New Mexico Governor Set to Sign Key Bills Safeguarding Healthcare and Food Assistance for Residents

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico is stepping up to safeguard health care and food benefits for residents facing cuts from the federal government. She recently announced plans to sign emergency legislation that allocates $162 million to help families in need.

“We won’t let New Mexican families fall through the cracks,” Lujan Grisham stated. She emphasized that the newly passed laws aim to ensure families can still access health care, especially as insurance premiums threaten to rise significantly.

During a special session of the legislature, lawmakers approved several bills aimed at addressing urgent needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main pieces of legislation:

• House Bill 1: This key bill releases $162 million to counteract the impact of federal cuts. It provides significant funding for food assistance, health clinics, and IT upgrades for the Health Care Authority.
• House Bill 2: This legislation removes income limits for state-subsidized health insurance, making it easier for more residents to get help affording coverage. This change is crucial as federal premium benefits are set to end in 2025, affecting around 6,300 New Mexicans.
• Senate Bill 1: This bill invests $50 million to ensure health services in rural areas remain stable and accessible, broadening support to communities in critical need.
• Senate Bill 2: This new law allows metropolitan court judges to handle criminal competency cases, helping to alleviate pressure on district courts and improve access to behavioral health services.
• Senate Bill 3: This bill gives the Department of Health the ability to swiftly purchase necessary vaccines and mandates insurance coverage for those vaccines, highlighting the state’s proactive approach to health care.

Experts have shown that health care access is a growing issue across the United States, with a recent study revealing that nearly 20% of Americans struggled to pay medical bills in the past year. This underscores the importance of legislative actions like those in New Mexico.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth praised the lawmakers’ efforts, stating, “New Mexico families will keep food on their tables and local hospitals will have the resources they need.” Similarly, House Speaker Javier Martínez highlighted the collective effort to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable residents.

In the face of political divides, Lujan Grisham criticized opposition from Republicans who voted to restrict access to COVID-19 vaccines for children. “There’s no reason for New Mexicans to wait for vaccines they need,” she emphasized, reaffirming her commitment to health care access.

Overall, these bills represent a crucial move towards ensuring that New Mexico families are protected in tough times, highlighting the state’s commitment to health and wellness in the face of federal challenges.

For further reading, check out this report from [Kaiser Family Foundation](https://www.kff.org) that delves deeper into the impact of health care policies across the U.S.

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