Deb Haaland Releases Statement on Continued Government Shutdown and Increases in Health Care Premiums

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Deb Haaland, gubernatorial candidate in New Mexico, released the following statement 31 days into the federal government shutdown:

“For the last 31 days, federal workers across the country have been furloughed, working without pay, missing paychecks, and facing the uncertainty of being fired. Today, millions of Americans face an added hardship as SNAP benefits lapse. That’s at least 460,000 New Mexicans who won’t know where their next meal will come from. 

“In New Mexico, we are proud to have leaders who are funding the program for an additional ten days, and while the courts have stepped in for now, these are not long-term solutions. I am grateful to all of the community groups, volunteers, churches, and others who are working to stock and expand food banks in their neighborhoods. The only real solution however is for Republicans to do their jobs and have the backbone to fight for what’s right. 

“Today also marks the first day of open enrollment. Republicans passed a law that forced healthcare premiums to skyrocket, and New Mexicans will pay the price. This means in a state that is already facing a shortage of healthcare workers, New Mexicans won’t get the coverage they need, won’t be able to see a doctor when they need to, and will have even longer wait times between appointments.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The wellbeing of New Mexicans and Americans across the country is on the brink. Republicans in Washington, D.C. need to do their job. In the meantime, it’s more clear than ever that state governments are the front lines and as governor, I will always fight for solutions to make sure that New Mexicans are fed, healthy, and safe.”

Haaland also released a video on her experience utilizing SNAP to feed her family.