A Train Wreck That Only Voters Can Fix: Congress is headed for a train wreck and it’s only the American voter who can change that. But not right now. We’ve got to wait until the next election. The shutdown is a shame – and it’s not even for the right reason. While the NMBC is glad to see some elected officials take a stand, it’s a bit late, being played out for the wrong reasons, and it’s creating havoc with many peoples’ lives.

Opposition to Raising the National Debt Limit, De-funding Obamacare, Taking a Stand for America? The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) says yes, yes and YES! We did not want to be in the position of the current federal government 'shutdown.' But we applaud those elected officials in Washington, D.C. who are taking a stand against raising the national debt and de-funding a law that the majority of Americans didn't want in the first place. This new law is keeping many businesses from hiring and/or fully employing workers.

New Mexico Business Coalition’s 2013 Heroes Event

Each year, the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) honors people who go ‘beyond their job description’ in doing what is good for New Mexico. Nominations were accepted for multiple categories and this year’s winners included:

Tickets for the 2013 Heroes Luncheon are about to sell out! Please register today to ensure your spot at this great event!

The 2013 Heroes Luncheon is this Thursday, September 26, 2013, at the Albuquerque Country Club from 11:30 to 1:00 PM. The 2013 Heroes to be recognized at the Luncheon are: Senator John Arthur Smith; NM Representative Carl Trujillo; Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson; City of Albuquerque Councilor Janice Arnold-Jones; T. Greg Merrion - Merrion Oil and Gas; Jennifer, Neil and Ty Hise - CEMCO; and Larry Barker - KRQE Investigative Reporter.

When it comes to energy, we need to focus on reality and truth, not whimsical fantasies. Renewable energy can provide value to New Mexico with reasonable regulation. Attending a New Mexico Public Regulation Commission hearing on the renewable energy rules on Sept. 10, it quickly became apparent that those who ascribe to common sense regulation in this state were grossly outnumbered... Read the Op-Ed by NMBC President Carla Sonntag here.

Why Will New Mexicans See Skyrocketing Electricity Rates? As a candidate for the office of President, Barack Obama said his plan for the country would ‘necessarily cause electricity rates to skyrocket.’ See the video here. Unfortunately, this is one promise President Obama intends to keep. While he has not been successful with implementing the cap and trade program he wanted, the President is working diligently to shut down much of the cheapest electric power generation capacity in New Mexico and across the nation.

Voters Will Have the Last Say on Tax Increases: Ignoring their constituents, the Las Cruces City Council voted 6 to 1, with Councilor Miguel Silva casting the only "no" vote, to raise Las Cruces gross receipts tax rate three-eighths of 1 percent. Citing the use of the state's Hold Harmless tax provision and basically saying, 'the legislature made us do it', the tax passed on Tuesday, 9/3/13.

The New Mexico Business Coalition had another successful BASH last night in Farmington, NM. The event was featured on the front page of the Farmington Daily Times. The successful turnout of well over 100 enthusiastic business owners and community leaders was largely due to the overwhelming support of event sponsors as well as a desire by community members to improve New Mexico.

Project Labor Agreements (or Community Workforce agreements) = Mandated Union Contracts: In 2012, the Santa Fe City Council passed an ordinance that discriminated against 96% of New Mexico's construction workforce that choose not to join a labor union. The ordinance required contractors on most Santa Fe public works projects to have a 'Community Workforce Agreement' (a union contract) in place.

A Progressive Economic Agenda That Will Do ZERO Good For New Mexico: According to Dan Boyd of the Albuquerque Journal, John Wertheim announced he is running for State Treasurer and that he plans on using the State's Permanent Fund as a tool to improve New Mexico's economy, if he is elected. This type of campaign promise helps voters see which candidates have a PROGRESSIVE AGENDA, rather than a pro-business plan. The last thing New Mexico needs is a state Treasurer pushing the agenda that more government spending is the answer to our troubled economy. Mr. Wertheim would do well to attend the NMBC HEROES Luncheon and listen to Senator John Arthur Smith who has said, "The permanent fund is called 'permanent' for a reason."