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New Mexico Legislators Rush to Shore up Safety Net Programs After Federal Cuts
New Mexico Democrats aim to offset federal cuts by boosting Medicaid, SNAP, rural health care, and public broadcasting funding to support nearly 38% of residents on Medicaid.
On October 1, 2025, New Mexico's Democratic lawmakers convened a special session in Santa Fe to address federal Medicaid, food assistance, and health care budget cuts.
The session responds to recent federal legislation signed by President Trump this summer, which cut over $1 billion from public broadcasting and reduced Medicaid and SNAP funding impacting New Mexico.
Lawmakers are considering increased state spending for food assistance, backfilling public broadcaster funds, expanding Medicaid-related grants for rural health clinics, and possibly revising state vaccine policies for better access.
Nearly one-fourth of residents rely on SNAP, about 38% on Medicaid, and the state faces an annual $200 million loss from federal tax cuts despite a current surplus from oil production.
The special session and proposed state interventions aim to stabilize essential services amid shrinking federal support and address urgent health and food security needs in New Mexico.