Deb Haaland, a candidate for New Mexico governor, held a press conference in Española to address the impact of President Trump's "Big Billionaire Bill" on rural healthcare centers in New Mexico. Haaland expressed concern over potential Medicaid coverage loss for more than 88,000 residents and outlined her plan to protect these services.
“There’s a crisis on the horizon – many rural hospitals across the state are at risk of closing,” said Haaland. She emphasized her personal connection to rural communities and vowed to oppose the bill's effects on healthcare and the economy.
The proposed legislation could remove Medicaid coverage from thousands of New Mexicans and increase premiums. Nearly 40% of the state's population relies on Medicaid, making it a critical issue for local hospitals that depend on these payments. The resulting budget gaps may affect funding for other essential services like job creation and education.
“Let’s be clear: this bill isn’t just bad for New Mexicans on the margins, it will mean all of us have to pay more for our healthcare—all so out-of-state billionaires could get an even bigger tax cut,” Haaland stated. She pledged to use state resources to lower costs and improve lives.
Haaland's plan includes utilizing New Mexico's budget surplus to prevent healthcare coverage loss by enhancing appropriations to the Health Care Affordability Fund. She also proposed hiring additional guides for insurance enrollment assistance through BeWell NM.
“If DC politicians won’t invest in New Mexicans, I will,” Haaland emphasized. Her campaign has gained support from healthcare professionals, community leaders, and families across New Mexico.
