Santa Fe, NM – House Republicans today sent a letter to Governor Lujan Grisham announcing their support for the thousands of New Mexicans and local businesses that will be adversely affected by Governor Lujan Grisham’s health recently issued health order. It has been reported that over 200 restaurants have permanently closed due to the forced economic shutdown, with thousands of employees left without a job. The Governor’s recent order, singling out one industry, will undoubtedly increase the economic hardship facing New Mexicans.

“This Governor is very well known for bringing a chair to the White House when she felt she needed a seat at the table- what I want to know is why were small business owners not seated at the Governor’s table when she decided to punish New Mexico restaurants and their employees?” said House Republican Leader Jim Townsend. “The unfairness of this administration and their arbitrary decision making will forever change New Mexico.”

Instead of focusing on the many issues at hand like civil unrest and risky protesting, skyrocketing mental health concerns, unemployment and domestic violence, the administration has made it their mission to target small business owners while blaming New Mexicans for an uptick in cases. New Mexico businesses, especially restaurants have bent over backwards to meet public safety standards- often going above and beyond to ensure their customers feel comfortable.

“The Governor has lost all credibility on this issue,” said House Republican Whip Rod Montoya. “It is a dereliction of duty for the Governor to punish restaurant owners simply because of the perceived inaction of others.”

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