Setting The Record Straight

Update on Paid Family Medical Leave

PFML continues to be a controversial topic. I had a primary opponent in 2024 who campaigned almost exclusively on the fact that I voted against PFML. I won the primary with almost 56% of the vote. I believe that most New Mexicans who support PFML want a program that is financially sustainable – particularly important because the program is paid for by payroll taxes on employees and employers. They want a program that works for all New Mexicans, including the disabled, those with special needs and the frail elderly, and that doesn't devastate our small businesses, including child care centers and health care providers. I am continuing to work on a PFML bill that will achieve those goals while providing a valuable benefit to new parents, those with critical illnesses, and those who are caring for a family member with a critical illness.

-Marian Matthews

Testimonial

My name is Travis Davis.  Maybe you recognize me from your mailbox, your phone, or your computer. I’m a lifelong New Mexican, and someone whose disability confines me to use of crutches or a wheelchair.

Her opponent and his allies have been spreading all kinds of lies about my friend and mentor, State Representative Democrat Marian Matthews.

And I want to make sure you hear the truth about Marian from someone who knows her.

I first met Marian when I was a student at CNM. From the first few classes, I realized she was a person of high character who cared deeply for every student. I watched as she took extra time to mentor struggling students after class, to help them succeed and pursue dreams of their own.

As my State Representative, she continues to demonstrate the same dedication to her constituents. She listens to us, and then she gets things done. She’s helped secure millions for the North Diego Baca Aquatic Center, helped make us safer by leading the

way to crack down on retail crime, and more.

You don’t hear Marian’s opponent and his allies talk about that.  Instead, they spread lies about her on Paid Family Medical Leave.

So, let’s get to the facts:

Marian 100% supports Paid Family Medical Leave. She knows we all need time to be able to care for family members without putting our jobs at risk.  In fact, she wrote a Paid Family Medical Leave bill that did just that.
Marian made sure that her bill was truly inclusive, preserving care for more than 50,000 New Mexicans who are disabled, elderly in need of home health care, or in hospice care in the final days of their lives.
Her opponent and his allies? They wanted to leave more than 50,000 New Mexicans without the services and home and hospice care they need. That includes New Mexicans in the disability community – people like me.

What I know is that Marian cares about people like me, and every single person she represents in the State House. She’ll make sure that none of us are left out, and always do what’s best for New Mexico – just like she did as my instructor. 

I encourage you to vote for Democrat Marian Matthews for State Representative in this June’s Democratic Primary.

Sincerely,

Travis Davis

Facts

ABQ Journal: Lawmakers Must Weigh The Unintended Consequences Of Flawed Legislation

Marian Matthews, Representative, New Mexico House District 27, emphasizes that focusing solely on paid family medical leave (PFML) overlooks numerous issues affecting New Mexicans. Highlighting the lack of discussion around PFML until recently, Matthews warns against hastily adopting legislation without considering potential negative outcomes. She cites examples like bail and tort reforms, which led to unintended consequences such as increased crime and reduced healthcare access. Advocating for a balanced approach, Matthews urges lawmakers to offer amendments and alternatives to flawed bills. As a legislator, she prioritizes addressing crime, healthcare, and housing concerns, ensuring that all legislation benefits her constituents without adverse effects.

READ

ABQ Journal: I Have A Target On My Back For Opposing A Flawed PFML Bill

Representative Matthews shares her decision to vote against Senate Bill 3, the Paid Family Medical Leave bill, which would have harmed the most vulnerable New Mexicans. The article highlights the Legislature's failure to support caregivers and her continued fight for a sustainable solution that benefits all. Read more about her stance and the challenges she faces within her party.

READ

Marian's Bill to Fix Paid Family Medical Leave

House Bill 11 (HB11) establishes the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act in New Mexico, creating the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority (Authority) under the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS). A board oversees the Authority and appoints its director. The bill mandates a paid family and medical leave program providing up to six weeks of compensation for covered employees, covering various reasons such as childbirth, adoption, or caring for a family member's health.

READ

MISINFORMATION ALERT

Like you, I was shocked to hear misinformation about my record and values was dropped on your doorstep. This primary campaign is shaping up to have misinformation widely spread, and we must push back against falsehoods with facts.

To set the record straight: I've fought my entire career for children and families. My body of legislation includes sponsoring a workable, sustainable Paid Family and Medical Leave program at the 2024 legislative session. Unfortunately, my bill did not pass.

When re-elected, I will bring this safety-net bill for families back for passage because I completely and unequivocally support Paid Family Medical Leave.

Thank you for visiting my website. Researching the facts helps combat misinformation in elections. Below are facts about the PFML bill I sponsored.

Setting The Record Straight

Update on Paid Family Medical Leave

Testimonial

Facts

ABQ Journal: Lawmakers Must Weigh The Unintended Consequences Of Flawed Legislation

ABQ Journal: I Have A Target On My Back For Opposing A Flawed PFML Bill

Marian's Bill to Fix Paid Family Medical Leave

MISINFORMATION ALERT

HB 11 Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance Act

I sponsored a bill to create a Paid Family Medical Leave program in 2024

I modeled my bill on the state of Connecticut, which uses a private insurance company for claims

To be clear, Paid Family Medical Leave is not a state-funded program

My bill streamlined the administrative needs to run a PFML program in a state like New Mexico

PFML was to be funded through employee payroll deductions that go into a fund to pay benefits

My bill required actuarial studies in early years to avoid insolvency issues

HB 11 provided job protection to those choosing to take paid family medical leave

The bill supported parental bonding after birth, adoption, or becoming a foster parent

The bill supported individual employees who were experiencing serious illness

The bill supported families faced with the serious illness of a loved one who required caregiving