SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — House and Senate Democratic leaders are proposing an economic development package to help create jobs in the state.
House Speaker W. Ken Martinez said Wednesday the legislation is a product of a bipartisan Jobs Council that was formed last year.
Among the provisions is $10 million for a "closing fund" to attract companies to the state by providing them with needed infrastructure. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has made a similar proposal in her budget recommendations to the Legislature.
Lawmakers also are proposing additional money to expand the state's tourism marketing and for a program that helps subsidize the training of workers for companies that create jobs.
New Mexico had a job growth rate of 0.2 percent during the past year ending in November — the lowest rate in the region.