Idaho
Co-Chair
New Mexico
Co-Chair
CSG West is excited to spotlight Idaho Representative Marco Erickson and New Mexico Representative Kristina Ortez, co-chairs of the newly launched CSG West Education & Workforce Development Committee. In this Q&A, they share insights on the education and workforce policies they’re most passionate about, innovative efforts in their home states, and a few fun facts you might not know about them.
What education or workforce issues are currently top of mind for you?
Rep. Marco Erickson: Top of mind for me in education is addressing deferred maintenance in older school buildings and modernizing our approach to meet the needs of today’s students. On the workforce side, I’m concerned about livable wages and ensuring we have enough skilled workers to replace the retiring generation and meet industry demand.
Rep. Kristina Ortez: I’m focused on expanding access to opportunities for rural and underserved students, from early childhood through career. My priorities include strengthening dual credit programs, expanding apprenticeships and behavioral health workforce pipelines, and addressing barriers such as broadband and transportation.
The theme of our 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting is “Innovating at New Heights.” What’s something you find innovative about your state – whether related to legislative work or something else entirely?
Rep. Marco Erickson: Idaho is highly innovative in our nuclear technology at the Idaho National Laboratory. Legislatively, we are innovative through our Idaho Launch program, which gives scholarships to graduating seniors to pursue in-demand careers in Idaho.
Rep. Kristina Ortez: New Mexico excels at blending tradition with forward-thinking sustainability. From acequia stewardship to land-based education and community-centered workforce development, innovation here often means honoring cultural heritage while building for a resilient future.
Could you share something light or fun about yourself that’s unrelated to legislative work?
Rep. Marco Erickson:
People may not know that I love to write and perform country music. When I’m at a concert, I try to be backstage as much as possible—or in the front row close to the performers. I also have a talent for doing impressions of cartoon characters—Donald Duck is the most popular. I think I’d make a great voice actor. And I love watching live NASCAR races.
Rep. Kristina Ortez:
I spent time as a whitewater raft guide before working in land conservation and on housing equity. I still geek out over irrigation ditches and compost!
Thank you to Representatives Erickson and Ortez for sharing their perspectives. We invite you to join all of CSG West’s committee co-chairs for thoughtful, policy-driven conversations on key regional issues at the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming.