SANTA FE, N.M. – In her seventh State of the State address delivered Tuesday at the New Mexico House of Representatives, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at addressing the state’s most pressing challenges. Her proposals span public safety, affordable housing, child welfare, health care, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Before the address could begin, the New Mexico House of Representatives swore in their new members and re-elected Javier Martinez (D – Bernalillo) as Speaker of the House.
After some formalities and ceremonial business, the Speaker of the House called the New Mexico Seante and invited the New Mexico Governor to the House floor for the annual State of the State Address.
This was the beginning of the 60-day New Mexico Legislative Session, which opened with a vacancy in House District 6. This vacancy means that the western half of Cibola County, the communities of El Morro, Pinehill, Zuni, Thoreau, Bluewater, Fence Lake, the Village of Milan and parts of the City of Grants and various parts of McKinley County are without representation in the legislature. Before her address began, the governor sent a letter to the county commissions of Cibola and McKinley ordered them to submit a new nominee, because both county commissions agreed on a person who does not live in the district.
“Over the past six years, we’ve achieved so much in New Mexico—from reducing child poverty to ensuring free college for every resident,” said Lujan Grisham, who came in with a big smile on her face. “But there is still more to do. I’m proposing new initiatives to tackle crime, expand affordable housing, protect children, improve health care, and more.”
On the most pressing issues, Lujan Grisham outlined her plans and priorities.
Public Safety The governor called for updates to criminal competency laws to ensure individuals repeatedly cycling through the court system receive necessary treatment. She also proposed stronger penalties for felons in possession of firearms and measures to combat fentanyl trafficking.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness Lujan Grisham introduced plans to establish a state Office of Housing and allocate $50 million to support affordable housing development. Another $50 million would be dedicated to fighting homelessness through services such as job training and temporary housing.
Climate and Energy The governor proposed updates to the state’s Oil and Gas Act and a state-sponsored fire insurance program to protect homeowners. She also highlighted the need for a strategic water supply to support clean energy projects and advanced manufacturing.
Economic Development To foster economic growth, the governor is requesting $20 million to help qualified businesses expand or relocate to New Mexico. She also announced the arrival of Quantinuum, a major quantum computing company, solidifying the state’s role as a leader in emerging industries. She did not say where exactly in the state this company will be moving.
Health Care and Child Welfare Lujan Grisham’s health care initiatives include a $100 million expansion of behavioral health services and $50 million for rural health care delivery. Additionally, she proposed the creation of an independent Child Protection Authority to oversee the state’s Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD).
Education The governor reaffirmed her commitment to universal childcare, proposing an additional $205 million to make it a reality. Other education priorities include making the Office of Special Education permanent, investing $50 million annually in the Indian Education Fund, and establishing a comprehensive math and STEM program.
A Vision for New Mexico
Throughout her address, Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of bipartisan Courtesy Photo collaboration to address New Mexico’s challenges.
“We’ve shown how New Mexico’s past need not predict its future,” she said. “Our investments are laying the foundation for generational change. Let’s double down on our achievements and extend the promise of New Mexico to every corner of our state.”
As the legislative session begins, New Mexicans will be watching closely to see how lawmakers respond to the governor’s bold vision for 2025.