SANTA FE - Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela applauds the signing of the In-State Preference Bill by Governor Susana Martinez today which will assist New Mexico companies in competing for state and local government contracts. The bill will provide a five percent advantage for those businesses that are housed in the state and employ New Mexico workers. It also closes a loophole that previously allowed out-of-state companies to receive a preference reserved for New Mexico businesses when doing work with the state.

"A key theme in this administration is to help make New Mexico job creators more competitive," Secretary Barela said. "This bill is a positive step toward keeping taxpayer money in state and will lead to more jobs in New Mexico by assisting local businesses in being able expand and hire here."

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Tim Keller (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Larry Larrañaga (R-Albuquerque) and passed with unanimous bipartisan support. The Economic Development Department's Legislative Team helped with research on the economic impact analysis for the bill and collaboration on the drafting of the legislation.