Economic development is absolutely vital to New Mexico. We are well behind our neighbors on all sides and we are non-competitive nationally as a business and industry development location. But this long sought-after "holy grail" of New Mexico political leaders, known as "economic development" simply will not occur without two reforms which must come first.

First of all, we will not attract industry, entrepreneurs, or business investment as long as our education system is not producing a qualified workforce and not providing encouragement for families who want to move here and bring their children.

Second, until our tax system is replaced, business and industry will go elsewhere. The tax reforms referred to in my position on taxes must take place prior to economic development becoming a reality.