American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan Passes House, Could Create Over 16,000 Jobs in New Mexico

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ben Ray Luján voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that will invest millions of dollars in New Mexico and could create or save over 16,000 jobs in the state. The $825 billion plan would invest in communities throughout the state, providing funds for schools, infrastructure projects, and other projects that will immediately assist New Mexico's families. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan passed the House 244-188.

"The people of New Mexico need relief in these difficult economic times," said Luján. "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will help communities and families throughout New Mexico who need help the most. The recovery plan focuses on job creation through infrastructure projects, renewable energy development, school modernization and other important projects that will help many communities and put people back to work. I look forward to maintaining an open dialogue with local leaders as the recovery plan moves forward and begins to impact the people of New Mexico."

Last week, Rep. Luján sent a letter to Congressional leadership outlining priorities for the 3rd Congressional District in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. The district priorities included infrastructure investments, rural development, renewable energy projects, and preserving critical state services. Rep. Luján developed the letter after meeting with constituents and local leaders. In recent weeks, Rep. Luján has sought to gain input from a diverse group of local leaders, experts, and constituents. Rep. Luján held separate conference calls with local leaders, renewable energy advocates and experts, and education professionals-listening to their priorities for an economic recovery package.

"It is important we all work together to maximize the impact of this recovery package," said Luján. "As we implement this plan, I will continue to work with local leaders and officials to create jobs in New Mexico and get our economy back on track."

New Mexico stands to benefit greatly from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

Renewable Energy and Green Jobs

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan makes a commitment to renewable energy development and the creation of green jobs. Rep. Luján's experience with renewable energy development and legislation includes efforts with the governor and the state legislature to implement energy efficiency standards, net-metering rules, and an innovative Renewable Portfolio Standard. As the Chairman of the Public Regulation Commission, Rep. Luján worked to create a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring utility companies to draw 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will more than double our renewable energy production and improve energy efficiency in buildings across the country," said Luján, who is a member of the Committee on Science and Technology, which will work on research and development issues regarding new renewable energy technology. "The plan will create more than 500,000 green energy jobs and help grow a clean energy economy. With a focus on creating a smart grid, encouraging renewable energy development through extended production tax credits, and modernizing homes and offices through weatherization and energy efficiency-the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will make a commitment to a new green energy economy and change the way our country generates energy."

Education Improvements

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan would put an estimated $329 million into New Mexico's K-12 schools, $281 million into highway and bridge projects, and $28.5 million into the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will invest quickly into the economy to get it moving again-75% of the package will payout in the first 18 months. "The recovery package includes important components that will help modernize schools, rebuild our infrastructure and create new jobs in New Mexico," said Luján. "We must make sure that our students have the ability to get a good education for the jobs of the future, and the recovery package will help us achieve this goal."

Job Creation and Tax Cuts for Workers

The American Recovery and Reinvestment plan will create jobs across sectors in communities throughout the country, including New Mexico. A report created by Mark Zandi, a former advisor to Republican Senator John McCain, estimated that the recovery plan will create or save over 16,000 jobs in New Mexico.

Nationally, the recovery plan could create and save 3 to 4 million jobs--helping rebuild America, making us more globally competitive and energy independent, and transforming our economy for long-term growth.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment plan has significant middle class tax cuts including the Making Work Pay Credit, which provides a tax credit of $500 per worker for single workers earning up to $100,000 and $1000 for married couples earning up to $200,000. There are an estimated 684,000 workers eligible for the credit in New Mexico.

Accountability and Transparency

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will include a historic level of accountability and transparency. Investments funded, total costs, and program managers will all be posted publicly on a website created by President Obama, the Government Accountability Office, Inspectors General, and a new Accountability and Transparency Board will review all funding decisions, striving to prevent waste and fraud.

Go back