Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced a special legislative session to begin on October 1, aiming to address the impact of recent federal budget cuts on New Mexico communities. The session comes in response to H.R.1, a bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4, which will reduce state revenues and shift costs from the federal government to states. This move is expected to significantly decrease funding for Medicaid and SNAP, resulting in multi-billion-dollar annual losses that could affect household budgets and the viability of health care providers, especially in rural areas.
“New Mexicans should not be forced to shoulder these heavy burdens without help from their elected officials,” Lujan Grisham said. “After discussions with legislative leaders, we’ve resolved to do everything possible to protect essential services and minimize the damage from President Trump’s disastrous bill.”
The legislature will consider measures such as increasing funding for the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, making health insurance premiums more affordable—especially for those losing Medicaid coverage—and investing further in food assistance programs for vulnerable populations like children and seniors. Lawmakers are also looking at additional support for public broadcasting and providing resources for the Health Care Authority as it prepares for changes in Medicaid enrollment.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth emphasized the urgency of action: “New Mexico cannot stand by while Washington’s reckless budget cuts inflict generational harm on families and communities across the state,” he said. “A special session is essential to protect our rural healthcare providers, safeguard Medicaid coverage, and ensure that New Mexicans don’t bear the burden of federal failures.”
Speaker of the House Javier Martínez stated: “New Mexico is not going to allow Trump and the radical right to take food off your table or kick your family off your healthcare plan. We have been hard at work evaluating how this federal budget will impact New Mexico and how we can best fight back. Now, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves to protect access to the services you and your families need most.”
Additionally, Governor Lujan Grisham noted ongoing discussions with lawmakers about addressing behavioral health challenges affecting both community safety and criminal justice during this special session as well as in an upcoming 30-day session.
This will be the seventh special legislative session during Governor Lujan Grisham’s time in office.
