Sandia National Laboratories Donates Advanced Manufacturing Machines to Las Positas College

Local employers and organizations in the tri-state area are recognizing the important role that immigrants play in the workforce and economy. In 2022, foreign-born people accounted for a record-high 18.1% of the U.S. civilian labor force. In Iowa, 6.7% of workers are immigrants, along with 6.4% in Wisconsin and 17.7% in Illinois [06be5fd0].

With ongoing labor shortages, immigration is seen as a key solution to fill gaps in the workforce. However, barriers such as language differences and lack of community connections can pose obstacles for non-native individuals seeking employment. Organizations like the Lantern Center are working to find solutions and provide education and support for immigrants. Local economic experts suggest that reforming federal immigration laws, expanding work visas, and providing longer-term employment opportunities in high-demand areas could help address the labor shortage [06be5fd0].

Local businesses and economic experts recognize the vital role that immigrant workers play in industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. However, immigrants often face challenges in utilizing their skills and certifications in their new country. Efforts are being made to provide resources, connections, and support to help immigrants succeed in their professional fields. Language barriers are not always the main obstacle, as immigrants often rely on family members or receive assistance from organizations and employers. The major hurdle for immigrants is navigating the regulations and processes related to employment [06be5fd0].

Immigrant workers in Santa Fe, New Mexico make significant economic contributions to the local and state economy. A study by the American Immigration Council found that immigrants make up 11.1% of Santa Fe County's population, but represent 15.2% of the working-age population and 15% of the employed labor force. Immigrants also generated $35.6 million in business income and paid over $122 million in taxes in 2019 [1c43ec87]. However, many public programs, including internships and workforce development programs, are off-limits to undocumented immigrants. The City of Santa Fe is working with Somos Un Pueblo Unido to create a strategic plan to provide more economic and workforce development opportunities for immigrant workers. Immigrant workers in the oil and gas industry also face poor working conditions and lack of safety oversight. They are calling for more safety training, benefits, and investment in alternative industries to reduce dependence on oil and gas [1c43ec87].

Los Alamos National Laboratory, located in New Mexico, has made a significant economic impact on the state. According to the laboratory's annual Economic Impact Report for fiscal year 2023, the laboratory spent $930 million with New Mexico businesses and paid $1.8 billion in employee salaries. The laboratory employed a record number of employees in 2023, with 15,932 regular employees and 1,133 contractors. The employee salaries were distributed across various counties, including $758 million in Los Alamos, $461 million in Santa Fe, $201 million in Rio Arriba, $105 million in Bernalillo, $73 million in Sandoval, $24 million in Taos, and $31 million in other counties. The laboratory also spent $931 million with New Mexico businesses, with $616 million going to small businesses. The laboratory supports business growth through mentorship and technology sharing, conducting 206 projects with 212 New Mexico small businesses in FY23 [3e7568df].

Fermilab, a research laboratory located in Illinois and South Dakota, has also been found to have a positive economic impact on local economies. A study conducted by Fermilab shows that its operations contributed $1.6 billion in economic output and supported 7,242 jobs in Illinois and South Dakota in fiscal year 2022. The laboratory's investments in scientific research and operations added nearly $1.3 billion to Illinois' economic output and increased total household income by $529 million. Fermilab also attracted over 5,600 visiting professionals to its sites in Illinois and South Dakota. The flagship projects LBNF/DUNE and the Proton Improvement Plan-II are expected to generate significant economic output and job creation upon completion [94794b30].

A company based in Illinois, Fermilab, has a multi-million dollar impact on South Dakota's economy through its deep underground neutrino detector located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead. The work done on the neutrino experiment in 2022 generated over $270 million in economic impact, created or sustained over 1,500 jobs, and raised the total household income in South Dakota by more than $98 million. The project involved moving 800,000 tons of rock from a mile underground to the surface and disposing of it in the open cut. The impact is expected to continue to grow, with an estimated economic impact of about $4.3 billion and sustaining around 2,750 jobs per year through fiscal year 2030 [c7515100].

Sandia National Laboratories, another research institution, has contributed $140 billion to the U.S. economy since 2000 through tech innovations. The economic impact includes $72.2 billion from new product sales, $22.52 billion of those sales to the government, the creation of 607,246 jobs, and $14.1 billion in new tax revenue. Sandia's partnerships through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and patent license agreements (PLAs) have been instrumental in bringing new technologies to market. The lab has introduced programs like the DOE Boost Platform and the C-4 Partnering Model to accelerate the commercialization of its innovations. Sandia's collaborations with Goodyear and the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) have led to advancements in tire performance, manufacturing processes, and clean energy solutions. Sandia National Laboratories celebrates 75 years of innovation and aims to continue driving technological innovation and economic development [8fdd545e].

Netflix recently expanded its studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico, generating an estimated total economic output of $3.8 billion from fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2023. However, a fiscal year 2022 Legislative Finance Committee report found that film incentives were nearly 10 times larger than the next largest economic development tax incentive. The report also shows that tax benefits through the Film Production Tax Credit could grow 171% over the next five years. New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy accounted for 1.9% of the state's gross domestic product last year. New Mexico is also in the midst of ongoing national efforts to "re-shore" chip production and other types of advanced manufacturing. Dependence on the government accounts for about 30% of the state's total revenue. New Mexico exports significantly more goods than it did a decade ago, with exports valued at $4.9 billion in 2023. Mexico was the state's largest export market, with 70% of goods exported to Mexico [f538f8c4].

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján joined U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves and White House CHIPS Coordinator Ryan Harper, along with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to highlight a $24 million investment from the CHIPS and Science Act to boost New Mexico's manufacturing economy and create more than 100 new manufacturing jobs. The investment will bolster Rocket Lab's presence in New Mexico and meet the growing demand for solar cells. Luján also secured authorization of $17.6 billion for DOE Science and Innovation, including $16.5 billion for research and development efforts in key technology focus areas. Luján then traveled to Santo Domingo Pueblo to highlight a $13 million Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Award. He also joined Deputy Secretary Graves for a roundtable event on developing the workforce training systems in New Mexico, where a $6.4 million American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant will be used to create the Northern New Mexico Workforce Integration Network (WIN) [ea9db972].

Sandia National Laboratories has donated two cutting-edge manufacturing machines to the Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation program at Las Positas College. The donation is part of an effort to adapt to new economic challenges in the United States. The machines, valued at over $220,000, will allow students to gain hands-on experience in vertical machining and precision measurement. The donation is seen as a step towards reverting back to fundamental practices in manufacturing and equipping students with the skills needed for the modern manufacturing industry. The collaboration between Sandia and Las Positas College dates back more than 20 years, and this is not their first joint effort [cc62d33b].