Doug Majewski Downtown Transformation BIG Chair Hartman+Majewski Design Group | Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
On January 26, Terri Cole, the president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, shared insights in the Sunday Journal about the Chamber's legislative priorities. Despite New Mexico's strong revenue from the oil and gas industry, Cole highlighted that economic growth in other sectors is slow, population growth is stagnant, and labor force participation is low compared to other states.
Cole emphasized the need for lawmakers to position New Mexico as a competitive state for businesses, workers, residents, and visitors. She stated: "Competition is a choice, and in New Mexico’s case, it will require leaders to prioritize and address a set of serious challenges that currently put our state at a competitive disadvantage."
The article also included perspectives from Leslie Hielema, the incoming president and CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, and Ernie C’deBaca, president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. The leaders focused on promoting economic growth through business-friendly policies, public safety enhancements, and health care improvements.
During the upcoming 60-day Legislative session, Cole noted that GACC will work on several key initiatives:
1. Enhancing safety in New Mexico by increasing penalties for illegal firearm possession and use. They aim to prevent violent offenders from re-entering society easily while supporting law enforcement with more resources.
2. Reducing tax burdens on businesses and families by opposing new taxes like those proposed for family/medical leave mandates. The Chamber seeks to lower the state's high gross-receipts tax rate.
3. Improving health care access by making New Mexico more attractive for medical professionals through various measures such as eliminating certain taxes on medical services.
Cole concluded with an optimistic vision for New Mexico: “New Mexico is already a beautiful place... We envision a state with increasingly safer streets, stronger schools, lower taxes and improved access to health care; such a state would be a powerhouse economically..."
