New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a special legislative session will begin on October 1 to address the effects of recent federal budget cuts. The governor’s decision follows the enactment of H.R.1, signed by President Trump on July 4, which reduces state revenues and shifts costs from the federal government to states. This change is expected to result in significant annual losses for New Mexico, especially in Medicaid and SNAP funding, raising concerns about the impact on health care and household budgets across the state.
“New Mexicans should not be forced to shoulder these heavy burdens without help from their elected officials,” Lujan Grisham said. “After discussions with legislative leaders, we’ve resolved to do everything possible to protect essential services and minimize the damage from President Trump’s disastrous bill.”
During the session, lawmakers will consider several measures. These include providing funding for the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to support stabilization grants for health care providers, making health insurance premiums more affordable—especially for those losing Medicaid coverage—and investing in food assistance programs for children, seniors, and families. Other proposals involve supporting public broadcasting and allocating resources so that the Health Care Authority can prepare for changes in Medicaid enrollment.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth commented on the urgency of legislative action: “New Mexico cannot stand by while Washington’s reckless budget cuts inflict generational harm on families and communities across the state,” he said. “A special session is essential to protect our rural healthcare providers, safeguard Medicaid coverage, and ensure that New Mexicans don’t bear the burden of federal failures.”
Speaker of the House Javier Martínez added: “New Mexico is not going to allow Trump and the radical right to take food off your table or kick your family off your healthcare plan. We have been hard at work evaluating how this federal budget will impact New Mexico and how we can best fight back. Now, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves to protect access to the services you and your families need most.”
The governor also noted ongoing discussions with legislators about addressing behavioral health challenges related to criminal justice and community safety during both this special session and an upcoming 30-day session.
This October’s meeting marks the seventh special session called under Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration.
