Baja Seeks More Federal Aid

As the LXVI Mexican Congress begins, experts urge federal lawmakers to secure more resources for Baja California. Key issues include resource allocation, environmental challenges, and judicial reforms.

### Federal Lawmakers Urged to Secure More Resources for Baja California, Experts Say

As the LXVI legislature of the Mexican Congress commences on September 1, experts are calling on federal lawmakers to implement stronger strategies for securing resources for Baja California. This body, consisting of 128 senators and 500 deputies, will have responsibilities including approving, reforming, and suspending existing laws, as well as creating new ones.

The incoming deputies representing Baja California include Alma Laura Ruiz López, Nancy Sánchez Arredondo, Claudia Moreno, Rocío López Gorosave, Evangelina Moreno, Gilberto Herrera, Armando Fernández Samaniego, and Araceli Brown Figueredo, all from the Morena party. Fausto Gallardo from the Green Party (PVEM) also joins them. Senators Julieta Ramírez Padilla and Armando Ayala Robles from Morena, and Gustavo Sánchez Vásquez from the coalition Fuerza y Corazón por México will also represent the state in the Senate.

One of their initial tasks will be to vote on the “Plan C” reforms proposed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Experts from judicial, migration, commercial, and civil association sectors identified several unresolved issues left by the previous legislature that need addressing:

– **Resource Allocation**: José María García Lara, founder of the shelter Juventud 2000, highlights the urgent need for federal resources to support migrant aid.
– **Water and Environmental Issues**: Hassan Martín Franco Ruiz, president of Fedabo, points out the need to address water sources and beach contamination in the Tijuana region.
– **Judicial Reforms**: The Plan C proposals, which include significant reforms to the judicial branch and the National Guard’s integration into the Armed Forces, will be a major point of debate.

The Morena party, along with its allies the Green Party and Labor Party, hold a significant majority in both chambers, easing the passage of constitutional reforms.

The expectations from various sectors, including the business community led by Julian Palombo Saucedo of Canaco, call for the institutionalization of an 8% VAT reduction at the border and a decree on the importation of goods from third countries. They also demand increased federal funding for new road construction and solving mobility issues at the border.

Furthermore, experts stress the importance of proper legislative support for migrant welfare and legal adjustments to reduce the costs of regularizing the status of foreign migrants.

### Secondary Article: Political Uncertainty Around Judicial Reform Affects Investments in the Region

Political uncertainty in Mexico, revolving around proposed judicial reforms, has begun to impact investments in the Baja California region. The business community is particularly concerned about the potential instability and economic repercussions these changes might bring.

Recent discussions highlight the importance of a stable judicial system to attract and maintain foreign investment, especially in border areas like Baja California. The region already grapples with environmental challenges and infrastructure deficits, which are compounded by the evolving political landscape.

Additionally, local governance issues, such as unaddressed water contamination and the demand for enhanced migrant support, further stress the need for stable legislative processes. Stakeholders urge new lawmakers to prioritize these reforms thoughtfully, ensuring that economic progress is not hindered by political shifts.

As the new legislature begins its session, the focus will be on how effectively it can balance reform initiatives with maintaining investment confidence and addressing critical local issues.