What they’re saying

“New Mexico, and its workforce, would benefit from more industry-driven training and industry-driven education. Only businesses know what they need their human capital to be capable of. As a state, we have to embrace that challenge and, as a workforce, we have to answer that call.”

CELINA BUSSEY, Secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions

“Get the economic base — the part of our economy in which goods and services are funded by out-of-state money — growing again. An economic base that grows faster than the population is the only way to produce the job opportunities, the money, and the climate of optimism needed for our workforce to advance.”

MARK LAUTMAN, founder of the nonprofit think tank Community Economics Lab

"The state’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP), which reimburses employers for training costs tied to new jobs they create, is a direct investment in the skills development of working New Mexicans. One of the most important things that can be done to help the New Mexico workforce is to substantially increase and sustain funding for JTIP and similar worker-investment programs."

JASON ESPINOZA, president of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry

"As we keep working to diversify our economy, we need to continue fighting for tools that help support and grow our workforce — like our LEDA closing fund, our JTIP/Job Training Incentive Program (which is widely regarded as one of the best in the country), our new rapid workforce development fund, and other resources that support both growing businesses and career advancement opportunities for New Mexico’s talented workforce."

MATT GEISEL, Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department