The New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus has announced the formation of a legislative task force to address healthcare access issues in the state. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 29, from 1-4 pm and will include testimony from New Mexico Health Secretary Gina M. DeBlassie, medical providers, hospital representatives, and patients.
This initiative responds to public concerns about the declining quality of healthcare access in New Mexico. According to the caucus, despite requests from Republican legislators, Democrats have not engaged in discussions on this matter during interim legislative committee meetings.
The event will be held at the Sandoval County Commission Meeting Room and can be attended in person or viewed via livestream on the New Mexico Senate Republicans' YouTube Channel. The task force will feature several Republican senators: Pat Woods, Craig Brandt, Nicole Tobiassen, Ant Thornton, and Jay Block.
Senator Craig Brandt will chair the meeting with contributions from legal experts like Jeff Croasdell of Rodey Law Firm and Terri Cole from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Perspectives will also be shared by patients such as Pat Jilek from Rio Rancho and Kathe Stark from Patients Primero in Las Cruces.
Medical practitioners including Dr. Deborah Vigil and Dr. Barbara McAneny are expected to provide insights along with hospital representatives like Julia Ruetten from NM Hospital Association. Potential legislative solutions will be discussed by Fred Nathan of Think New Mexico and policy advocate Carrie Robin Brunder.
For more information or to view the full agenda, interested parties can visit NMSenateGOP.com.
Information from this article can be found here.
