Bill to Create Jobs By Expanding Broadband Access Passes First Committee Unanimously
Today, Senator Michael Padilla’s Senate Bill 143, the New Mexico Infrastructure Act, passed unanimously out of the Senate Corporations Committee. The legislation will help connect New Mexicans to fast, reliable and affordable broadband access by allowing state and local governments to join in partnerships with private companies to deliver broadband connectivity. The bill also includes authority for public-private partnerships to accomplish energy efficiency retrofitting of public buildings.
By expanding broadband access this legislation will help attract new businesses, investment, and high-wage employers to New Mexico and connect small business to online marketplaces. Additionally, the projects stimulated by new public-private partnerships will lead to jobs related to the installation and maintenance of necessary infrastructure.
“Access to high-speed broadband is a necessary tool for our community’s economic growth,” said Senator Padilla. “New Mexico suffers from the worst unemployment in the nation, so it is more critical than ever that we find creative ways to expand jobs. Broadband access will allow rural and urban communities across the state to grow small, local businesses, while also being a viable option for businesses who want to come to New Mexico but are worried about sufficient internet connection.”
During the interim, Senator Padilla chaired a meeting of the Science, Technology, and Telecommunications Committee focused on expanding broadband in New Mexico. At the hearing, Senator Padilla heard from stakeholders about the need to find innovative ways to deliver connectivity to all New Mexicans including the 68% of New Mexicans living in rural and tribal communities that currently lack access to broadband. Senate Bill 143 will now go to Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senator Padilla continued, “There isn’t a moment to lose on something as critical as ensuring every New Mexican has access to a job. This bill will continue to quickly make its way through the Senate and then I hope my colleagues in the House and the Governor do the right thing by passing and then signing this legislation.”
Last week, increasing access to broadband was outlined by Senate and House Democrats as a priority job creation and economic development effort for this legislative session. Senate Bill 143 would be the first time New Mexico would invest in these types of projects to create jobs.