Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy

Issue Position

We need to diversify our economy, and move away from boom-and-bust extractive industries, by focusing on renewable energy, tourism, and high-tech businesses started right here in New Mexico. Our economic development incentives should reflect these priorities, by:

Fostering an economic climate that stimulates job growth. A sound and predictable economic climate includes simplifying our tax code and the gross receipts tax rate in a fair and revenue-neutral manner.

Making sure our economic development incentives, including the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) and the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP), are accessible to small businesses, local businesses, and service businesses. In addition, key retail sectors (like grocery stores, drug stores, and hardware stores) should be eligible for support in rural, underserved communities.

Raising the minimum wage so that every New Mexican can earn a living wage and build a better future for their families. There is no excuse for our state to permit someone working 40+ hours a week to live in poverty. We can, and should, do more.

Growing our renewable energy sector with investments in wind and solar energy, and with tax credits for communities and businesses that make those investments. Not only are these good, common-sense investments for our state's economic future, they can also help us put a real dent in climate change, and help preserve our natural environment.

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