On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Commission (JEC), and the JEC Democrats released a report calling for the full funding of the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) as a way to invest in jobs and the economy in that region.
According to the report, infrastructure development will increase regional job opportunities and provide the potential for local business growth and greater regional prosperity. The Commission said investments would increase opportunities in the trade and clean energy sectors, as well as other new industries.
“The southwest border region is home to vibrant and resilient communities. With investment, it can also deliver new and growing businesses, more jobs, and increased local prosperity. We have the opportunity to provide the tools and resources that will allow for this growth and benefit the families and communities who live there,” Heinrich said. “By fully funding the Southwest Border Regional Commission, we can better establish this region as a hub of economic progress. An active SBRC will help increase local access to trade-related jobs, enhance industry diversity, and build up workforce development programs that will benefit our communities in the border region, as well as our nation as a whole.”
Officials said the SBRC is up for reauthorization this year and the JEC report makes clear that funding the commission would support economic development goals. The report pointed to the successes of other regional commissions to support its argument. To date, the SBRC has been funded at lower levels than similar regional commissions, especially when compared on a per-person basis. Large scale public investment is key to the SBRC helping the region succeed, the report said.