SANTA FE, N.M. — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a $162 million emergency relief package aimed at protecting food assistance, health care access, and judicial services across New Mexico. The legislation was passed during a special session called by the governor in response to recent federal funding reductions.
“When federal support falls short, New Mexico steps up,” Lujan Grisham said. “This funding protects the basics: food security, affordable health care, and access to care.”
The relief package includes four bills:
- House Bill 1 deploys $162 million in emergency funding. It allocates $66 million to the Health Care Authority, including:
- $16.6 million to maintain SNAP food benefits
- $8 million for food banks and pantries
- $2 million for school-based food programs
- $1.5 million to help residents meet work requirements
- $1.2 million to retain SNAP staff at UNM and NMSU
- $6.6 million for staffing at HCA
- $10 million for IT upgrades
- $3 million for nonprofit health clinics
- $17 million to reduce health insurance costs on the state exchange
The bill also transfers $30 million to the state’s emergency contingency fund, $50 million to the rural healthcare fund, and $8 million to close budget gaps at the Regulation and Licensing Department. An additional $6 million is allocated to support public broadcasting.
- House Bill 2 expands eligibility for state-subsidized health insurance by removing income caps, allowing more New Mexicans to qualify for assistance through the Health Care Affordability Fund. The change anticipates the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits at the end of 2025, which could affect over 6,000 residents.
- Senate Bill 1 transfers $50 million to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to stabilize services in underserved areas. The bill broadens eligibility to include providers in federally designated shortage areas and tribally operated facilities.
- Senate Bill 2 allows metropolitan court judges to preside over criminal competency hearings, reversing a previous policy that sent all such cases to district court. The change is expected to ease administrative pressure and improve access to behavioral health services.
To offset the costs, the state is recovering $120 million in unspent funds from a prior Health Care Authority budget. Officials say the move keeps New Mexico’s financial reserves at a healthy 32% of annual spending.
