Mexico’s business community is happy with her new paid family and medical leave proposal.

“We’ve counted 16 concessions that we’ve put in because of businesses to make it work easier for them,” Stewart said.

It’s not clear yet exactly what’s different about the new bill, but Stewart says her team spent time studying similar programs in Colorado and Tennessee. They also are working with the Department of Workforce Solutions o craft a more structurally sound program.

“I think partly this is because so many of us now understand this better,” Stewart said.

The new version still requires employees to pay $5 for every thousand in wages. Employers only have to $4 per employee, but only if they have five or more workers.

Many opponents last year criticized that mechanism as an added business tax, and noted legislative reports predicted the state fund would run out of money.

“We’ve got a really good mechanism, the funding is adequate, the fees on employees and employers are is minimal,” Stewart said.

Advocates with the Southwest Women’s Law Center say many businesses want this kind of program.

“There was a recent poll done with small business owners that show that there’s overwhelming support, I want to say 85% support for this idea,” said Tracy McDaniel, policy advocate with the Southwest Women’s Law Center.

McDaniel suggests that’s all because of the potential benefits.

“It allows those employees to have the security and also allows those employers to compete for employees with those large businesses and corporations in the state of New Mexico that offer paid parental leave, so it really levels the playing field,” McDaniel said.

Advocates say similar programs in other states have allowed more women to enter the workforce.

If approved by lawmakers, Stewart says the program would not go into effect until 2027 at the earliest.

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New Mexico

New Mexico transfer LS Trey Dubuc commits to Texas

Published

10 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico transfer LS Trey Dubuc commits to Texas

After Lance St. Louis served as the starting long snapper for the Texas Longhorns for four seasons, special teams coordinator Jeff Banks landed an experienced replacement when New Mexico Lobos transfer Trey Dubuc pledged while on a visit to the Forty Acres.

The pledge from Dubuc ensures that Texas has experienced replacements for three specialists despite signing high school prospects at each position — with the SEC expanding to 105 scholarships in 2026, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian can afford to develop high school recruits at those positions behind experienced transfers like Dubuc.

The Fort Lauderdale product started his career at USF after playing on two state championship teams at Cardinal Gibbons. A 6’1, 209-pounder, Dubuc redshirted during his freshman season in 2023 before appearing in one game as the backup long snapper the following year.

After transferring to New Mexico, Dubuc served as the starting long snapper while making two tackles for the Lobos.

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New Mexico

Missionary from Utah serving in New Mexico died unexpectedly in sleep

Published

22 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Missionary from Utah serving in New Mexico died unexpectedly in sleep

SALT LAKE CITY — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah has passed away in his sleep unexpectedly Saturday in New Mexico, according to a news release from The Church.

Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died from a medical cause that has not been determined, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said in a statement.

According to The Church, Martin had been serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission since May 2024. He was from Salem, Utah.

Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died in his sleep on Jan. 3 from a medical cause that has yet to be determined. He was serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries. We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service,” the statement said.

According to the release, an autopsy is planned.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

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