In 2016, I accompanied former Administrator Frank Klotz to see firsthand the network of old and rapidly deteriorating facilities at the National Nuclear Security Administration's Albuquerque Complex on Kirtland Air Force Base. I worked with my colleagues to replace the aging complex with a state-of-the-art facility that would fortify and enhance the agency’s mission and provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable working environment for the employees who contribute to our country’s national security. I am excited that construction has been authorized and I look forward to the impact the future Albuquerque Complex will have in managing our nation’s nuclear deterrent and reducing global nuclear and radiological threats. https://www.abqjournal.com/…/new-nnsa-complex-near-kirtland…
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day and week! Thank you to all the educators who work tirelessly to inspire students to succeed and achieve their dreams. But in order for all students to succeed, teachers and schools must be equipped with the tools needed to thrive. That’s why across America, teachers are fighting back against years of draconian cuts to public education and so am I.
I’m standing up for our teachers and for public schools by co-sponsoring a Congressional resolution in support of increasing teacher pay and public funding for public education. And today just like every other, I’m proud to be fighting for teachers like Ivonne, a Dreamer who has stepped up to be an educator in New Mexico, which is in great need of teachers.
Nearly one in four New Mexicans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed their families. A vote on the Farm Bill may soon take place before the U.S. House of Representatives, and unfortunately, some of my colleagues are pushing to cut funding for SNAP by $23.3 billion over the next ten years and impose strict, new eligibility standards. New Mexico is one of the hungriest states in the country, and I cannot support any Farm Bill that cuts life-sav...ing benefits to countless New Mexicans struggling to make ends meet. I want to vote for a Farm Bill that unites Democrats and Republicans, supports both urban and rural communities, benefits farmers, ranchers, and vulnerable Americans across the country, and last, honors the productive, bipartisan work of our Committee that seems to be so rare in Washington, D.C. #HandsOffSNAP https://www.abqjournal.com/…/cuts-in-snap-bad-for-poor-peop…
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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining the Jewish Federation of New Mexico as they celebrated their 70th anniversary. The federation works to provide social services to seniors, families, and caregivers, in addition to awarding scholarships to high school and college students. This was an inspiring night to highlight years of philanthropy, social action, and education across the state.
Last night, I joined Alpha Phi Alpha's New Mexico chapter, ABQ Alphas, to honor the amazing scholarship recipients at the 25th anniversary of the Black and Gold Scholarship Banquet. I believe when people have opportunity, they have hope. And when they have hope, there is nothing that can stand between them and what they want to achieve. This underlying optimism and belief in something better is what moves people forward. That is why I am proud of Alpha Phi Alpha's philanthropic efforts to create opportunity and do good for the six promising, young scholarship recipients. Congratulations to each of you!
Today, I had the opportunity to join the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association for #FireOps101. Wrangler Miguel Judge and the rest of the team had us perform different tactical drills in full gear. This provided me with so much insight into the work our first responders do everyday. That is why I am proud to support full funding for AFG and SAFER grants, so our local fire stations are able to obtain the training and equipment they need to do their job. I truly appreciate what these brave men and women do to make our communities safer.
This week the country pays tribute to the entrepreneurs and small business owners whose profound economic contributions to our neighborhoods and cities spur our nation’s prosperity. In New Mexico, 56 percent of people working are either employed by a small business or are an entrepreneur themselves.
We must make prudent investments in small businesses to promote growth and create economic opportunity for New Mexicans and reward owners and entrepreneurs with a simpler and fai...rer tax code that will ease their tax burden so they can invest in creating jobs. Further, by expanding broadband, we will ensure small and rural New Mexican firms can reach new markets and customers. By training workers, we can help small firms meet their workforce needs. And through meaningful infrastructure reform, we can put small companies to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges.
In rural New Mexico, small businesses are critical employers. The twelve New Mexican counties with the highest small business employment rates are also among the most rural. As the primary drivers of growth in our rural communities, these small businesses owners exemplify our longstanding commitment to free enterprise and belief in entrepreneurship.
