government shutdown

New Mexico lawmakers approved $162 million in state funding to ensure food assistance for citizens until January 20. The bill passed both chambers with minimal pushback, although it did come with an amendment to look into how the program is run.

On Thursday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called a special session for Monday to address the federal stoppage of food benefits. New Mexico has already drained a $30 million emergency fund to pay for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through November 10.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury paid a visit to the University of New Mexico’s Lobo Food Pantry Thursday afternoon, as part of a larger tour of food banks around her district. She’s been speaking with staff, touring facilities and finding out what they most need. According to the latest basic needs assessment, 58% of UNM students experience some sort of food insecurity.

This week on Let’s Talk New Mexico we’re discussing all things food insecurity in New Mexico, including the overarching causes and necessary changes.

A list of resources around New Mexico for those who need assistance in the wake of the ongoing government shutdown and disruption in SNAP benefits.

A federal judge on Friday ruled it’s illegal for the Trump administration to stop federal food assistance and gave it until Monday to come up with a plan. That means millions are without those benefits over the weekend. But local restaurants around the state are stepping up to provide free meals for children and families.

New Mexico’s federal lawmakers are pushing bills aimed at bankrolling food assistance, which is set to stop Saturday amidst the ongoing government shutdown. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, both Democrats, are sponsoring bills aimed at stopping that, and said both the money and the votes are there.

SNAP benefits used to purchase food by nearly a half-million low-income New Mexicans are being used as a bargaining chip in the government shutdown.

The ongoing federal government shutdown means half the typical number of federal safety inspectors are on the field during the world’s biggest hot air balloon rally taking place in Albuquerque this week. But there will be no impacts on safety, according to Fiesta and longtime FAA officials.

The U.S. government will run out of money after midnight Tuesday to continue funding federal government entities across the country unless a deal is made by both the Democrats and Republicans.