Category Archives: BIA Legislation
2013 Legislative Recap
Dear Border Industrial Association Members:
The 2013 New Mexico Legislative Session adjourned this past Saturday. The session was a very good one for our BIA membership, as we successfully achieved $3.8 million extra funds for improvements to the water/wastewater treatment system in Sunland Park/Santa Teresa.
Senator Papen elected Senate President Pro Tem
Senator Mary Kay Papen
Senator Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces was elected Senate Pro Tem of the NM Legislature by unanimous vote on Tuesday. The Pro Tem is one of the top two positions in the Senate and selects committee chairs. This is great news for the BIA, as Senator Papen has been a strong supporter of the border.
BIA Hosts Former Senator Pete Domenici to the Border
On September 21st, the BIA helped coordinate a visit by former Senator Pete Domenici to New Mexico’s border region with Mexico.
BIA Hosts Governor Susana Martinez in Santa Teresa
On September 19th, the BIA helped host Governor Susana Martinez’s visit to the Santa Teresa Intermodal Park. Governor Martinez traveled to this region to announce the location of three new companies to Santa Teresa and the expansion of one existing Santa Teresa company. These companies are expected to create about 120 new direct jobs in New Mexico’s border region.
BIA Hosts Finance Oversight Committee Hearings in Santa Teresa/Sunland Park
The BIA helped arrange and host the Finance Oversight Committee of the New Mexico Legislature, which held hearings in Santa Teresa and Sunland Park on July 24 and 25. The FOC heard testimony from various organizations including the cities of Las Cruces, Anthony, Old Mesilla, and Sunland Park, in addition to presentations by experts on the infrastructure needs of the region. BIA President Miriam Kotkowski and BIA Vice-President Jerry Pacheco presented on border developments and trade with Mexico.
