New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez

SENATE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE – Today, Gov. Susana Martinez signed two bills to encourage business development by expanding broadband access to underserved communities across New Mexico.

House Bill 60 by Rep. Carl Trujillo and Sen. Jacob Candelaria will spur broadband development across the state and significantly reduce the costs of new broadband network construction through partnerships between local governments and broadband providers.

“This legislation will have an immense impact towards the goal of ensuring every New Mexican family and business has access to high-speed internet no matter their zip code,” Candelaria said. “Now local governments will be able to work hand in hand with broadband providers to ensure communities have the connectivity they need to attract new businesses and spur economic development.”

House Bill 113 by Rep. Jim Smith and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto will create a statewide broadband network and make it more attractive for providers to invest in broadband infrastructure by combining demand for internet access among public and education institutions.

“Access to broadband is vital to the success of New Mexico businesses and to the growth of every industry across the state,” Sen. Ivey-Soto said. “New Mexico will soon see the increased speeds and expanded access that other states across the region who have adopted this model have seen.”

“Investing in our state’s broadband infrastructure is an important step toward ensuring our state’s economic recovery,” Rep. Smith said. “Taking these simple steps will help attract investment to underserved communities.”

Expanding access to high-speed internet has been a priority for Senate Democrats this session.