Las Cruces NM
10-09-2025 11:46pm

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs Emergency Funding Bills, Deliberates Vaccine Policy Amid Federal Cuts

SANTA FE, NM — In response to sweeping federal budget reductions, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed four major bills during a special legislative session in early October, allocating over $162 million in emergency state funding to protect food assistance, rural healthcare, and public broadcasting services across New Mexico.

Emergency Funding to Counter Federal Cuts

The special session, convened October 1, was triggered by the federal budget reconciliation bill signed by President Trump in July, which slashed discretionary spending through 2034. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized that “when federal support falls short, New Mexico steps up,” pledging to safeguard essential services for the 40% of New Mexicans who rely on state-supported healthcare and food programs.

Key allocations include:

• $66 million for the Health Care Authority

• $16.6 million to maintain SNAP benefits

• $8 million for food banks and pantries

• $17 million to reduce health insurance costs on the BeWell marketplace

• $50 million to stabilize rural healthcare services.

Public Media Lifeline

The governor also approved $5.6 million in emergency funding for New Mexico’s 12 public media organizations, including $430,000 for Indigenous-serving stations, to offset federal rescissions from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. New Mexico PBS, KUNM, and KSJE were among the stations facing significant shortfalls.

“This landmark allocation means children still have PBS Kids and educational resources they can count on,” said New Mexico PBS CEO Franz Joachim. KUNM’s GM Jeffrey Pope added, “This funding is not just a lifeline for our station—it’s a lifeline for the communities we serve”.

Vaccine Bill Still Under Review

Governor Lujan Grisham has not yet signed Senate Bill 3, which would expand the Department of Health’s authority to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for children and revise school immunization guidelines. The bill failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed for an emergency clause, delaying its potential implementation until late December.

“I’m deeply disappointed in Republicans for voting to restrict vaccines,” the governor stated. Her office confirmed she is still deliberating on the bill and expects to issue a decision soon.

Broader Legislative Impact

Other signed bills include:

• Senate Bill 1: Expands rural healthcare grants to high-needs areas and tribal facilities

• Senate Bill 2: Allows metropolitan court judges to preside over criminal competency proceedings

• House Bill 2: Extends health insurance subsidies for residents above 400% of the federal poverty level.

These measures reflect the state’s proactive stance in maintaining critical services amid federal retrenchment.

For full legislative details and future updates, visit the Governor’s Office press releases.

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