Santa Fe, N.M. – Tonight, the House of Representatives passed a budget bill for the Special Session, appropriating $125 million in critical funding to protect access to healthcare, increase food assistance, support public broadcasting, and safeguard jobs across New Mexico that are threatened by recent federal funding cuts. 

"Over the last several months in meetings across our state, our Legislative Finance Committee has been closely reviewing the massive federal funding cuts and changes coming out of Washington, D.C. to understand how they will impact New Mexicans," said lead sponsor Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces). "The investments we are making today are about responding in a responsible way to protect the things families across our state need most: healthcare and food."

House Bill 1, which passed the chamber on a vote of 43-24, will fill federal gaps in key areas: 

Increase Food Assistance

Nearly $30 million for a comprehensive food assistance package, including:

$8 million in direct support for foodbanks statewide 

Funding to maintain increased SNAP benefits for seniors, which were slated to end this month in the federal budget,

$2 million to restock food pantries at universities and public schools, support SNAP employees at NMSU and UNM that run educational nutrition programs, and maintain SNAP for lawful permanent residents, 

Funding for the Health Care Authority to hire the staff necessary to help New Mexicans navigate the complicated new rules coming from the federal government's unfunded mandates.

Lower Healthcare Costs

$17 million for increased subsidies for healthcare premiums through BeWellNM, which otherwise could have seen up to a 600% increase starting January 1, 2026. 

$10 million for IT expenses for other healthcare authorities to help provide outreach and assistance to folks who may be at risk of losing coverage under the new guidelines.

Stabilize Rural Providers

$50 million to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund for rural providers and facilities vulnerable to shifts in Medicaid and federal funding.

Support Public Media

An investment totaling $6 million to ensure that FCC broadcasters losing funding because of the Federal Rescissions Act will be able to maintain operations. 

$400,000 dedicated to supporting radio stations in New Mexico's tribes, nations, and pueblos. 

In addition to filling federal gaps, HB 1 also invests in key areas of need in New Mexico, including: 

Addressing New Mexico's healthcare shortage: Provides seed money to the Regulation and Licensing Department to help set the framework that will enable New Mexico to successfully join interstate medical compacts, so agreements can be implemented as soon as they are passed in the upcoming 30-day session. 

Funding disaster response: Allocates $30 million to the Appropriation Contingency Fund to ensure New Mexico can respond quickly to disasters like floods and wildfires, given the slower and smaller FEMA reimbursements being received under the current administration. 

Continuing to invest in behavioral health: Appropriates $1 million to the Administrative Office of the Courts to continue the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, a critical behavioral health service that dramatically reduces hospitalization, criminalization, and other adverse outcomes for individuals in crisis.

HB 1 now moves to the Senate. The legislation is also sponsored by Reps. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque) and Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces) and Senator George Muñoz (D-Gallup). This bill contains an emergency clause, and would go into effect immediately upon the Governor's signature.