Small business owners need to get more involved in the creation of state regulations pertaining to businesses, according to Association of Commerce and Industry President Beverlee McClure.

More than 70 people attended Friday’s ACI breakfast at the Clovis Civic Center, including small business owners and city, county and state officials.

McClure informed attendees of several bills the small business lobbying group  opposed in the 2008 State Legislature, including a universal health care bill and taxes on video games and soft drinks. She said the organization also supported a regulatory reform bill.

McClure said the organization opposed House Bill 62, which would force employers to put in $500 a year for every full time employee into a state workforce health care fund. She said the bill defines full time employment as 20 or more hours a week. The bill would also create a regulatory health car agency without legislative oversight, she said.

The bill was aimed at providing health care for about 400,000 uninsured residents in New Mexico. She said the reality is more than half qualify for state health care programs and about 100,000 have options but choose to opt out of health care.

McClure told business owners in order to oppose bills, they should contact their representatives before legislative sessions starts.
“By the time the bill hits the floor, the decision has already been made,” she said.

She said her organization supported a Senate bill that creates a committee to review the regulatory process and suggest reforms.
Rep. Anna Crook, R-Clovis, said bills that are passed by the Legislature are twisted during implementation.

“We think we pass legislation, but it is usurped in the regulatory process,” she said.

Sen. Clint Harden, R-Clovis, encouraged small business owners to get involved with the political process.

Sen. Clint Harden, R-Clovis, encouraged small business owners to get involved with the political process.