The New Mexico Health Care Authority is advocating for Senate Bill 189, which aims to improve work readiness pathways for individuals receiving public assistance. The bill would extend services to an additional 15,000 residents of New Mexico.
Sponsored by Senators Liz Stefanics, Linda M. Trujillo, Carrie Hamblen, and Representative Linda Serrato, SB 189 is set for a hearing in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Room 311 of the Roundhouse.
Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo emphasized the importance of the bill: “Right now, too many families face a cliff when they try to improve their financial situation—losing essential support before they’re truly stable. SB 189 creates a ramp instead of a cliff, ensuring that families can gradually build financial independence without being penalized for taking steps forward.”
The proposed legislation seeks to remove outdated asset limits that currently restrict cash assistance program participants to $3,500 in savings. This change would help families transition off cash assistance without risking financial instability. It also broadens access to work-readiness education by allowing participants in the Education Works Program to pursue high school diplomas and vocational certificates.
Under existing regulations in the New Mexico Works Act, strict sanctions can lead to case closures and a six-month lockout period for children if parents fail to comply within 30 days. SB 189 intends to eliminate these punitive measures so children are not adversely affected by their parents' difficulties.
“This legislation is about breaking cycles of poverty, not reinforcing them,” said Sen. Liz Stefanics. “By removing unnecessary barriers and modernizing our assistance programs, we can provide families with the tools they need to succeed rather than penalizing them for struggling.”
If enacted, SB 189 will end punitive sanctions affecting children and harsh case closures; eliminate restrictive asset limits; expand educational options; and streamline assistance programs for timely applicant support.
Paige Knight from New Mexico Voices for Children stated: “Families deserve real opportunities for financial stability, which is a critical foundation for healthy child development. SB 189 removes outdated barriers so parents can save, pursue education, and build economic security without fear of losing support.”
SB 189 aims to pave the way toward self-sufficiency by ensuring public assistance programs contribute positively towards building secure futures for individuals and families.
