OPINION: New Mexico Democrats show what functional government can do

As dysfunction brings our federal government to a halt, your Democratic state lawmakers have been hard at work in the Roundhouse to protect affordable health care, shore up food benefits for seniors and families, keep our rural hospitals and clinics open, and support independent public broadcasting.

In an efficient two-day special session, we passed a slate of legislation to address the most urgent needs facing New Mexicans following harmful federal funding cuts and policy changes. While some of the deepest cuts don’t take effect until 2027 — because Washington, D.C., Republicans don’t want to face consequences at the ballot box in midterm elections next fall — others are creating pressing challenges for New Mexicans here and now.

Among the first cuts to take effect were reductions to food assistance — at the same moment that President Trump’s tariffs are increasing grocery prices. Many seniors in New Mexico were set to lose about $100 per month in food benefits starting in October. But House Democrats stepped up to fill the gap, and despite the lack of support from our Republican colleagues, we dedicated nearly $30 million to food assistance, including increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for seniors and $8 million for statewide food banks.

In a few weeks, as open enrollment for health insurance begins, families with Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage will receive notice that their premiums are set to skyrocket Jan. 1. On average, out-of-pocket costs are expected to rise over 75% for marketplace health insurance.

Some families may be forced to forgo health insurance entirely, because they cannot afford these astronomical increases. Fortunately, that won’t happen in New Mexico because Democrats stepped in to provide assistance that will keep health care affordable for our families.

Because rural health care providers rely heavily on Medicaid funding, the coming cuts to Medicaid coverage will hit them especially hard.

Across the country, rural providers are already closing because they cannot operate with the projected hits to their bottom line. Not only would these closures hurt rural communities, they would strain our entire health care system — leading to longer wait times and higher prices for all. That’s why we dedicated $50 million to stabilize these providers now, so they aren’t forced to shut their doors and leave rural New Mexicans with nowhere to turn for care.

Our rural communities will also be most affected by the funding cuts to public broadcasting, because they rely on these outlets — not only for independent news coverage, but for critical information during wildfires and emergencies. So we took action — investing $6 million to ensure public broadcasters can maintain operations, with additional funding specifically for radio stations serving our tribes, nations and pueblos.

The contrast is clear. While Republicans in D.C. are stripping away services our families rely on, New Mexico Democrats are protecting what matters most — the health and well-being of our families. While Republicans in our state fabricate excuses for not being part of the solution and blame state Democrats for following our constitutional processes, we are ready to work with anyone who comes to the table.

This special session addressed the cuts hitting our communities the hardest and the fastest. But our work is not done. We will continue to protect New Mexicans from Washington’s messes, and to address critical issues facing our communities, like public safety, child well-being, health care access and affordability.

No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., New Mexico House Democrats will continue to fight to make life better and more affordable for your family.