SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Susana Martinez wants lawmakers to focus on economic development, including expanding programs that train health care professionals.
In her State of the State speech to the Legislature yesterday, Martinez recommended increased spending on a program that repays student loans of nurses, dentists and physicians who agree to practice in medically underserved areas.
The governor said the measure will help create jobs and reduce the state's shortage of health care professionals.
Martinez called for expanding a tax credit for investment in startup companies, and allocating more than $7 million to help universities attract researchers and highly qualified professors.
The governor endorsed a proposal sponsored by a Democratic legislative leader to create a "one-stop business portal" for companies to go online for all necessary licenses issued by government agencies.