How does Deb Haaland plan to make things more affordable as governor?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — After making history at the ballot box, Governor-elect Deb Haaland says she’s turning her attention to a campaign promise: lowering costs for New Mexicans.

“Tonight our state proved that Democrats are entrusted to fight for our home, for New Mexico, not New America,” Haaland said in her victory speech Tuesday.

She ran on making things more affordable for New Mexicans. So how does she plan on keeping that promise?

“It’s affecting all of us,” David Pike said. “I notice it in groceries, in gas, in everything.”

Pike said being able to afford everyday living is top of mind. He was eating breakfast when the person he voted for, in hopes of lowering those costs, walked in.

“We weren’t expecting it. It was a treat, and we turned around. We had a front row seat,” he said.

After winning Tuesday’s election, Haaland and Lt. Governor-elect Stephanie Garcia Richard went to Barelas Coffee House to say hi to customers and talk about what they want to prioritize on day one.

How does Haaland plan to make life more affordable?

KOB 4 Reporter Monica Logroño: “You mentioned affordability. How do you plan to put that in action, actually making things more affordable for New Mexicans?”

“We talked about on the campaign trail many times enhancing the child tax credit and the working families tax credit, you know, moving our clean energy transition forward to lower utility costs,” Haaland responded.

Haaland and Garcia Richard also said things like healthcare, housing and income play a role.

“If people don’t have health care, they go to the emergency room, and it raises costs for all of us,” Haaland said.

“Ensuring that housing costs are affordable for families, and so that’s something we’ve done at the state land office. We’ve been able to build affordable housing, so I look forward to bringing that experience,” Garcia Richard said. “And then the second thing is raising the minimum wage, so New Mexicans have more money in their pockets.”

For voters like Pike, he’s hopeful they’ll get it done.

“I’m excited by what feels like the dawning of a new era and the feeling of fresh happiness in the air for me. So I’m excited,” he said.

Haaland said some of her administration’s other priorities will be education, public safety and healthcare. To read more about that, click here.

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