The U.S. Senate voted on and passed legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent starting in 2023.
The Sunshine Protection Act passed Senate vote on Tuesday, March 15, and would eliminate the two seasonal time changes many states, including New Mexico, go through each year.
The act must now pass House of Representatives a before going to the president for review.
The time change affects many different aspects of life and has been blamed for more car accidents or heart attacks during the first few days of the change each year. Experts and legislators have been trying to eliminate the change for years in some states, but it rarely gets enough traction to get past committee votes or make it to public vote.
For some, the change is just a part of life and is something people have done their whole life, but for many others, it takes weeks to feel normal and acclimated again.
What your neighbors think
Stephanie, who didn’t want to give her last name, said she works with adults with mental disabilities as well as folks with Alzheimer’s and explained the time-change affects these vulnerable people the most.
“I have been waiting years for this to happen,” Stephanie said.
Gene also agrees with the change, but that the time should be kept at Standard time and not Daylight Saving Time (DST),because it can be rough for earlier risers to get ready and go to school or work in the dark.
Gene said that is how Arizona does it and there are more benefits to that time zone.
“It’s scientifically proven to be better on our circadian rhythm as well,” Gene explained.
Fella Brannen, while walking her pup Jacks at the Academy Hills Park, said she is all for leaving it as it is now.
“It does greatly affect my routine every year,” she said.
Eric and Katie McKenna said they just moved back from Arizona, and they are all for the change, but explained they like the DST time zone from March to November.
“We get more time outside with family after work,” Eric said.
Rick and Vick McKenna also approved of the measure, saying it is a good idea.
“They just need to leave it right where it is now,” Rick agreed.
Jennifer and Cayzan said it would be fantastic and that it doesn’t matter which one, but to just pick a time and stick with it.
“With all that’s happening currently, isn’t there more important legislation to be dealt with?” Cayzan said. “I’m all for it, but it makes you wonder how people in northern states are going to be affected, having dark mornings as late as 8 or 9 a.m.”
Shanna, who was eating ice cream with her family, believes it’s great because it should be able to help with safer overall crime rates.
“It’s proven less crimes happen during the daytime,” she said.
Alexia and Vanessa both said they hate the time change and that they’re glad someone is finally doing something about it.
“Please just stay with one or the other already,” Alexia said.
