Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is praising the final passage of a state Senate bill that expands her “Buy New Mexico” initiative by increasing procurement opportunities for businesses located in the state, including Native American-owned businesses.
The New Mexico House passed Senate Bill 39 (with a vote of 67-0) on Feb. 14, sending it to Lujan Grisham for signing. The Senate passed the bill 34-0 on Feb. 8, according to voting records.
The bill grants “in-state preference to Native American businesses” and increases “the bidding preference New Mexico businesses receive when seeking government contracts,” a press release said.
“Keeping more state dollars right here in New Mexico supports local businesses and grows our economy,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement after the House approved the bill. “This legislation reaffirms our commitment to lifting up all New Mexico businesses, creating jobs and boosting local economies across the state.”
State Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) and State Rep. Harry Garcia (D-Grants) sponsored SB 39, the press release said.
Senate Bill 39 increases “the bidding preference of New Mexico businesses seeking state and local government contracts from 5% to 8%,” the press release said. “Allowing, for the first time, Native American-owned businesses operating on tribal land to qualify as certified New Mexico resident businesses and receive the same bidding preference as other in-state companies.”
The bill also renews “the 10% bidding preference for certified New Mexico resident veteran businesses, which is due to expire June 30 without action by the Legislature to extend it.” It also doubles “the cap on New Mexico veteran-owned businesses receiving the 10% bidding preference from those with annual revenues up to $3 million to those with annual revenues up to $6 million.”
Lujan Grisham launched the "Buy New Mexico" initiative in 2019; it created a 9% increase in New Mexico businesses that registered with the state for notification of contract awards, according to the press release.