Tell Legislators: Fully Fund HCA to Ensure New Mexicans Get SNAP Benefits!

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Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I urge you to fully fund the Health Care Authority Income Support Division (ISD) at $5.8 million in the FY 2026 budget. ISD is essential for helping New Mexicans access SNAP benefits and health care, but the Legislative Finance Committee’s proposal cuts this to just $1 million, threatening services and federal funding.
These cuts would mean losing 131 caseworkers, making it much harder for families to enroll in and renew benefits. The budget also fails to sustain an 8% incentive, effectively cutting pay and increasing staff turnover. ISD also needs funding to train new workers, as it takes a full year to master SNAP processing, which only they are legally allowed to do.
SNAP isn’t just a safety net—it’s an economic driver. Every $1 invested in SNAP generates $1.70 in economic activity, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Fully funding ISD is a smart investment in New Mexico’s economy and communities.
Please restore full funding for ISD at $5.8 million to protect these critical services. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

The Legislative Finance Committee's budget has drastically cut funding for the NM Health Care Authority’s Income Support Division (ISD). This reduction means 131 less caseworkers will be available to enroll and renew vital SNAP benefits.  The ISD must have proper funding to ensure New Mexicans can access SNAP benefits and health care when needed. The Legislative Finance Committee’s proposal drastically cuts this funding from $5.8 million to $1 million, jeopardizing staffing levels and putting critical federal funding at risk. This 22% reduction in caseworkers would make it significantly harder for families to enroll in and renew benefits. Caseworkers are vital: only these caseworkers are legally authorized to enroll and renew benefits. SNAP is more than just a safety net—it’s a powerful economic driver that strengthens communities. Every $1 invested in SNAP generates $1.70 in economic activity, fueling local businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring New Mexicans have access to nutritious food. 25% of New Mexicans use SNAP. Email the members of the House Appropriations & Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee now. Urge them to fully fund the HCA Income Support Division. Take a moment to customize the email to legislators. If possible, share a personal experience related to food insecurity, SNAP, or the potential impact these funding cuts will have on your community. Personal stories can powerfully highlight the real-world consequences of these funding cuts and help lawmakers understand the urgent need to fully fund these critical programs.

Who will receive your email?

Nathan Small Representative

Brian Baca Representative

Cathrynn Brown Representative

Charlotte Little Representative

Debbie Sarinana Representative

Harlan Vincent Representative

Jack Chatfield Representative

Joseph Hernandez Representative

Joseph Sanchez Representative

Joy Garratt Representative

Mark Duncan Representative

Meredith Dixon Representative

Randy Pettigrew Representative

Rebecca Dow Representative

Sarah Silva Representative

Susan Herrera Representative

Pamelya Herndon Representative

Tara Lujan Representative

Benny Shendo Senator

Bobby Gonzales Senator

Craig Brandt Senator

George Munoz Senator

Jeff Steinborn Senator

Linda Trujillo Senator

Michael Padilla Senator

Nicole Tobiassen Senator

Pat Woods Senator

Pete Campos Senator

Steve Lanier Senator

HAFC

Senate Finance Committee