John Block, a House Representative from New Mexico, attributed the blame for the government shutdown to Democrats and argued that the state's $30 million plan is insufficient to fully replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This statement was made on X.
"So much gaslighting from Dems, who shut down the government," said JOHN BLOCK, New Mexico State Representative for 51st District (R). "$30 million split up 460,000 ways is $65.21/each. They claim it'll cover 10 days of food. According to this report, “elderly and disabled” SNAP recipients get “at least $100,” so all others get even less than $65.21."
According to the New Mexico Governor’s Office, on October 29, 2025, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a $30 million emergency plan intended to mitigate interruptions in SNAP benefits starting November 1. The program provides state-funded benefits through existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for approximately 460,000 recipients. This amounts to about 30% of a typical month's payment, with additional $100 supplements for elderly or disabled households. The temporary measure aims to cover around ten days of food needs while federal aid is delayed.
Data from the USDA Economic Research Service indicates that in fiscal year 2024, 21.2% of New Mexicans received SNAP benefits—the highest proportion in the nation—compared with a national average of 12.3%. Federal data reveals maximum fiscal year 2025 benefits are $291 for an individual and $975 for a four-person household. Thus, the $30 million state fund represents partial monthly coverage for families.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service reports that dividing $30 million among 460,000 residents results in approximately $65.22 per person. With the Thrifty Food Plan's August 2025 estimate of $8.28 per day in food costs, this allocation covers roughly eight days of groceries—closely aligning with the Governor’s target of ten days during the federal shutdown.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, Representative Block has served since 2023 and holds positions on both the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee as Ranking Member and on Consumer & Public Affairs. He has consistently opposed expanded state spending and advocated for fiscal restraint in social programs like SNAP.
As reported by both the New Mexico Health Care Authority and USDA FNS, SNAP in New Mexico is jointly funded by federal and state sources and administered by the Income Support Division under HCA. The state implements waivers and emergency supplements during federal funding lapses to ensure continuity for low-income households during crises such as the 2025 shutdown.
