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Leger Fernández Votes for Investments to Protect Families, Students, Workers & Environment, Passes Amendment in Build Back Better Act Markup

September 10, 2021

 

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement following this week’s Natural Resources and Education and Labor Committee markups for the Build Back Better Act

“Our nation’s budget is a reflection of our values and priorities. This week, my colleagues and I in the Natural Resources and Education and Labor committees drafted and passed our portions of the Build Back Better Act. We are building on the priorities we established in the American Rescue Plan. 

“The Build Back Better Act investments will help protect the future of our children, families, workers, and our beautiful planet. I’m proud that the budget will include my proposal to invest in protecting the ecologically and culturally important federal land surrounding Chaco Canyon from future fossil fuel drilling, which will pave the way for more sustainable economic development in this vital area. Further, this budget upholds the commitments we made to the American people. It makes the necessary investments in jobs and infrastructure we need to fight the climate disasters devastating every corner of our nation. It also makes historic investments in the infrastructure of Native communities, including housing, public safety, health care, housing, broadband, and economic development. 

“In the Education and Labor committee, my Democratic colleagues and I secured the single largest investment in family child care in our nation’s history as well as universal pre-K.  When our children are cared for, more women can return to the workforce or to school. We are investing in the repair and construction of dilapidated schools, and modernizing others. We also included investments for our Tribal Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The bill will help prevent child hunger, expand child nutrition programs, and help workers secure good-paying jobs through job training programs. New Mexicans know that our creative workers are vital to the U.S. economy. That’s why I secured an amendment to ensure that the bill’s workforce development grants are accessible to our artists and creators.

“This budget sets a strong foundation for our families and workers. I look forward to passing this transformative bill through the House to empower every community across the country. These are the investments they need to thrive - they deserve nothing less.” 

House Committee on Education & Labor Build Back Better Act Fact Sheet HERE.

House Natural Resources Committee bill language HERE

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