Deb Haaland, a candidate for governor in New Mexico, issued a statement addressing the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now lasted 31 days. Haaland highlighted the impact on federal workers and families across the country.
“For the last 31 days, federal workers across the country have been furloughed, working without pay, missing paychecks, and facing the uncertainty of being fired. Today, millions of Americans face an added hardship as SNAP benefits lapse. That’s at least 460,000 New Mexicans who won’t know where their next meal will come from,” Haaland said.
She acknowledged efforts by state leaders to provide temporary funding for food assistance programs. “In New Mexico, we are proud to have leaders who are funding the program for an additional ten days, and while the courts have stepped in for now, these are not long-term solutions. I am grateful to all of the community groups, volunteers, churches, and others who are working to stock and expand food banks in their neighborhoods. The only real solution however is for Republicans to do their jobs and have the backbone to fight for what’s right.”
Haaland also addressed rising healthcare premiums as open enrollment began. “Today also marks the first day of open enrollment. Republicans passed a law that forced healthcare premiums to skyrocket, and New Mexicans will pay the price. This means in a state that is already facing a shortage of healthcare workers, New Mexicans won’t get the coverage they need, won’t be able to see a doctor when they need to, and will have even longer wait times between appointments.”
She concluded her statement by emphasizing her commitment if elected governor: “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The wellbeing of New Mexicans and Americans across the country is on the brink. Republicans in Washington, D.C. need to do their job. In the meantime, it’s more clear than ever that state governments are the front lines and as governor, I will always fight for solutions to make sure that New Mexicans are fed, healthy, and safe.”
Haaland also released a video sharing her personal experience using SNAP benefits.
