Deb Haaland, a candidate for New Mexico governor, met with a small business owner at Picacho Coffee Roasters in Las Cruces to discuss the challenges that local businesses are facing due to rising costs. The meeting focused on her plans to support entrepreneurs and address affordability issues for residents of New Mexico.
Haaland expressed concern about the uncertainty small businesses face, which she attributed in part to cuts made by the Trump administration to programs relied upon by New Mexicans. She stated, “Small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico’s economy. I ran a small salsa company myself and worked retail. I know the challenges that come with it, made even worse by Trump’s tax giveaways for the wealthy. As Governor, I will work to make up for federal cuts to small business support, cut red tape to streamline processes, and ensure they have the support needed to thrive in New Mexico.”
Earlier this year, Haaland introduced her economic agenda aimed at supporting local businesses and expanding economic opportunities within the state. Her record includes helping pass emergency funding for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting Small Business Administration programs for Hispanic-owned enterprises while serving in Congress. As Secretary of the Interior, she also worked on initiatives benefiting small businesses in outdoor recreation and infrastructure projects. Through her leadership at the Office of Strategic Partnership, Haaland brought together public and private sector leaders to encourage investment.
The visit was part of Haaland’s Lift Up New Mexico Tour, which has included stops in several rural communities such as Shiprock, Cuba, Portales, Hobbs, Clovis, Grants, Reserve, Lordsburg. Upcoming visits are planned for Alamogordo T-Or-C, Roy, and Mora. This follows an earlier 19-stop tour where she met with thousands of residents across their hometowns.
