New Mexico lawmakers begin special session to address federal funding cuts
The New Mexico state legislature has convened a special session called by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to address significant federal funding cuts stemming from recent legislation favored by former President Donald trump. The session aims to tackle critical issues such as reductions in funding for food assistance programs (including SNAP), public broadcasting, and the state’s health insurance program, BeWell New Mexico. The governor emphasized the urgency of protecting vulnerable residents amid these budget shortfalls,which could reduce state revenues by up to $305 million in fiscal year 2027 and threaten the closure of rural hospitals. Lawmakers plan to allocate an additional $180 million in state funds to mitigate these impacts. Efforts include expanding health insurance eligibility and maintaining SNAP benefits,as New Mexico has one of the highest percentages of SNAP recipients nationwide.The state is also investing $6 million to support public and tribal broadcasting services. New Mexico leadership stressed their readiness to confront these challenges through prudent budgeting and strong leadership.
New Mexico lawmakers begin special session to address federal funding cuts
Lawmakers in New Mexico reconvened at the state legislature on Wednesday for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D-NM) special session to address federal funding cuts.
The governor said the session will aim to mitigate the most pressing federal funding problems affecting the state after the passage of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” The session will focus on several items, including funding for food assistance programs, public broadcasting, SNAP food assistance, and expanding the state’s health insurance program.
“We’re not going to stand by while Washington abandons New Mexico families,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “This special session is about protecting the people who need help most.”
Funding cuts under the law are expected to reduce state revenues by up to $305 million in fiscal 2027. The state also estimated that eight rural hospitals were at risk of closure under the law.
The lawmakers plan to propose $180 million in additional state funding, and New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez confirmed that the state is prepared to foot the bill.
“New Mexico is ready for this fight. That’s because of years of smart budgeting and thoughtful policy making and because we’ve got the right leadership for the moment,” Martinez said.
The state will increase money to expand its health insurance program, as health insurance premiums are expected to surge in January due to federal policy changes. Democratic leaders have proposed spending $17 million in the state’s health insurance program, BeWell New Mexico, and expanding eligibility requirements before federal tax credits expire next year.
“Republicans in D.C. intentionally let affordable tax credits expire. These are tax credits which brought health insurance into reach for working families, often for the first time,” said House Majority Floor Leader Reena Sczepanski.
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New Mexico will also spend $32 million to maintain SNAP benefits and food banks. New Mexico consistently ranks as one of the states with the highest percentage of its residents using SNAP benefits. As of November 2022, 24.3% of the state’s residents were enrolled in SNAP benefits.
The state will also spend $6 million for public broadcasting, including funds specifically for tribal stations.
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