Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Congress Woman Teresa Ledger Fernandez made the rounds in Northeastern New Mexico Tuesday June 17, 2025, with the primary purpose of hearing from constituents on health issues and Medicare and Medicaid because of her concerns about budget cuts to those programs that are now being considered in Congress.
Her first stop was in Union County where she heard from a family that relies heavily on the two programs. The family has one adult that requires special care and feels she would be without any medical care should she lose the Medicare benefits. Her young son suffers from a bone disorder and relies on Medicaid benefits for his medical needs.
She also spoke on the importance of Union County General Hospital to the community of Clayton and Union County. Without the hospital to provide basic health care many residents could be forced to move to be closer to health care. It is also a huge benefit to ranchers and farmers in the area many who receive basic care for illnesses or after an accident before being transferred elsewhere for more advanced care.
After leaving Union County the congress woman arrived in Colfax County in time to visit the MCMC special board meeting where the board accepted the resignation of the new CEO who is having to move due to his wife’s health issues that are complicated by the higher elevation. Funding for the smaller hospitals is important as much of the funding the facilities receive is Medicare/Medicaid based.
She feels federal funding for local schools is also an important issue as the states are not always able to meet all the funding needs. This is especially important for things like at risk students and mental health concerns for students.
Another topic of conversation was tourism and jobs. Raton was home to a large coal mine in the past that provided many well-paying jobs that are no longer. She feels broadband internet is a very important issue for Colfax County and Raton in order to provide access for remote jobs and the opportunity for small business to expand their reach to the whole world to market their products. Good health care and proper education are two important things that will help attract those remote well-paying jobs.
Raton is also blessed with some very beautiful scenery, hiking, fishing and hunting that will help attract families as they will have things to do in their off time. It was noted that someone can stay in Raton and fish a different lake or stream for a whole week.
Fernandez also spoke about the division the country is seeing, believing that in the not to distance future we will see a more cohesive society. One that will bring about the feeling of community to residents of the area.
She also feels the big bill as she calls it is not the best, this is where the Medicaid and Medicare cuts will come by taking from the poor and giving to the rich. Does allowing big business and the rich to keep more money give them the opportunity to reinvest that money to expand business, Fernandez noted that she found that those rich and big business didn’t reinvest the money. But they do spend it bringing more tax money to their communities.
Should you have questions or need to contact the Congress Woman her web page https://fernandez.house.gov has her contact information and you can even sign up for her newsletter.
