Gail Armstrong, the House Republican leader for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has said that her op-ed was altered in a manner that changed its meaning. She reiterated her policy priorities, including public safety and medical access, during an appearance on New Mexico Sun.
"They changed the whole narrative," said Armstrong, District 49. "the wording that they put in changed the whole narrative. That's the fact. How is rewriting an elected officials words without permission any of that?"
Armstrong's comments came after the publication of her recent op-eds and interviews critiquing what she referred to as a "special session" and criticizing media gatekeeping. According to Armstrong, Democrats have exaggerated federal-budget concerns while neglecting critical issues such as crime, failures within the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), and a declining number of physicians. Her bylines and coverage in the New Mexico Sun emphasize this narrative and support her assertion that editorial decisions can influence public perception of legislative priorities.
Independent reports highlight New Mexico's growing doctor shortage. Think New Mexico, a policy organization, presents statewide data indicating that from 2019 to 2024, New Mexico was the only state to experience a net loss of practicing physicians—down by 248—while the nation saw an increase of 44,272 doctors. This situation has led to longer wait times and challenges in rural areas. The group attributes these shortages to malpractice exposure and unique taxes on medical services and suggests specific solutions lawmakers could implement.
Investigations have also revealed significant issues within CYFD that Armstrong has pointed out. Searchlight New Mexico discovered instances where foster youth were monitored by private security inside CYFD offices, with documented cases of force and injuries. Subsequent reporting by partners has raised further concerns about oversight and safety within the agency. These findings contribute to calls for structural reform and increased transparency to better protect vulnerable children.
For more details on Armstrong's perspective, read the unredacted op-ed here: [New Mexico Sun](https://newmexicosun.com/stories/675804114-opinion-progressive-rhetoric-can-t-hide-legislative-inaction).
