NM business group sets policy agenda

ACI wants JTIP, LEDA expansion, infrastructure, apprenticeship tax incentive

The New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry, a statewide business advocacy organization, has announced its legislative priorities for 2019. The organization’s leadership says the plan focuses on economic growth and diversification, as well as containing costs and growing the state’s financial reserves.

ACI presented the plan Wednesday at its legislative focus luncheon, which was attended by business leaders from around the state. Among the priorities contained in the plan:

Expanding the Job Training Incentive Program from $9 million to $15 million annually, and replenishing the state’s Local Economic Development Act funding so that it totals $50 million.

Supporting new road construction in the southeast on U.S. 285 and N.M.18 for health and safety needs, and to aid the transportation requirements of the state’s extractive industries.

‘Strong involvement’ of the business community in the state’s health care insurance exchange and opposing models such as single-payer.

Opposing additional distributions from the New Mexico Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood care based on the argument that doing so requires an amendment to the state’s constitution.

Creating a tax credit that incentivizes employers to create apprenticeship programs.

Placing a cap on fines and penalties that can be imposed on organizations for environmental violations without court action.

In her remarks, ACI chairwoman Janice M. Torrez noted that the organization is celebrating its 60th birthday next year. Rob Black, ACI’s president and CEO, said that milestone is encouraging the board to think about how to expand ACI’s role as a business leadership organization while maintaining its focus on its legislative priorities. In the coming months, ACI will identify “pillars” — or areas of concentration that might include education — that will become the basis for new initiatives in the coming years. “We have to address the problems that have vexed New Mexico for decades,” said Black.