Dear Friends,

Here’s a small taste of what I have been up to both in D.C. and our beautiful state.

Introducing my Bipartisan Creative Workforce Investment Act 

We know the importance of the creative economy in New Mexico, where one in ten paychecks is tied to the arts. Nationally, we often overlook this economic engine and don’t invest publicly in this dynamic industry. I introduced my bipartisan Creative Workforce Investment Act to fix that.

The Creative Workforce Investment Act would establish a new $300 million grant program for artists and creative workers to create publicly accessible works such as murals, films, theatrical productions, and storytelling initiatives, among others. This program will employ local artists in communities across the nation and create works that their communities can enjoy for generations.

The arts not only unite communities and elevate voices, they create good-paying jobs and grow our economy. Let’s supercharge the creative economy in New Mexico and across the country!

One Year Since the Chimayo Post Office Disaster

Just over a year ago on February 14, 2023, a devastating fire destroyed the Chimayo Post Office. Since then, the community has been left without a permanent post office as the United States Postal Service has failed to re-establish this critical infrastructure for the Chimayo community. Meanwhile, the residents of Chimayo must pick up packages in Santa Cruz.

Chimayo and the community are missing a vital hub for connection and communication. I wrote a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy demanding a plan of action for a new post office. We need answers now. I will not stop fighting for Chimayo.

Growing Our Economy and the Middle Class

Last month, the U.S. created 353,000 jobs. This amounts to the 36th consecutive month of job growth and over 14 million jobs created since President Biden took office.

In New Mexico, unemployment has been below 4% for two years. There’s still work to do to ease pandemic-related inflation, but we’re on the right path.

House Democrats and President Biden are growing our economy from the ground up so everyone in New Mexico can prosper, have hope, and a future.

The CHIPS and Science Act which we passed to spur manufacturing and science investments in America is showing great results. In New Mexico, Intel has invested $3.5 billion in its cutting-edge Fab 9 semiconductor package factory. When I went to the ribbon cutting, there were employees from Taos, Farmington, and up and down I-25. New Mexico is getting another $2.5 billion of investments in diverse projects from wind manufacturing plants to other renewable energy projects — some right near you. Thanks to this law, New Mexico can grow its enchanted innovation economy. These are high-paying jobs — and you don’t need to be an engineer to get them. Check out your local community college to find out more about these tech jobs.

Honoring New Mexico’s Downwinders

The movie Oppenheimer reminded the world that the Atomic Age began in New Mexico. The Trinity test’s radioactive ash showered nearby communities, communities whom the government failed to warn or evacuate before the explosion, leaving them with cancers and other diseases. On the House Floor, I honored our downwinder communities for the National Day of Remembrance.

Despite their plight, New Mexican downwinders remain excluded from RECA compensation. My bipartisan bill, H.R. 4426, seeks to rectify this injustice by expanding compensation eligibility. Let us remember and support both the deceased and suffering downwinders and miners by passing the RECA Amendments Act, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

Addressing the Homelessness Epidemic

New Mexico has 20,000 people struggling with homelessness – almost half of those are children with unstable housing. I am proud to announce $16.5 million for 28 programs to combat homelessness holistically across New Mexico — a step toward eliminating homelessness.

This funding will give unhoused New Mexicans a chance for autonomy and stability. 

Fighting Against the Criminalization of Pregnant Women’s Health Care

In the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen a disturbing escalation in pregnant women targeted when they suffer from miscarriages or other sad pregnancy-related difficulties. We all watched with horror as prosecutors in Ohio brought charges against Brittany Watts for miscarrying at home.

That’s why I joined my colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus to urge the Biden Administration to provide support to women who experience criminalization and discrimination because of their pregnancy. No woman should face prosecution when seeking medical care for a miscarriage or stillbirth. 

Click here to watch KOAT’s coverage of this critical issue facing pregnant women.

Working in the District

Funding Safety Technology for Curry County

We want our police officers to be safe and we want our community to know that they can trust our officers to do everything in their power to keep them safe. That’s why I was proud to present a $266,736 check to the Curry County Sheriff's Department. These funds will help the Department purchase a training simulator that will allow officers to practice their response in different environments from routine traffic stops gone wrong to crisis interventions. I selected this project to receive Community Project Funding because we know how important it is for our officers to feel ready when they face a dangerous situation.

Celebrating the Greyhound Sound

Last month, the Greyhound Sound from Eastern New Mexico University won Metallica’s national marching band competition. Their performance not only brought national recognition to New Mexico’s musical talent but also $40,000 to their school for new musical equipment. I joined the impressive Greyhound Sound to present them with a Congressional Record that will forever memorialize this achievement. Go Greyhounds!

Click here to watch the Greyhound Sound’s award-winning performance.

Keeping our Service Members and their Families Healthy

While in Clovis, I had the opportunity to tour Cannon Air Force Base and speak with the base’s leadership as well as military families. Studies found that “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, contaminate areas in and around Cannon Air Force Base. These chemicals can be toxic to both humans and animals. I pushed base leadership to work faster to resolve the base’s PFAS contamination issues. Next, I spoke with service members and their families about health care access, housing, and water quality issues. I love representing our servicemen and women. I’ll keep working to upgrade their quality of life.

Volunteering to Feed New Mexico

I also spent some time with Kitchen Angels Santa Fe delivering meals and talking about the amazing work they do to keep our community fed throughout the year.

We're grateful for their work today and every day!

Important Updates for New Mexicans

Now Hiring! Albuquerque Regional VA Office

Do YOU want to help our local veterans?

The Albuquerque Regional VA Office has new claim processing jobs open for Rating Veterans Service Representatives and Veterans Service Representatives.

Apply here and here for the open positions. Applications close on March 6.

Apply for the New Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The updated Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is helping thousands of teachers, non-profit employees, and other public servants eliminate their student loans — saving New Mexicans $238,500,000.

Now, it’s easier than ever to apply for it online. Apply here today!

Upcoming Veterans Property Tax Exemption/Waiver Service Days

In March, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services is hosting veterans property tax exemption & waiver service days in the following communities:

• Los Alamos: March 16 from 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post 90, 1325 Trinity Dr.
• Raton: March 21 from 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. at the Colfax County Assessor's Office, 230 North 3rd St.
• Roswell:  March 28 from 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. at the New Mexico National Guard Armory, 1 West Earl Cummings Rd.

#TeamTLF Corner

I hope you all had a happy Valentine's Day! #TeamTLF delivered Valentines for Veterans in New Mexico so our veterans know how much we appreciate their service. We also displayed the valentines in our offices to make sure veterans feel our love and appreciation.

Earlier this month, the team recognized Wear Red Day since heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Mexico – accounting for over 17.7% of all deaths in 2020. This American Heart Month, #TeamTLF renews our commitment to the millions of Americans affected by this awful disease.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @RepTeresaLF!