We must build on the entrepreneurial spirit of women who are launching businesses at a faster rate than anyone else. Women-owned businesses make up 39 percent of New Mexico's companies and account for just over 5 percent of the state's business revenues – the seventh-highest in the country. The top 50 women-owned businesses in New Mexico had nearly $350 million in 2016 revenue and 876 full-time employees. -Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham
During #SmallBusinessWeek, we pay tribute to the entrepreneurs and small business owners who fuel our nation’s prosperity. In New Mexico, 56% of people working are either employed by a small business owner or an entrepreneur themselves. Especially exciting is the fact that, it’s women entrepreneurs who are launching businesses at a faster rate than anyone else in New Mexico. Women-owned businesses make up 39% of New Mexico's companies and account for just over 5% of the state's business revenues – the seventh-highest in the country. And it’s why our states is one the best states for female business owners. https://www.bizjournals.com/…/nm-ranked-one-of-the-best-sta…
Professional caregiving is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. In New Mexico, caregivers help thousands of older adults and people with disabilities live longer, healthier and more independent lives. Joining this important profession will be the 24 graduates of Encuentro NM's Home Health Aide Program. As a caregiver myself, I know just how important their work will be for families and how critical their profession is for our aging population. I am especially proud of tonight’s graduates because they represent the promise of this country and will play an important role in the lives of so many people. I wish all of the graduates the best and extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations!
It was a pleasure to stop by The Carlisle grand opening this afternoon. As many of you recall, the complex was nearly destroyed by a fire late last year. However, owner and developer Kenny Hinkes decided to continue on and complete the development, and today we are celebrating the new 34-unit condominium complex right in the heart of Nob Hill. This project will continue the revitalization efforts along the Central corridor that have been so important to our city. Read more here: https://goo.gl/YZTJr3
I am excited that the Community Support Shuttle is back on the road as of today. Now more people will have the ability to get around the city and access the health, community, and legal services they count on. This is a smart, strategic investment by the City of Albuquerque and the NM Veterans Integration Centers, as it will foster the connections between our neighbors and the services that help them to get ahead and live healthier and more productive lives.
It is appalling that Secretary Carson is seeking to triple the monthly minimum rents that the poorest Americans pay in low-income housing programs. Over 26,000 low-income households in New Mexico receive federal rental assistance, 93% of whom include children or individuals who are elderly or disabled. This reckless proposal would especially harm single mothers, seniors, veterans, adults with disabilities, and children. In fact, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that nearly 1 million children would be at risk of homelessness if this proposal became law.
I had the pleasure of speaking at the Facebook Community Boost Kick-Off event to an incredible group of New Mexico entrepreneurs and small business owners during National Small Business Week. They are the drivers of growth in our communities and our local and national economies. I am very proud of the fact that women in New Mexico are launching businesses at a faster rate, and in 2016 the top 50 women-owned businesses had nearly $350 million in revenue and 876 full-time employees. To help this trend expand, I have been pushing to close this digital divide by making sure we’re investing in technological infrastructure that includes broadband to help businesses get off the ground and succeed. Thank you Facebook for selecting Albuquerque for the Community Boost and investing in our community. #SmallBusinessWeek
Many people have been effected by the backlog of untested rape kits in New Mexico. @CABQ recently launched the Sexual Assault Information Line (SAIL) so sexual assault survivors with pending cases can call to find out about the status of their kit. This is a step in the right direction. #ClearTheBackLog
I am so proud of all the young people whose artistic efforts made this year’s Congressional Art Competition the most successful yet. Art competitions like these continue New Mexico’s long history and tradition of producing and inspiring world-renowned artists. Exposure to the arts and art education has been shown to promote self-directed learning, improve school attendance and sharpen critical and creative skills, which is why I believe we must do all we can to invest in and ...create more opportunities for young people to experience and explore the arts. The winning entry is by Savina Romero, a student at Albuquerque Academy. As the winner of the competition, Savina will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for the national reception and her art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Volcano Vista High School’s Mariza Sandoval won second place in the competition and Explore Academy Charter School’s Paige Brown won third place.
1st – “Before the Bells” by Savina Romero, Albuquerque Academy
2nd – “Through the Woods” by Mariza Sandoval, Volcano Vista High School
3rd – Untitled by Paige Brown, Explore Academy Charter School
Congratulations to the The University of New Mexico - UNM for being awarded 2nd place in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's sixth annual Campus RainWorks Challenge. In order for our nation to achieve environmental sustainability, we must engage the next generation of environmental professionals to design innovative solutions that benefit society and protect our natural resources.
I invite you to learn more about the UNM Team’s project, which proposes to transform an athletic field to better manage stormwater runoff, reduce local flooding, and improve water efficiency.
