The New Mexico Senate recently passed a bill that will bolster Native American- and veteran-owned businesses.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is pleased with the Senate’s move.

“Keeping more state dollars right here in New Mexico supports local businesses and grows our economy,” Lujan Grisham said in a press release. “This legislation reaffirms our commitment to lifting up all New Mexico businesses, creating jobs, and boosting local economies across the state. I thank the House for their commitment to strengthening local procurement and supporting local businesses.”

The bill, named “Buy New Mexico,” will allow Native American businesses “to qualify as certified New Mexico resident businesses.”

“Support of local businesses, including tribally-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, is just one of the many initiatives Governor Lujan Grisham and the legislature are implementing to keep New Mexico’s economy growing,” Santa Clara Pueblo Governor J. Michael Chavarria said in a press release. “We thank Governor Lujan Grisham, Senator Shendo, and Representative Garcia for supporting legislation that creates equity for Native American-owned businesses in New Mexico.”

Senate Bill 39 passed in the Senate last week and passed the House on Feb. 14.

This bill is intended to expand Grisham’s Buy New Mexico initiative, which was started in 2019.

The purpose of the bill is to bring more business into New Mexico by influencing customers to purchase goods and do business locally, which would result in more jobs being created and growth throughout the local economy.

The government will increase its preference for local businesses when awarding contracts to companies.