Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2015
Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla Introduces Legislation That Will Significantly Impact Job Creation
Santa Fe, NM – Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-14-Bernalillo) has introduced legislation proposing that 33 percent of certain state contracts go to resident businesses. According to Sen. Padilla, Senate Bill 69 (SB 69), also known as the Resident Business Set-Aside Act, is designed to build the local economy and create more jobs for New Mexicans.
“It’s time we start taking care of New Mexico business owners when it comes to state purchasing,” said Sen. Padilla. “This legislation will create jobs overnight in our state. It’s my belief that this will also encourage New Mexico’s entrepreneurs to fill the gaps where we currently do not have a business that provides the specific good or service.”
According to the bill, every contracting agency shall, in consultation with the department, develop an annual plan for how it will achieve the purpose and requirements of the Resident Business Set-Aside Act. Contracts may be awarded for goods, equipment, and construction if there is a reasonable expectation that bids may be obtained from at least three qualified resident businesses for a fair and reasonable price.
Anthony Trujillo, owner of Holmans USA in Albuquerque, Chair of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce and executive board member of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry, first proposed the bill to the Economic Development Committee in 2014 and asked Sen. Padilla to consider sponsoring it.
“This legislation will allow us to do a better job of taking care of our own and investing in good, solid New Mexico-based businesses. We have plenty of businesses in the state that are capable of providing exceptional service and products along with a competitive price. We can do a better job of focusing New Mexico dollars into our own economy as opposed to those dollars leaving the state,” Trujillo said. “This legislation provides a great opportunity for the State of New Mexico to help our economy and job growth and it won’t cost the State a dime.”
“This bill would not have seen the light of day without the support of Senator Padilla and it’s been a real pleasure working with him to solve our economic and job growth challenges in New Mexico,” Trujillo added.
###