Issue Position: Economic Development & Well-Paying Jobs

Issue Position

Far too many individuals and families in New Mexico struggle financially, with often devastating physical and mental effects on both children and adults. We absolutely must develop more jobs that pay a good, solid living wage and develop new career tracks to help keep young people in the state. I believe the need for economic development is urgent, and I also believe that we currently have some promising opportunities to improve and stabilize New Mexico's economy.

I support:

Renewable energy development - wind and solar energy have great potential in New Mexico and are already growing fast. Renewable energy projects offer numerous, high-paying jobs while simultaneously helping us to transition off of fossil fuels.

Expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and businesses. It is no secret that the natural environment in Catron, Grant, and Socorro counties is a tremendous asset and can be a big draw for recreation and outdoor tourism.

Ensuring high-speed broadband internet access for all New Mexicans. Clearly such access is fundamental not only to our educational system, but also to our businesses, including rural entrepreneurial enterprises as well as agriculture.

Facilitating our farmers' and ranchers' abilities to sell their food products locally within New Mexico as well as export them to out-of-state markets. This means, for example, taking steps that encourage institutions such as schools and hospitals to procure their food products from local producers.

Workers' right to organize unions, and I oppose efforts to restrict that right. Unions are one of the principal ways that workers are able to insist on living wages and reasonable working conditions.

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