Opinion | Fighting for workers year-round, not just on Labor Day

By Patty Lundstrom

Editor’s note: Patty Lundstrom represents House District 9 in Northwest New Mexico.

While some folks simply think of Labor Day as a long weekend marking the end of summer, the reality of this holiday is much more significant. Labor Day recognizes the historical toils of American workers – something those of us who come from mining, quarrying, or milling families, whose parents and grandparents worked long hours in dangerous conditions to build a better life and contribute to our community, know all too well.

But this day of rest is also about our workforce’s important role in building the success and prosperity of the United States.

As state representative for Northwest New Mexico’s House District 9, I’m deeply proud to represent a region that has and continues to play a critical role in our state and national economies.

Since the 1800s, Gallup has been recognized for its importance along the BNSF’s transcontinental railway. For decades, our communities have worked hard to produce the energy needed to fuel homes, cars, and businesses across the nation.

As your voice in the Roundhouse, I’ve worked hard to create good jobs and strengthen opportunities in our communities. Eight years ago, we established the Energy Logistics Park, utilizing our rail line to serve the manufacturing, storage, loading and logistics industries of our region. Last session, I was proud to successfully sponsor the Trade Ports Development Act, creating “trade port districts” across New Mexico to facilitate interstate and international trade, while improving local infrastructure, strengthening our rural economies, and creating good-paying jobs.

Rest assured, these efforts to grow jobs and economic opportunity in our region will continue, because we don’t just celebrate our workers on Labor Day, we fight for them year-round.

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