He said he would lower costs: Governor slams Trump, Republicans on healthcare cuts

Healthcare Access & Affordability - Healthcare premiums in New Mexico are projected to increase by 36% [2] - Federal healthcare cuts, potentially totaling nearly $1 trillion, are viewed as detrimental to funding for children, disabled adults, and individuals with chronic diseases [6] - These cuts could lead to clinic and hospital closures, particularly impacting rural and poor states with weakened healthcare systems [3][4] - Prevention measures are being eliminated, and prescription drug costs are rising, exemplified by challenges in accessing vaccines [9][10] State-Level Responses & Initiatives - New Mexico is planning a special session to allocate funds to Medicaid in response to federal cuts, aiming to maintain access to healthcare [5] - New Mexico has the highest per capita enrollment in Medicaid in the country [5] - New Mexico has established a trust fund for universal child care, initially funded with $300 million, now valued at $9 billion, utilizing revenue from the oil and gas sector [14] - New Mexico has expanded child care access to families at 200% and then 400% of the poverty level, with no co-pays [16] - Eleven states are reportedly working on or have implemented changes to their child care systems [12][13] Economic Impact of Child Care - Providing universal child care is seen as a wealth-building strategy for families, improving well-being and outcomes [6] - Lack of access to child care disproportionately affects women, leading to reduced earnings (40% less for those taking a year or two off), retirement savings, and social security benefits [16] - Investing in child care can stimulate rural economic development by creating new child care centers and supporting working mothers [17] - New Mexico is investing in quality child care and paying child care workers $18 to $21 per hour [17]