New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will call a special legislative session on October 1, her office announced Thursday, to address federal cuts to Medicaid and other services.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which Trump signed into law on July 4, will decrease state revenues and force states to spend more by shifting costs from the federal government to the states, according to the press release. The cuts in federal Medicaid and SNAP funds alone will cause multi-billion-dollar losses each year, threatening household budgets and the survival of New Mexico’s healthcare system, especially in rural areas.
The governor’s office began floating the possibility of a special session even before July 4, Source NM’s Patrick Lohmann reported. Reporters with KRQE pointed out, however, that Democrats and Republicans do not agree on whether this session is necessary. “‘I’m confused as to why this burning need for a special session, especially when it doesn’t appear there’s anything special needed,’ said Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington), Minority Floor Leader.”
According to the press release, lawmakers intend to review a package of measures that may include:
- Funding to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to allow stabilization grants for quality health care providers.
- Taking action to make health insurance premiums more affordable in the marketplace and for New Mexicans losing Medicaid coverage.
- New investments in food assistance for children, seniors, and families in need.
- Funding for public broadcasting.
- Additional resources to help the Health Care Authority prepare for upcoming Medicaid enrollment changes.
“New Mexicans should not be forced to shoulder these heavy burdens without help from their elected officials,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “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.”
“New Mexico cannot stand by while Washington’s reckless budget cuts inflict generational harm on families and communities across the state,” Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth said in a statement. “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.”
