New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham responded Friday to two federal court decisions in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that directed the release of contingency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. The rulings come amid a federal government shutdown, which has disrupted the distribution of food benefits to low-income Americans.
In her statement, Governor Lujan Grisham said, “Today’s court rulings in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordering the release of contingency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds confirms what we already knew: There is no valid legal reason to deny food benefits to the most vulnerable Americans.”
The governor expressed doubt that the Trump administration would act quickly to distribute SNAP funds. She stated, “Because I have zero confidence in the Trump administration to release these SNAP funds by tomorrow, or even by early next week, New Mexico will keep its promise to deliver $30 million in state-funded benefits to those who qualify on Saturday. This ensures that New Mexicans will be able to keep food on their tables for the next 10 days, regardless of the federal government shutdown or Trump administration inaction.”
Eligible recipients are expected to receive state-provided food assistance through their EBT cards starting Saturday.
Governor Lujan Grisham criticized congressional Republicans for their role in budget negotiations affecting SNAP funding. “Republicans in Congress are holding the most vulnerable Americans hostage during budget negotiations. This is reprehensible. While today’s court rulings bring some hope, they don’t erase the fear and uncertainty caused by this administration’s cruelty. Too many families in New Mexico and across the country have spent days wondering if they will be able to put food on the table — and even with today’s rulings, many could wait weeks before their SNAP benefits are restored, if the administration fully complies,” she said.
She added that her administration would continue efforts to support residents and connect them with local food resources until federal officials restore full SNAP funding. “New Mexicans deserve better than uncertainty when it comes to feeding their families. My administration will continue doing everything we can to support New Mexicans and connect people with local food resources until the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress fulfill their responsibilities to the American people.”
