ALBUQUERQUE, AUGUST 27 — Gov. Lujan Grisham’s revised Public Health Order continues her piecemeal, haphazard approach to addressing the ongoing economic crisis plaguing New Mexico residents. She called today’s amended Order “good news” as thousands remain jobless, businesses close doors and the state’s economy collapses.
It seems impossible to unravel the governor’s logic and mathematical conclusions that determine what can reopen and at what capacity. Her actions are inequitable and unjust. These capricious choices make no sense and will certainly frustrate and handicap business owners. The governor’s new decree will continue to lead New Mexico to further economic calamity.
With state criteria met and a dramatic fall in the number of COVID-19 cases, the governor has decided to reopen our hurting restaurants at 25% percent capacity. Why 25%? There’s no “science” to choosing this number. Hundreds of restaurants and other establishments have vanished because there’s been no pandemic parity from day one.
It’s almost certain that providing indoor dining at 25% capacity will not keep many restaurants afloat. It’s too little too late, and the governor refused to throw a solid lifeline to our drowning economy.
The governor says mass gatherings of more than 10 are still prohibited, but eager shoppers have crowded big box stores and rubbed elbows in lines and in the aisles for months. There’s no reason why social distancing cannot be practiced in mom-and-pop stores along our Main Streets.
The governor will now increase houses of worship capacity from 25% to 40%. Where did this figure come from? These “scientific” calculations offer no rational or consistent message to New Mexicans. The science isn’t there.
Again, the governor’s decisions demonstrate a lack of leadership and a true understanding of how badly people are suffering in our state.
“Gov. Lujan Grisham doesn’t get it. She doesn’t understand that her confusing and arbitrary actions are destroying our state,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. “She’s been pushing the envelope on what’s legal and constitutional throughout this economic crisis, and her decrees have devastated our economy and damaged livelihoods. There’s never been a sound strategy, and the governor has failed to steadily guide New Mexico through these difficult times. And it’s sad to see New Mexico drowning under her watch as state coffers remain awash in a sea of red.”
