I want to show you a photo.
UNM Graduation Day, 1994
I was big and pregnant during the time I was taking my finals at the University of New Mexico. Looking back on it, I was lucky to be able to finish my last few assignments before I went into labor. My child, Somah, was born just four days after I graduated.
My mother was right by my side at my graduation. Four days later, I became a mom, too.
Being a single mom was never easy. But Somah and I were able to scrape by, thanks to programs like food stamps and WIC that were there for us when we struggled. To this day, I believe every family and parent who needs it should be able to access the care and support they need.
Somah and I spent 24 hours a day together those first three years.
I’m sharing this story because right now, Republicans in Washington have proposed deep cuts to Medicaid, the vital insurance program that protects 72 million poor and disabled Americans. Medicaid covers 41% of births nationwide. Young mothers with stories just like mine are depending on us to defend Medicaid as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans in Congress put their health care on the chopping block.
From pregnant women taking on student debt to earn a degree, to children whose parents are scraping by paycheck to paycheck, I believe that every person should be able to access the lifesaving care they need.
Each of us has a moral obligation to be loud, brave, and fierce in our opposition to Republicans’ attempt to rip health care away from the most vulnerable. If you’re with me in the fight to protect Medicaid and the right to health care for all New Mexicans, please chip in $5.
It’s by sharing our stories that we can — and will — build a New Mexico that works for all its people.
Thank you for being a big part of this. 💛
Deb
