Lawmakers from the Republican party advocate for the governor to list controversial matters in the schedule for a special legislative session
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced a special session starting on October 1, with a focus on the state's response to federal spending reductions to Medicaid and food assistance programs. This will be the seventh special session called by the governor since she took office in 2019.
The governor's office stated that the expiration of health care premium tax credits is one reason for the average price increase of 35.7% for individual plans sold through BeWell, New Mexico's health insurance marketplace. In response, the special session aims to address these challenges and ensure continued access to essential services for New Mexico residents.
Jodi McGinnis Porter, Lujan Grisham's spokeswoman, confirmed that the governor has been working closely with the majority in the Legislature to craft an agenda that has consensus. The Democratic top politicians who negotiated with the governor about the framework of the special session include legislative leaders such as the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader.
However, top Republican legislators are urging the governor to broaden the special session agenda to include issues like crime, homelessness, and changes to New Mexico's child welfare system. In a letter signed by House GOP floor leader Gail Armstrong, House GOP whip Alan Martinez, Senate GOP floor leader William Sharer, and Senate GOP whip Pat Woods, the GOP lawmakers claim they were not included in special session negotiations involving the Governor's Office and top Democratic lawmakers.
New work requirements for certain adults who receive food assistance benefits take effect in November. Meanwhile, some Medicaid eligibility changes are not scheduled to take place until after next year. The governor has urged the Legislature to approve crime-related legislation in recent sessions, but any bills filed by legislators outside the scope of the special session proclamation are unlikely to be considered.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 44-26 margin, and in the Senate, the margin is 26-16. Top-ranking Democrats have committed to fast-tracking some of the bills to the governor's desk during the 30-day session. A proclamation for this year's special session is expected to be issued closer to the planned Oct. 1 start date.
McGinnis Porter also disputed Republican claims that federal changes to health care and food assistance programs would not take effect until 2027. The special session aims to address these imminent challenges and provide a comprehensive state-level response to protect New Mexico residents from the impact of federal spending reductions.
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