Deb Haaland Vows to Hold FEMA Accountable, Expand Healthcare and Educator Shortages at Northern New Mexico Colleges

LAS VEGAS, NM – Today, Deb Haaland, candidate for New Mexico governor, focused on FEMA, healthcare and education during tours at New Mexico Highlands University and Luna Community College in Las Vegas. 

During the tour at Highlands University, Haaland learned more about the FEMA funds that never came through for the school, which suffered damage during the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in 2022. Highlands is just one case of many in which New Mexicans lost their livelihoods during natural disasters and have since been shortchanged by FEMA. 

“It is absolutely unacceptable that there are people in our state who lost everything and are still waiting for relief. Kristi Noem has mismanaged her entire department while causing fear and chaos across the country. Noem needs to step down, and I will use every tool at my disposal to bring justice for communities in San Miguel and Mora Counties and across the state,” stated Haaland. 

Recently, Haaland called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to step down and slammed the Trump Administration on the FEMA funding backlog.  

The second part of Haaland’s tour focused on strategies to address shortages of healthcare professionals and early childhood educators. Both Highlands University and Luna Community College have expanded their healthcare and education programs to fill the needs of rural communities. Haaland toured facilities that provide hands-on classrooms and training so students have the opportunity to hone needed skillsets and enter the workforce prepared to serve New Mexicans. 

“Highlands University and Luna Community College are true treasures that will play critical roles in my plans to bring opportunity, healthcare and quality education to every corner of New Mexico,” said Haaland. 

Haaland recently released her education policy plan that highlights recruiting and retaining educators, doubling down on universal childcare and early learning, and improving workforce pathways.