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.) , commended findings from a 2019 economic-impact analysis released Wednesday, which found that Sandia National Laboratories is responsible for creating 1,100 new jobs while contributing $509 million to New Mexico businesses and $96.6 million in state gross receipt tax revenue.
The Economic Impact report also found that the Sandia National Laboratories contributes $784 million to small businesses in New Mexico and “manages economic development programs that leverage the people, technologies, and facilities of the Labs to deploy technology in support of Sandia’s mission and to create jobs.”
“Sandia National Laboratories is critical to our national security, creates well-paying jobs, and drives New Mexico’s economy forward. Scientists and engineers at Sandia are pushing the envelope for global scientific discovery and innovation, and all of the lab’s employees help make that success possible. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll keep fighting to secure the resources Sandia needs to successfully carry out its national security mission, stay on the cutting edge of scientific research, and boost our economy,” said Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Energy and Water Subcommittee which oversees funding for the Department of Energy and it’s national laboratories like Sandia and Los Alamos.
“Through my role on both the Senate Energy and Armed Services Committees, I have been proud to advance legislation and policies that set the stage for future growth and sustainable futures for the labs’ vital contributions to national security, energy innovation, and prosperity,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which oversees legislation for the Department of Energy’s national security laboratories like Sandia and Los Alamos and WIPP. “As a direct result of that increased federal investment, Sandia completed an unprecedented hiring push over the last year, filling 1,900 job openings, including 1,100 newly created positions. Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories employ some of the best and brightest minds in the country and are indispensable to our national security. I remain committed to looking for ways to leverage our labs’ resources and competitive strengths to bolster the economy of our whole state.”
“The discovery happening at Sandia National Laboratories spurs the innovation and developments that keeps our national security systems strong and New Mexico’s economy growing. The state’s national labs not only provide direct economic benefits to our communities, but they offer opportunities for our neighbors and young people to build careers right here in New Mexico. Our delegation will continue to advocate for New Mexico’s national labs as important institutions the benefit our economy and state,” said Luján.
“Sandia National Labs is home to innovation and good paying jobs, and this economic impact report is a testament to thoughtful and important efforts to bring prosperity to our state. With more than 3.5 billion dollars spent in New Mexico, it is good to know that Sandia is working hard to be a good neighbor by keeping contracts local and diverse by reaching out to small businesses in our communities and increasing access to life-changing opportunities throughout our state. By creating more than 1,100 new jobs, Sandia is growing our economy, and its employees are making a positive impact on New Mexico. As I continue my work in Congress, I’ll be advocating for Sandia National Labs, so that we can bolster their impact and bring more opportunities for all New Mexicans,” said Haaland.
“Sandia National Laboratories is at the forefront of scientific innovation, development, and research critical to our country’s national security. In New Mexico, Sandia has created jobs across the state, not just in Albuquerque. It’s also opened additional opportunities for small businesses who continue to play an important role in the laboratory’s success. I will continue to make sure Sandia National Laboratory has the resources it needs for continued growth,” said Torres Small.
