SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico lawmakers are returning to the Roundhouse this week for a special legislative session called by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, aimed at protecting key state programs from the impact of federal budget cuts.
The session begins Wednesday at noon and will focus on preserving funding for healthcare, Medicaid, food assistance, and rural health services. The governor said these issues are too urgent to wait until the regular session in January.
Speaker of the House Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) said he expects the session to move quickly and receive bipartisan support. “Ultimately, this is about serving the people of New Mexico,” Martinez said. “We’re in a good place to get the work done.”
However, road construction advocates say the session is missing a critical issue. The Asphalt Pavement Association of New Mexico is urging lawmakers to include emergency funding for road maintenance and infrastructure, warning that delays could impact 61,000 construction-related jobs statewide. This year, the New Mexico Department of Transportation received just $65 million, far below its usual annual allocation of $200–$300 million.
“We’re left with a major crisis that has implications on families, roadway safety, and economic growth,” said Dan Lewis, executive director of the association and an Albuquerque city councilor. Contractors say many projects are ready to go but lack funding, and deteriorating roads could cost New Mexicans thousands in vehicle maintenance each year.
Governor Lujan Grisham acknowledged the urgency but said road funding will be addressed during the 30-day regular session in January.
This marks the seventh special session called by Governor Lujan Grisham during her tenure. Lawmakers are currently finalizing the bills, and the process is expected to move quickly once underway.
