Deb Haaland, a candidate for governor in New Mexico, responded to the recent decision by the New Mexico Legislature to allocate funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown has disrupted access to food assistance for many residents.
Haaland reflected on her personal experience with SNAP, stating, “This month is the anniversary of the time I applied for SNAP benefits – and at first I was denied. It was devastating. I was working, but had no idea where I was going to get the next meal for me and my child. There were other times when I was raising my family that I had to put food back on the shelf at the checkout line when I saw the total – too many New Mexicans are working full time and still struggling to make ends meet.”
She criticized what she described as partisan actions in Washington that have affected local families’ ability to afford basic necessities: “We can’t leave New Mexicans at the mercy of Republican political games. New Mexicans are stepping up for each other donating food and volunteering, and the special session is helping families keep food on the table. This is why governors are so important.”
Haaland called on national lawmakers to resolve issues affecting public welfare programs: “The wellbeing of New Mexicans and Americans across the country is on the brink. Republicans in Washington, D.C. need to do their job. I will always fight for solutions to make sure that New Mexicans are fed, healthy, and safe.”
The state legislature’s move comes as community members have increased efforts such as food donations and volunteer work to support those impacted by disruptions in federal assistance.
