WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) applauded a $1.5 million grant to the New Mexico Economic Development Department to help develop a statewide coronavirus economic recovery plan. The funds are awarded from the U.S. Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) Recovery Assistance grant program that the New Mexico delegation fought to establish in the CARES Act that Congress passed in March.
“In addition to the lives tragically lost, the coronavirus pandemic has led to sustained economic pain for New Mexico families,” said Udall, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “New Mexico has done all it can to stop the spread so that our economy, schools, and social life can return safely, but the lack of a coordinated federal strategy from the Trump administration has hampered progress. That’s why I fought alongside Senate Democrats to provide funding for a national testing and contact tracing strategy, as well as robust small business and unemployment assistance and critical funding for state and local governments. This CARES Act funding will help New Mexico chart an economic path forward, and I am continuing to work hard every day in Washington to extend assistance to state and local governments across the country that are providing essential services during the pandemic. I will keep fighting to make sure that the funding announced today continues to support New Mexico where we need it most.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic challenges across New Mexico. While many state and local efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus have proven effective, addressing the economic impacts of the pandemic will take a coordinated and comprehensive strategy,” said Heinrich. “That is why I was proud to support a provision in the CARES Act that included funding for the Economic Development Administration so that they could work with states on long-term recovery plans. This funding announcement is a testament to the ongoing work of the New Mexico delegation and our state and local leaders, who together, will redevelop and recover an economy that works for all New Mexicans.”
“The CARES Act extended a critical lifeline to New Mexico families and businesses at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am glad that these funds will continue contributing to our economic recovery,” said Luján. “A full recovery depends on additional federal action, and that’s why I’m proud House Democrats have introduced an updated Heroes Act to improve health care, support families and businesses, and keep local, state, and Tribal governments from being forced into bankruptcy.”
“New Mexicans are hardworking and resilient, but the Trump Administration’s failed pandemic response continues to victimize our economy,” said Haaland. “I know the stress of living paycheck-to-paycheck and understand the struggles many families are facing during this uncertain time. So as a delegation we worked to include funding in the CARES Act to provide relief in the midst of unimaginable hardship. Now support for the New Mexico Economic Development Department is on the way to help communities across the state with the economic challenges we face in light of this pandemic.”
“As our nation continues to confront the COVID-19 public health pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis, I commend Congress and the Administration’s efforts to deliver a lifeline to our communities through the CARES Act. I’m pleased to see this funding support the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s statewide economic recovery plan. It’s critical we continue negotiations to pass another bipartisan relief package that delivers the state, tribal, and local assistance New Mexicans need to recover,” said Torres Small.
