New Mexico Gov Calls Special Session to Address Federal Funding Cuts
TL/DR –
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced a special session of the state legislature to counteract the effects of federal funding cuts resulting from budget reconciliation bill H.R.1. The session will focus on protecting services such as health care and food assistance for those New Mexicans affected by the cuts. It will also discuss the expansion of the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, adjustments to health insurance eligibility requirements, vaccine standards, how to respond to federal budget cuts, and confirming regents to the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents, among other topics.
New Mexico Special Legislative Session Called to Address Federal Funding Cuts
Today, New Mexico’s Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has issued a proclamation for a special session of the state legislature on October 1. This urgent call is in response to the severe challenges posed by federal funding cuts as a result of the Trump administration’s budget reconciliation bill, H.R.1, and associated federal actions.
These cuts have caused unprecedented hardships for New Mexicans due to significant reductions in federal support for crucial programs such as Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and public broadcasting services. The H.R.1 bill, enacted on July 4, reduces taxes for the wealthy and slashes discretionary spendings till 2034, leaving New Mexico families and communities in a crisis.
Lujan Grisham has affirmed the state’s commitment to defend its residents, emphasizing that the special session aims to safeguard those who require aid the most. Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo, Health Care Authority, also reiterated their dedication to maintain a robust safety net in the face of these reductions.
The special session will focus solely on the following key issues:
- Expanding Rural Health Care Delivery Fund for health care services in areas with high needs.
- Adjusting eligibility for the New Mexico health insurance exchange.
- Setting vaccine standards based on the New Mexico Department of Health’s recommendations.
- Allocating funds to counter recent federal budget cuts.
- Confirming regents for the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents.
- Amending competency laws to empower metropolitan courts to establish competency.
- Allocating funds for legal proceedings related to behavioral health.
- Transferring funds into the Appropriation Contingency Fund for emergency response.
- Allocating funds to supplement the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s budget.
- Preparing for the implementation of any interstate medical licensing compact.
- Allocating funds for the expenses of the Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Special Session, 2025.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth and House Speaker Javier Martínez have expressed their support for the special session, highlighting the immediate need to address the challenges faced by New Mexican families due to Washington’s budget cuts. The legislative session will convene at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe on October 1.
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