LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Values StatementA just, equitable, and sustainable food system is one that provides physical, economic and community health; regenerates, protects, and respects natural resources and animals; and ensures that all people live with dignity and freedom from oppression and exploitation.

Issue Statement:  New Mexico’s food value chain is vulnerable with a disproportionate emphasis on exporting food outside of the state; insufficient food processing, storage and distribution systems; deficient systems to ensure the health of our vulnerable populations and natural resources; and inefficient plans to sustain and grow the agricultural economy of NM. 

Priority

Primary Ask/Goal

Funding for the Food Initiative

This year’s budget recommendation includes more than $118 million to continue to build a robust food system that grows, transports, and serves food to the New Mexicans who need it most.

Budget highlights
Food Initiative Budget Tracker
SNAP and TANF information sheet

Food Initiative funding details:

Healthy Universal School Meals budget request was close to fully funded at $41 million plus $19.9 million for the current year shortfall.
Included in the state’s budget is funding for increased funding for seniors and individuals with disabilities on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from $25 to $100 per month, totaling $14,106,800.
Food Banks will receive $5 million in support.
Healthy Food Financing Initiative, $200,000
Double Up Food Bucks, $633,000
Approved Supplier Program, $200,000
NMDA’s full budget for FY25 is $17,156,500 and includes healthy soils, conservation, and Land of Enchantment Legacy funds.
Increase of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Seniors and those with disabilities from $25 per month to $100 ($14,106,800 in funding).

 

Requesting $350 million for SB 9 the Conservation Legacy Fund

Legislative Sponsors: Senators Steven P. Neville and Peter Wirth

Information about the Conservation Legacy Fund

Statement about the funding 

 

Passed with the $300 million investment.

Passed the Senate Conservation Committee on 1/24/24

 

Two bills, one in each house:
Enacting the meat inspection act; authorizing the New Mexico Livestock Board to conduct meat inspections to ensure the safety and quality of meat for human consumption; creating the office of meat and poultry inspection; providing for inspection stamps and establishment numbers; providing penalties; providing exemptions for ritual slaughter.

Legislative Sponsors: 

HB 162 – Representatives Gail Armstrong, Jack Chatfield, Jimmy Mason, Susan K. Herrera and Harlan Vincent

SB 37 – Senators  Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics, George K. Muñoz, Pat Woods, Joshua A. Sanchez, and Representative Gail Armstrong

This bill will go to the Governor for her signature.

SB 37 Passed in the House of Representatives on 2/13 Y: 68, N: 0 with $795,500 for program implementation.

SB 37 Passed in the House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources on 2/8/24

HB 162 Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution on 2/6/24

SB 37 Passed in the Senate on 2/6/24  Y:39, N: 0

SB 37 Senate Finance Committee: Passed on 2/5/24

SB 37 Senate Judiciary Committee: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution on 2/1/24

HB 162 Passed the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee on 1/30/24.

 

Making an appropriation to carry out the purposes of the Acequia and Community Ditch Fund Act.

Legislative Sponsors: Senators Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales and Leo Jaramillo

Received $1 million in funding.

Passed the Senate Conservation Committee on 2/6/24

 

Making an appropriation to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to develop findings and recommendations for a viable, voluntary and incentive-based statewide composting program.

Legislative Sponsors: Senators Pete Campos, Jack Chatfield, Peter Wirth

Information about the Statewide Composting Program

Not passed.
Passed the Senate Conservation Committee on 1/25/24

 

Requesting six million dollars ($6,000,000) to fund and support county and tribal health councils statewide to carry out the functions as stated in the County and Tribal Health Councils Act. 

Legislative Sponsors: Representative Anthony Allison, Gail Armstrong, Derrick J. Lente, D. Wonda Johnson and Senator Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson

Received $3 million in funding plus $160,000, specific to Harding, Quay, Union and Colfax counties.

Passed the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee on 1/23/24

Requesting the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to consider acceptance of a pollinator protection plan as proposed by the New Mexico Beekeepers Association and assess ways to protect pollinators through community education, outreach and data collection.

Legislative Sponsors: Representative Kristina Ortiz

Passed in the House of Representatives on 2/15/24  Y: 70 N: 0

Passed House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Committee on 2/6/24

 

Declaring January 25, 2024 “New Mexico Food and Farms day” in the House of Representatives in celebration of community food and farm initiatives toward ending hunger and strengthening the statewide food system.

Sponsor: Representative Joanne Ferrary

 

Passed in the House of Representatives – Y:70 N:0  Signed by one or both houses (for legislation not requiring Governor’s signature)

This bill will not be heard this year, but will hopefully be heard in 2025.

More information about the effort to create a NM Public Bank.