Republicans in Washington have not reached a budget agreement, resulting in another federal government shutdown under President Trump. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham addressed the impact on state residents, emphasizing the consequences for healthcare and federal workers.
Governor Lujan Grisham warned that if enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits are not extended, 27,000 people in New Mexico could lose their health coverage. She noted that premiums across the insurance marketplace are expected to increase by an average of 91 percent. To address this risk, she said, “Because my administration saw this coming, New Mexico in August identified $72 million in state funding to cover families earning under 400% of the federal poverty level, or $128,600 for a family of four.”
The governor also highlighted that more than 20,000 federal employees in New Mexico will miss paychecks during the shutdown. Some will be furloughed entirely as certain government services slow down or stop. This includes delays in processing small business loans and issuing new Social Security cards.
She stated: “Let’s be clear what’s at stake: If the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits are not extended, 27,000 New Mexicans could lose health coverage, and premiums across the marketplace are projected to rise by an average of 91 percent. Because my administration saw this coming, New Mexico in August identified $72 million in state funding to cover families earning under 400% of the federal poverty level, or $128,600 for a family of four.”
Governor Lujan Grisham criticized political gridlock at the national level and its effects on families relying on government services. “New Mexicans deserve better than leaders who play games with people’s healthcare and livelihoods,” she said.
Federal government shutdowns have significant impacts on states like New Mexico where thousands depend on federal employment and benefits.
