SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Lawmakers are heading back to Santa Fe this week for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s special session to keep New Mexicans from feeling the impact of federal budget cuts.
Story continues below
- Community: Rio Rancho ranch empowers community through equine therapy
- Don’t Miss: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2025: What you need to know
- News: New Mexico officials prepare for possible New World Screwworm outbreak
- Crime: One person killed in shooting involving Albuquerque police
The governor said protecting healthcare and food assistance programs for New Mexicans simply cannot wait until the regular session in January. With just two days before the special session starts, Speaker of the House Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) told KRQE News 13 that he’s expecting it to go smoothly. “I expect these bills to have bipartisan support, and I expect us to be out of here sooner rather than later,” said Rep. Martinez.
The Speaker of the House said he’s feeling optimistic about this year’s special session. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called for lawmakers to return to the Roundhouse in order to pass legislation protecting the state from potential federal cuts due to what President Trump called the “Big Beautiful Bill”.
It’s a goal that Rep. Martinez said lawmakers support.
“Ultimately, this is about serving the people of New Mexico, and these draconian federal cuts that are gutting health care, that are gutting food benefits for seniors and children, have really allowed us to come together and put our heads down and you know get the work done so we’re in a really good place,” said Speaker Martinez.
Items on the governor’s agenda include health insurance and Medicaid, investing in food assistance programs, and making sure the rural health care delivery fund continues running. Earlier this month, the governor told KRQE that the legislative package she initially proposed also included a ban on immigration detention facilities in the state, but said it was removed during legislative negotiations.
Rep. Martinez said a proposal on that issue from last session may return in January. “And New Mexico should not be in the business of allowing those private detention centers to operate, so we will be taking up that bill in the 30-day session. The House of Representatives has already passed it, we’re now working with our Senate colleagues to ensure we can get it through their chamber as well,” said Speaker Martinez.
Speaker Martinez said lawmakers are finishing up the work on drafting the legislation, and the process should move quickly once the session begins. The special session is set to begin on Wednesday at noon. This will be the seventh special session the governor has called.
