NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham | governor.state.nm.us
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called a special session of the New Mexico State Legislature to address significant federal funding cuts resulting from the Trump administration’s budget reconciliation bill, H.R.1, and related federal actions. The session is scheduled for October 1 at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe.
The governor’s decision follows reductions in federal support for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and public broadcasting services. The federal budget reconciliation bill, signed into law on July 4, reduces discretionary spending through 2034 while lowering taxes for high-income earners. These changes are expected to have a major impact on families and communities across New Mexico.
“We’re not going to stand by while Washington abandons New Mexico families,” said Lujan Grisham. “This special session is about protecting the people who need help most.”
Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo of the Health Care Authority stated: “While the new federal law brings significant changes, our focus is clear: protecting benefits and services for the 40 percent of New Mexicans who rely on our programs for health care and food assistance. We’re committed to maintaining a strong safety net through these challenges.”
During the special session, lawmakers will consider measures that include expanding grants to health care providers in high-needs areas, adjusting eligibility requirements for participation in the state health insurance exchange, setting vaccine standards based on Department of Health recommendations, appropriating funds in response to recent federal budget cuts, confirming regents to Western New Mexico University’s Board of Regents, amending competency laws for metropolitan courts, supporting behavioral health legal proceedings with additional funds, transferring money into an emergency contingency fund, supplementing funding for the Regulation and Licensing Department, studying interstate medical licensing compacts, and covering legislative expenses.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth commented: “The cuts coming from Washington are not theoretical, they are happening now and will directly harm New Mexican families who are struggling to put food on the table or cannot afford healthcare. This special session allows us to respond immediately to Washington’s dysfunction and take the first critical steps to protect our state’s progress.”
House Speaker Javier Martínez added: “Deep federal budget cuts and continued chaos in Washington, D.C. are making life harder and more expensive for New Mexicans now. But New Mexico’s leaders are ready for this fight, so we’re stepping up to address the most pressing issues facing families: skyrocketing healthcare premiums, seniors losing food benefits, and rural healthcare providers on the brink. This special session is about making sure families across our state have access to the things they cannot live without.”
