Deb Haaland (Laguna Puebloe), former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and current gubernatorial candidate in New Mexico, released the following statement on the federal government shutdown:
“In New Mexico, over 22,000 federal employees and their families are facing uncertainty because of the Republican government shutdown, while also making it harder for mothers to access WIC benefits, for families to put food on the table, and for veterans to access services.
“Donald Trump would rather make Americans sicker by raising the cost of healthcare premiums than keep the government open. New Mexicans are facing skyrocketing healthcare prices, crushing and worsening inflation, long wait times for doctors appointments, and rural hospitals that are on the brink. Thousands of New Mexicans are at risk of not being able to afford any coverage at all, and even more are facing higher costs every day.
“While Republicans continue to look at ways to line their own pockets – New Mexico is getting to work. I applaud Governor Lujan-Grisham and the legislature for tackling the rising cost of Republican healthcare policies in the Special Session.
“Our state governments are the front lines and as governor, I will lead the charge to drive down the cost of healthcare and make life more affordable for New Mexicans. I will strengthen the Health Care Affordability Fund and use the budget surplus to fill gaps in Medicaid coverage. And by expanding mobile clinics, we will bring quality care directly to rural communities.
“A better New Mexico is possible and I’m ready to get to work and fight every day for our healthcare, education, safety, and livelihoods.”