Senator Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) and Representative Kelly Fajardo (R-Belen) introduced Senate Bill 262 during the 2017 legislative session to create a transparent, merit-based system for funding New Mexico’s essential public infrastructure projects. The bill won the support of a growing coalition of business, labor, and good government groups. After being amended to take a more gradual approach to reform, it passed the Senate 29-10 and the House Appropriations Committee unanimously. Unfortunately it ran out of time awaiting a vote of the full House.

Spending public infrastructure dollars wisely not only ensures that New Mexicans have access to safe roads and clean drinking water, but also creates 2,700 jobs for every $100 million spent – which is especially urgent considering that New Mexico leads the nation in unemployment. Learn more about this initiative and how you can get involved.