HB 77: Annual Federal SNAP State Outreach Plans is expected to be debated on the House Floor as soon as TODAY, 2/21. We need your help to get it passed!

Call or email house members and ask them to pass HB 77! Here is a list with contact information.

New Mexico faces some of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation, despite food and community being central to the state’s identity. Many eligible New Mexicans, especially older adults, remain unenrolled in SNAP due to barriers in the application process. 

HB 77 aims to improve SNAP access by requiring the Health Care Authority to submit an annual outreach plan, allowing nonprofits like food banks to seek matching federal funds for enrollment efforts. This bill will increase access to SNAP, especially in rural areas and for older New Mexicans, while reducing state administrative burdens. 

HB 77 has been endorsed by the New Mexico Legislative Health and Human Services Committee.

You can share a personal story about how community based enrollment and outreach for SNAP would or has impacted you, your community or the community you serve. You can also say something like this: “I urge Representatives to support HB 77, which will leverage federal funding to address the high rates of food insecurity in New Mexico. Community based enrollment is a proven strategy to increase access to federal food assistance while reducing state administrative burdens.”

More information on the bill is below.

Sincerely,

Shanae Satriana, LCSW

New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty 

HB 77 Summary

• Requires the NM Health Care Authority to submit an annual SNAP Outreach Plan to the federal government, to seek federal funding to match charitable or other funds used for community outreach and enrollment of New Mexicans into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 
• The federal government permits states to submit annual SNAP Outreach Plans to seek federal match for charitable or government funds used for outreach to families who qualify for SNAP.  
• The bill does not mandate any state funds or expansions of what the state currently offers and provides discretion to the HCA as to contents and scope of the plan.