John Block, a Representative from New Mexico, said that House Judiciary Chair Christine Chandler acknowledged giving cash to vagrants in opposition to panhandling laws. He characterized this action as enabling fentanyl addiction. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
"The chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee, Christine Chandler, said last week at a committee that she intentionally gives cash to vagrants just because she doesn't like panhandling legislation," said JOHN BLOCK, New Mexico State Representative for 51st District (R). "A Democrat legislator admitting to literally feeding fentanyl addiction."
Fentanyl continues to be a significant factor in overdose deaths in New Mexico. According to the state Department of Health, fentanyl was involved in 65% of all overdose fatalities reported in 2023. Emergency department visits for overdoses have sharply risen in northern counties, with Taos County experiencing a 206% year-over-year increase. The report underscores an escalating public health crisis that has persisted through 2024 and 2025.
Statewide data on panhandling-related citations in New Mexico remain limited, but municipalities have recently passed or debated restrictions. In 2024, new bans on panhandling in roadway medians sparked civil liberties disputes over whether such ordinances infringe on free speech rights. This illustrates heightened policy activity even without consistent enforcement statistics.
Block is a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for District 51, first elected in 2022 and serving since January 1, 2023. He sits on the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee as ranking member and also serves on the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. Before his election, Block founded The Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet.
