Dear Friend,

I wanted to reach out about the rising cost of living for families and small businesses that we are all feeling right now. From the gas station to the grocery store, I know that prices are rising and putting a strain on families and small businesses across New Mexico. Growing up in a working-class family, I know what it’s like to work hard seven days a week and still struggle to put food on the table at the end of the day.

As you may have heard, the inflation we are facing now is a global trend. The pandemic continues to disrupt the way the world produces and consumes goods and has fundamentally shifted the labor market. And, as hard as it may be to believe, the United States is faring better than many of our peer nations. I know that this explanation does little to ease the burden for the families from the East Mountains to the Westside who are struggling to make ends meet—but I want you to know that you are not alone.

In Congress, I am fighting every single day for legislation that will help working families make ends meet.

This week, I passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act with my House colleagues, which is headed for President Biden’s desk right now. Why does this matter to New Mexicans? This bipartisan bill will lower costs for consumers and small businesses by cracking down on the extraordinary prices that international shipping companies charge. I also cosponsored and passed the Relief for Restaurants and Hard-Hit Small Businesses Act in the House to help keep our small businesses open and I am calling on my Senate colleagues to pass this vital funding. I’m also working on solutions to lower the prices New Mexicans pay at the pump, while balancing our long-term goals to diversify our economy and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.

I see the hurt that New Mexicans are facing right now—and I am doing everything in my power to lower costs now while investing in an economy that works for everyone in the future.

If you or your family is in need of assistance, please reach out to my office by calling 505-346-6781. We can help you find federal programs for your family and small business that you might be eligible for and help you navigate the red tape.

Additionally, here is the link to New Mexico’s comprehensive assistance resource page, where you can find information on services between food, rent, utilities, and more:  https://www.newmexico.gov/i-need-assistance/.

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my staff at (505) 346-6781. If you’d like to keep up to date on what I am working on in Washington on behalf of New Mexico’s First Congressional District and our communities, you can subscribe to our newsletter here, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely,



Melanie A. Stansbury
Member of Congress