Pub. 13 2016 Issue 3

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S Issue 3 • 2016 11 Michelle Lujan Grisham is serving her second term representing New Mexico’s 1st Congressio- nal District. A former small business owner, Ber- nalillo County Commissioner, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health, and Secre- tary of Aging & Long-Term Services, Rep. Lujan Grisham now serves on the three committees in the U.S. House of Representatives: Budget Com- mittee, Agriculture Committee, and Oversight & Government Reform. She was also selected by her colleagues to serve as 1 st Vice Chair of the Congres- sional Hispanic Caucus. Question: What is your background and what key experiences best prepared you to serve as a United States Congresswoman? Congresswoman Lujan Grisham: I am an advocate for people who don’t have a voice. I have been serving people and protecting vulnerable in- dividuals throughout my career – exposing fraud and abuse in nursing homes, holding officials ac - countable and fighting for people to get the care they need. Growing up with a sister who needed fulltime care and expensive health care shapedmy views of the need to reformour health care system and stand up for people’s rights. Being involved in local and state government gave me opportunities to understand how to work across the aisle and al- ways put my constituents first. Question: As your responsibilities grow in Congress, how do you stay focused on the 1st District? Congresswoman Lujan Grisham: My pri- mary duty is to serve the people who electedme to Congress, and I take pride in understanding the issues that affect New Mexicans. I spend as much time as I can in communities and neighborhoods that make up the 1st District, meeting with con- stituents, learning about their concerns and help- ing them get services and results from govern- ment agencies. We meet with veterans on a daily basis and help them get the care and benefits they deserve. I’m always looking for legislative and in- novative opportunities to solve problems in New Mexico and assist my constituents whom I am so honored to represent. Question:Howdo you see the 2016presi- dential election impacting Congress? Congresswoman LujanGrisham: I am en- couraged that millions of young Americans have taken an interest in the election, and I hope that motivates Congress to listen to those voters, many of whom are not satisfied with partisan gridlock and the role that money plays in the political sys- tem. Question: What are your 2016-17 legisla- tive goals? Congresswoman Lujan Grisham: My top priority is to ensure New Mexico takes advantage of every investment opportunity – public or pri- vate – to create jobs. I want to free up lending to small business so they have the capital to invest and expand. I will continue to pushmy legislation, called Care Corps, that provides older Americans with the care they need to age with dignity. And I am fighting for veterans so they get their benefits and receive health care on a timely basis. Question: The media often suggests that little gets done in Congress. What is your perspective on this? Congresswoman Lujan Grisham: I share the public’s frustration, but I am also hopeful we can get more done with the right leadership. I will continue to work across the aisle to address criti- cal issues that need our attention – growing our economy, investing in anti-poverty programs and strengthening our educational systemso everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Question: What can we do as a team to jump-start the New Mexico economy? What are your thoughts concerning jobs, small business development, our national labs, and an increase inminimumwage? Congresswoman Lujan Grisham: Creat- ing quality jobs inNewMexico ismy top priority. I helped pave the way for $12million in housing tax credits for a recent public-private partnership that brought Albuquerque a downtown grocery store and affordable housing. These kinds of partner - ships truly grow local jobs and opportunities for n Legislative Profile  continued on page 12 UNITED STATES CONGRESSWOMAN MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM Representing New Mexico’s First Congressional District LEGISLATIVE PROFILE Michelle Lujan Grisham is serving her second term representing New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District. Legislative Profile: United States Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham