On the 61st anniversary of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham emphasized the state's dedication to supporting families amid significant cuts to the program under a Republican-backed law. The governor highlighted SNAP's role in combating hunger and poverty, stating, "For sixty-one years, the SNAP program has been one of the most effective tools we have to fight hunger and poverty."
Governor Lujan Grisham expressed concern over budget reductions approved by Congress and signed by former President Trump, which could impact New Mexico significantly. She said, "Sadly, the budget cuts approved by the Republican Congress and signed into law by President Trump threaten to devastate the program in New Mexico." She assured that efforts would be made to protect residents but acknowledged that states might struggle with such substantial financial reductions.
Approximately 458,000 New Mexicans depend on SNAP monthly. The program also contributes positively to the economy, generating up to $1.80 in economic activity for every dollar spent. However, a federal budget bill known as H.R. 1, enacted on July 4, reduced SNAP funding by about $186 billion through 2034 according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. This legislation increases state responsibility for administrative costs from 50% to 75%, translating into an additional $47 million annual burden for New Mexico taxpayers.
Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo praised SNAP's long-standing bipartisan success and its benefits in reducing hunger and poverty while improving health and educational outcomes. Armijo said, "The Health Care Authority sees the faces behind the statistics, and we will explore all of our options to help the families who need it most."
The administration led by Lujan Grisham is exploring ways to mitigate these congressional cuts' effects on SNAP. Options include potentially using state funds to address funding shortfalls.
SNAP originated as the Food Stamp Act signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 and now serves over 40 million Americans annually as a major anti-hunger initiative. While some households may experience changes due to these recent developments, SNAP remains accessible for those in need in New Mexico through YES.NM.GOV or local offices of the New Mexico Human Services Department.
Information from this article can be found here.
