New Mexico
New Mexico lawmakers monitor federal funding freeze fallout
The New Mexico legislature can only watch and wait for a formal resolution of the issues caused by a temporary federal funding freeze.
SANTA FE, N.M. — By the time the New Mexico legislative finance committee director was able to update lawmakers today, the federal funding freeze was essentially over. But that doesn’t mean New Mexico was spared from the temporary consequences.
Charles Sallee, the LFC director, confirmed to lawmakers that New Mexico’s Medicaid funding portal was shut down Tuesday — like many other states — but he said no services were interrupted.
However, he did reveal that the health care authority is still missing $40 million worth of federal funding it was expecting to receive on Monday, but it’s not exactly clear what that money is earmarked for. Other than that, it seems things are back to normal.
But the big question is whether or not state lawmakers need to prepare a contingency plan.
New Mexico receives billions of dollars in federal funding every year, and the LFC director revealed those payments are often reimbursements, meaning the state fronts the cost for things like Medicaid and the feds pay them back. And there’s only so much money in New Mexico’s bank account.
“If it were a two-week period, then we’d have to work around that reimbursement process to make sure services don’t stop,” Sallee said. “But we know that we’re going to be able to have enough money in the treasury that would be longer than that would be problematic.”
That’s where state lawmakers left it today. They do have a lot of other stuff to think about, after all, and New Mexico’s federal delegation is working on this as well.
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined fellow senate democrats to speak out against the funding freeze this morning, saying federal money earmarked for drug enforcement operations, sexual assault victims’ resources and even natural disaster aid was all in jeopardy.
“So, you’re going to tell people who are the victim of these fires, one of which was actually the result of actions of the federal government that impacted these communities, that that we’re going to hold up your disaster assistance funding until we figure out whether giving you that funding is somehow woke,” Heinrich said. “I mean, this is just ridiculous, folks.”
A spokesperson with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office said she’s working with attorney general Raul Torrez, lawmakers and her cabinet secretaries to determine the implications in New Mexico.
“Our initial assessment indicates serious constitutional concerns that require immediate attention,” the spokesperson said.
The governor’s office is expected to provide a more detailed response to this in the coming days. And legislative leaders said they’ll be keeping a close eye on the developments, but it does not seem there’s plans for an alternate state budget right now.
New Mexico
New Mexico has received 18,000 reports of elder abuse this year
The state is warning about signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries and sudden changes in behavior, like withdrawing from social activities.
SANTA FE, N.M. — So far in 2026, New Mexico has received 18,000 reports of elder abuse and Adult Protective Services warns there could be many more unreported cases.
The abuse can include neglect, exploitation or even scamming. If you suspect someone may be a victim of abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 1-866-654-3219.
The signs to look for include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior or unusual banking activity. You could also notice them withdrawing from social activities or communication and being fearful around caregivers.
New Mexico
Edgewood approves tax funds for fire, EMS deal with Santa Fe County
Edgewood commissioners approved tax funding for fire and emergency medical services, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the town would keep coverage.
EDGEWOOD, N.M. – Edgewood commissioners approved tax funding for fire and emergency medical services, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the town would keep coverage.
At Tuesday night’s town hall, commissioners unanimously approved using gross receipts tax revenue to pay the town’s share of the joint powers agreement with the Santa Fe County Fire Department.
The town’s former deal with Santa Fe County was set to expire after June 30.
The vote followed weeks of questions about whether the small mountain town would continue to have fire and emergency medical services.
Commissioners took action after back and forth between the town and county over the agreement.
At one point, some people in Edgewood signed a petition to disincorporate the town.
The vote gives residents an answer on how the town plans to keep those services in place.
New Mexico
Fire contained to 2 acres after prompting evacuations in San Juan County
SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. — Firefighters have contained a fire in San Juan County to 2 acres after it prompted evacuations around 13 miles north of Farmington.
Crews contained the fire to around 2 acres on New Mexico Highway 170, just north of Road 1424. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office closed the highway while crews flow water to the scene.
San Juan County Fire and Rescue stated there is “a lot of debris” on fire that will continue to burn. There are also power lines down in the area, which will likely close the highway for “an extended period of time.”
They’re asking people to avoid the area and find a way around as evacuations are in place.
According to San Juan County, firefighters are responding with structure fire and wildfire resources. Further details are limited at this time.
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