SANTA FE, NM – Both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature adjourned today, after passing a bill to fund the special session, which also included appropriations to help communities recover from wildfires and flooding in Ruidoso and Mescalero Apache Tribal lands. Lawmakers declined to assign Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s other proposals to committees, after weeks of advising that the bills were not the right solutions, and could cause serious harm to New Mexico communities.
Bold Futures, Equality New Mexico, the ACLU of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness praised lawmakers for holding strong against pressure to pass bills that threatened people’s constitutional rights, health, and safety.
The group also laid out a number of proposals they would support for the 2025 60-day session, some of which have previously been introduced by lawmakers. Those proposals include:
- Legislation that would develop and implement a Medicaid state plan amendment to create a system of certified community behavioral health clinics around the state.
- Legislation that would prohibit landlords across New Mexico from refusing to lease housing to tenants whose rent is subsidized by the government.
- Legislation that would prevent excessive and mandatory rental fees not included in rent.
- Legislation that would provide funding for municipalities to build community crisis response teams that lessen the burden on law enforcement and offer services to those most in need.
The following can be attributed to Monet Silva, executive director at the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness:
“The governor tried to dress up an anti-panhandling bill in public safety clothes, but everyone saw it for what it was — an attempt to punish and push people experiencing homelessness out of sight. Housing solves homelessness. We look forward to returning to the 60-day session and working with legislators who understand the need to address the root causes of the issues our communities face, and passing bills that will actually strengthen public safety.”
The following can be attributed to Nayomi Valdez, public policy director at the ACLU of New Mexico:
“We are grateful to see the legislators, who were elected to represent the communities they live in, do the right thing today. Providers, advocates, and lawmakers agreed that New Mexicans deserve real solutions, not political theater. We look forward to continuing to work with every stakeholder in developing evidence-based, smart solutions that make all New Mexicans safer.”
The following can be attributed to Kat Sanchez, public policy director at Bold Futures:
“Many of the issues our communities are facing stem from decades of underinvestment. A large majority of lawmakers recognize that, and refused to be strong-armed into passing bills that would have harmed our communities. Because of their courage, compassion, and willingness to listen to community advocates and experts, we’re all better off. We know the safest communities have the most resources, and we’ll keep working with legislators to ensure our communities have what they need to thrive.”
The following can be attributed to Marshall Martinez, executive director at EQNM:
“LGBTQ communities across New Mexico are crying out for help. We're grateful to the legislators who heard our pleas, and rejected the governor’s harmful bills. Queer and trans New Mexicans deserve safety, and we deserve real solutions centered in our experiences, and led by experts.”
