In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Deb Haaland, a candidate for governor, has criticized recent House GOP legislation that proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. The bill, which is advancing in the House, could affect tens of thousands of New Mexicans.
Haaland expressed her concerns about the potential impact on families and the state's economy. In a video message, she urged U.S. Senate members to oppose the bill when it comes up for a vote. She emphasized the importance of these programs for many New Mexican families.
“This bill represents the largest healthcare cut in our nation’s history and will have devastating effects on New Mexico," Haaland stated. "I’ve been where a lot of families in our state find themselves. I was working hard running a small business but could barely afford to feed my child. Medicaid and SNAP food assistance got us through, and the idea that these safety nets will now be unavailable to thousands of New Mexicans is wholly unacceptable.”
New Mexico leads the nation with the highest percentage of residents relying on Medicaid for healthcare coverage. The program supports 61% of children and 67% of nursing home residents in the state. The proposed legislation aims to reduce nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP over ten years. Currently, more than 836,000 residents depend on Medicaid coverage in New Mexico, while over 450,000 receive SNAP benefits.
Haaland further commented on what she sees as an unfair economic shift: “It’s a cruel redistribution of our hard-earned taxpayer money. Literally taking things away from working people here in New Mexico to give it to wealthy elites.”
This statement follows Haaland's ongoing critique of GOP policies since she began her gubernatorial campaign. Recently, she released several videos addressing these issues directly with New Mexicans.
