NEW: Deb Haaland Slams Trump, GOP For The Biggest Healthcare Cut In Our Nation’s History

Haaland will fight for veterans, seniors and the 175,000 New Mexicans who rely on Medicaid, the highest percentage of any state

Albuquerque, N.M. – In the aftermath of the House GOP’s vote to advance legislation which would slash Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Mexicans, Deb Haaland, candidate for New Mexico governor, blasted the heartless bill that would have devastating effects on New Mexico’s families and economy. In a video, Haaland called on members of the U.S. Senate to vote the bill down, when given the opportunity, and to save these critical programs that New Mexican families rely on.

“This bill represents the largest healthcare cut in our nation’s history and will have devastating effects on New Mexico. I’ve been where a lot of families in our state find themselves. I was working hard running a small business, but could barely afford to feed my child. Medicaid and SNAP food assistance got us through, and the idea that these safety nets will now be unavailable to thousands of New Mexicans is wholly unacceptable,” said Deb Haaland. “I urge the Senate to reject this disastrous bill, but should it pass, I will do everything in my power as Governor to make these New Mexicans whole.”

New Mexico has the highest percentage of residents who receive their healthcare through Medicaid of any state in the nation. The program covers 61% of New Mexico’s children and 67% of nursing home residents. The House GOP legislation, which advanced this week, would cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP programs over the next decade. In New Mexico, more than 836,000 residents rely on Medicaid coverage, while over 450,000 receive SNAP benefits.

Haaland went on to say, “It’s a cruel redistribution of our hard earned taxpayer money. Literally taking things away from working people here in New Mexico to give it to wealthy elites.”

The statement represents Haaland’s latest response to harmful GOP efforts since launching her gubernatorial campaign. Just last week, Haaland released several other videos directly addressing New Mexicans, positioning her campaign as a bulwark against Trump and the GOP’s harmful agenda for working families.