GOP Lawsuit Challenges Lawful Covid Fines

The Albuquerque Journal recently reported that Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce and his fellow Republicans have joined a lawsuit against the Governor by business owners that challenges the lawful fines the businesses incurred for violating the public health orders. REALLY? What a shameful display of reckless disregard for the health and safety of New Mexicans.

The Governor issued the painful closures to protect New Mexicans, especially seniors and those with pre-existing conditions, from the extremely contagious and deadly COVID-19 virus. The public health
orders for closures, along with stay at home instructions, and social distancing guidance have been successful at slowing and reducing the dangerous virus transmission. The Governor should be commended for following the advice of science and health experts to protect all New Mexicans. She has made the hard choices and taken the difficult actions needed to protect us.

Now, the Governor is working carefully to safely re-open, allowing time to measure the results for each phase of re-opening, to ensure that the virus does not come roaring back. New Mexicans need assurance of safety to be able to work, attend school, and shop, activities that will fuel our economy.

Stay the course, New Mexicans! The actions of Steve Pearce and the Republicans are a needless and harmful distraction.