New Mexico Faces Concerns Over Federal Food Assistance Cuts

Concerns Arise in New Mexico Over Potential Cuts to Food Assistance Programs

In New Mexico, there is growing anxiety about the proposed reductions to federal food assistance programs, as highlighted by members of AFSCME Council 18, community representatives, and Senator Ben Ray Luján. They emphasize the severe ramifications these cuts could have on local communities.

Discussions at a recent roundtable shed light on the potential negative effects on New Mexico families and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. This event aligns with a controversial budget passed by the House of Representatives, which threatens to transfer the financial burden of SNAP to state governments. Additionally, the budget proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, with potential benefits for billionaires through tax breaks.

Senator Luján underscored the widespread impact of these proposed budget cuts, stating, “If this budget passes and these cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other programs go through, it impacts all of us. Even if we’re not direct beneficiaries of those programs, it will affect all of us one way or another.”

Statistics reveal the critical role of SNAP, which provided meals to 41 million Americans in 2024, including one in five children across the nation.

Victoria Leonard, a family assistant analyst with AFSCME Local 2777, expressed grave concerns, noting, “You’re talking about children who will go hungry, the elderly who will go hungry, families who won’t be able to put enough food on the table for themselves.”

Kevin Touchton, another family assistant analyst, highlighted the broader implications, mentioning, “I work with a lot of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren by themselves and who rely on these benefits. And if they lose these benefits for their grandchildren, it can negatively impact any other benefits they rely on. These programs are really essential.”

Connie Derr, executive director of Council 18, highlighted the close relationships between AFSCME members and their clients, emphasizing the profound understanding workers have of their clients’ circumstances. “Our members work with their clients very closely and know every circumstance that’s led to them seeking assistance, so they know exactly how they are going to impact New Mexico’s most vulnerable families,” she said.

To voice concerns, individuals are encouraged to contact their Congressional representatives and oppose budget cuts that could harm vital programs like SNAP. For ongoing updates, visit afscmego.org.