Americans for Autism Advocacy Blasts New Mexico Governor Grisham on her Handling on Autism and Mental Health Funding

The New Mexico Legislature began its final thirty day session of the 2023-2024 biennium last week.  Lawmakers in the Land of Enchantment are racing to pass legislation before the New Mexico Legislature adjourns for the 2023-2024 session.

New Mexico Political Report reported on January 21st that the state’s department of health is delaying state funding payments to school health centers that are dependent on state funds. Breaking the Silence New Mexico, which was featured in the story, has not received a payment from the state since last July.  Organizations like Breaking the Silence New Mexico are critical in helping provide mental health education to all students including those who are neurodiverse.

A non-partisan analysis by Autism Parenting Magazine has ranked New Mexico the 9th worst state in the nation to raise a child with Autism.  Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s  (D-New Mexico) mishandling of operations at the New Mexico Department of Health is totally unacceptable.  At a time when more New Mexicans need mental health access, Governor Grisham is busy auditioning for a cabinet post in a second Biden administration.

Governor Grisham owes an explanation to all New Mexicans why her administration is slow in providing timely state aid payments to health education organizations.  Either Governor Grisham should provide that explanation or demand that Secretary of Health Patrick Allen resign from his cabinet post.