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Lawmakers Want $50 Million Into State Development Fund

Lawmakers and Gov. Susana Martinez are asking that millions of dollars be added to a state fund in the hope of creating more jobs.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that the legislative Jobs Council is recommending that $50 million be earmarked for a state "closing fund" in the coming year.

That sum is more than triple the $15 million appropriated this year.

Lawmakers say closing funds in other states are much bigger and give them an edge in courting businesses and developing jobs.

Martinez has advocated for adding to the fund during her re-election campaign. She has said the fund was used to help businesses hire more workers and recruit out-of-state companies.

The fund comes from discretionary grant money made available under the Local Economic Development Act.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.

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