Looking Back
and Pressing On
A
s we start the new year, I am left won-
dering what in the world happened to
2013? Where did it go? What did we
do? What is in store for us in 2014? So many
questions! Since time is flying faster than the
Concord there is not a moment to waste.
In the last article I mentioned the major
pieces of legislation that we worked to pass.
To recap:
1. Removing the fourth degree felony for
a certified server providing alcohol to a
minor on the first offense.
2. Increasing the alcohol server training
frequency from 5 years to 3 years.
3. Sunday liquor service at 11:00 instead
of noon.
These are pieces of legislation that NMRA
has worked on with other partners for sev-
eral sessions. It is great to see our hard work
pay off in the passage of this legislation.
What lies ahead?
In 2014, there is a 30-day budget session
and an election. This means that for
NMRA and restaurants all over the state,
the only measures that can be addressed in
the 30 day session are bills that were ve-
toed, money bills and anything the Gover-
nor wishes to put on her “call”.
Last session the Governor vetoed a minimum
wage increase. I expect to see this bill appear
in 2014. I also expect to see bills to address
issues that arose from the Tax package that
was passed in the final moments of the 2013
session. Among those issues would be how
communities may address the phase out of
the “hold harmless” payments they have been
receiving as a result of the removal of the food
tax. I may be wrong here on both counts, but
I would rather be prepared than not.
As I mentioned above, 2014 is an election
year. All members of the House of Repre-
sentatives are up for re-election and all of
the constitutional offices (Governor, Lt
Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, Au-
ditor, Secretary of State, etc…) are as well.
My call to action for all restaurateurs reading
this article is to please let NMRA know how
you feel about these issues. How do they af-
fect your ability to create jobs, expand your
business or make ends meet? Also, pay close
attention to the elections. And however you
choose to vote - PLEASE VOTE!
Last year was good to us on the legislative
front. My wish is that 2014 be a more ro-
bust year than 2013.
by Allison Kuper Smith,
NMRA Government Affairs Director/Lobbyist
public affairs
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