Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4819
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2013
Economic and Rural Development Committee Endorses Legislation Geared Towards Economic Development
Santa Fe, NM — Today, the Economic and Rural Development Committee endorsed three pieces of legislation, all aimed at enhancing economic development. The endorsed bills will: staff an regional adult daycare center in Santa Clara Pueblo, develop a community kitchen project in the South Valley of Albuquerque, and provide funding for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).
“Today’s dialogue was bipartisan, and yielded productive and positive results,” said Committee Chair, Senator Howie Morales (D-28- Catron, Grant & Socorro). “Every piece of legislation that was endorsed will contribute significantly. Focusing on programs that support small business, community development and educational training is a big deal, especially considering the demographics that are in need of this type of funding.”
According to representatives from the Pueblo of Santa Clara Regional Adult Daycare Center, the $207,000 proposal will fully staff the center, designed to serve at least 50 clients. This is the third time the legislation has been proposed to the legislature. Senator Richard C. Martinez (D- 5- Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe) and Representative Debbie Rodella (D-41-Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos) who have advocated for the center in past years, plan to sponsor the bill again this year.
Reps from the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation (RGCDC) told legislators that a community kitchen in the South Valley would provide economic stimulation for local farmers and ranchers, yielding a projected 298 jobs within two to three years. Under the Delicious New Mexico label, kitchen users would be allowed a space and pipeline to distribute product to grocery stores, restaurants, festivals, and to consumers. According to RGCDC, the proposed funding of $350,000 will revive and equip kitchens already in existence. “This is the next natural step,” said Senator Michael Padilla (D-14-Bernalillo). “This is infrastructure that reduces capital outlay.” Currently, the RGCDC is working to revive kitchens in Gallup, Roswell, Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces.
And finally, the committee endorsed a proposal to provide $400,000 to WICHE. Since New Mexico does not have dental programs at its public universities, the funding will help 16 New Mexican dental students offset out-of-state college tuition.
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