Issue Position: Economic Opportunity

Issue Position

In Congress, it has been my mission to help foster new opportunities for New Mexicans that support the unique needs of our communities. I am proud to support policies that strengthen unions, support farmers, increase production in our renewable energy sector, and invest in our national labs and bases. Together, we can ensure that New Mexico is a state that offers its residents a robust economy that supports the middle-class.

I was born into a proud union household -- one that always understood that working people and unions built the middle class in our country. Throughout my tenure in Congress, and if elected to the U.S. Senate, I will pursue policies that support working people by directing investments into New Mexico and finding new ways to grow our state's economy.

For generations, agriculture formed the heart of New Mexico's economy. Our farmers carry on a proud tradition through the operation of family ranches and farms -- work that feeds our communities and boost our economy. In Congress, I have worked to extend federal protections and funding for traditional land use, such as acequias and land grants, to help keep small farms viable for generations to come.

Partnering with my colleagues in the New Mexico Congressional delegation, I've successfully defended funding and the missions of our bases and labs -- economic drivers in our state that have provided new opportunities for science, innovation, and development. The National Labs have invested in our communities, and I am proud to invest in them.

Despite a growing economy, we still need to encourage our young people to build their lives and careers in New Mexico. That begins with providing opportunities for people to have meaningful futures in our state. The DOE ACCESS Act, legislation I've championed in Congress, expands training programs so young people can learn the technical skills needed for well-paying jobs at our National Labs.

Our energy sector is a major driver of economic opportunities in New Mexico. We must aggressively invest in an energy sector that expands renewable energy projects. We have an opportunity to lead the country in renewable energy production and hire thousands of New Mexicans in the process. This is not an investment we can afford not to make in our state.

I also believe in creating an economy that works for the American worker. Far too often, we've seen the deck stacked against workers who are trying to build a life for themselves in New Mexico. This is why I support raising the minimum wage, enacting tax policies that put more money back in the pockets of New Mexico's working families, and protecting the right to form unions and negotiate for better pay and benefits.

My Record on Creating Economic Opportunities:

Women should earn equal pay for equal work. I was proud to cast a vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act to close the persistent wage gap between men and women -- a wage gap that is significantly wider for women of color.
I introduced the DOE National Laboratory Jobs ACCESS Act to expand training programs for technician positions at National Labs, including Los Alamos National Labs and Sandia National Labs.
I support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act to strengthen protections for workers' right to organize and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.
Voted for the Raise the Wage Act to increase the federal minimum wage for the first time in more than a decade. Individuals who work hard deserve wages that reflect the value of their contributions to our economy and society, which we accomplish by paying workers a salary they can live off of.
Along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, I introduced the Accountable Capitalism Act to correct harmful trends that have left the American worker struggling with stagnant wages and decreased opportunities as corporate profits continue to rise.
Proudly support the Social Security 2100 Act to protect our Social Security system and improve the benefits for current and future generations.
A sweeping infrastructure package will boost the middle-class while repairing our country's crumbling roads, schools, hospitals, and electric systems and jumpstarting our transition to a green energy economy. As a core component of any infrastructure package, I've championed legislation to invest in broadband infrastructure to connect rural communities with high-speed Internet. Democrats' LIFT America Act -- legislation I've advocated for in Congress -- will invest more than $17 billion for energy infrastructure.
Homeownership is a silver bullet for families' stability and prosperity. To protect home-owners from bad actors, I supported the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2009. This legislation ended the unfair and irresponsible mortgage and lending practices that played a major role in past housing crisis.
I co-sponsored the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The comprehensive credit card reform legislation protects New Mexican families by leveling the playing field between credit card companies and consumers and increasing protections against unfair and misleading credit card practices.

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