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Commission adopts county priorities for governor’s Oct. 1 special session focused on Medicaid, SNAP and public broadcasting
Summary
Bernalillo County approved an administrative resolution authorizing county lobbyists to advance priorities addressing anticipated federal cuts from HR1, including protecting Medicaid and SNAP funding, supporting public broadcast emergency communications, and bolstering the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 23 adopted a resolution identifying the county’s legislative priorities for a state special session convened by the governor on Oct. 1, 2025. The resolution directs county staff and contract lobbyists to support actions that protect Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, preserve public broadcasting emergency communications, and provide resources to the New Mexico Health Care Authority to manage upcoming Medicaid enrollment changes.
Why it matters: County staff told commissioners the federal HR 1 law signed July 4 will shift costs to states and reduce federal funding for programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, potentially creating multibillion-dollar shortfalls that would affect households and rural health systems statewide.
What the resolution says: Kathy Cort, county staff, summarized the resolution as supporting legislative measures to
- fund and protect Medicaid and SNAP benefits for New Mexicans; - support public broadcasting services that carry emergency communications to rural areas; - promote affordable health insurance for residents losing Medicaid coverage; - secure resources for the New Mexico Health Care Authority to implement Medicaid enrollment changes; and - support local governments facing reductions in federal transportation funding.
Vote and process: The board approved immediate adoption after a motion to suspend rules to allow timely action; the resolution passed 4–1, with Commissioner Benson recorded as absent from the special-session vote. Commissioners emphasized the urgency of the state response and thanked staff and lobbyists for rapid work.
Distinguishing discussion vs. direction: The meeting record shows discussion among staff and commissioners about the expected impacts of HR 1 and the need to coordinate with state lawmakers; the resolution gives county managers and lobbyists authority to advocate the stated priorities during the special session.
What’s next: With the resolution adopted, county staff and contracted lobbyists will represent Bernalillo County’s priorities to the governor’s office and the Legislature when the special session convenes on Oct. 1, 2025.
