Land Grant-Merced Assistance Passes Committee with Unanimous Support

Legislation creating the land grant-merced assistance fund to be administered by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) passed the House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs committee today. 

HB 8 would provide financial assistance to qualified land grant-mercedes across New Mexico. Annual distribution from the fund would begin in 2023. This financial assistance would provide relief to families in rural land grant communities who still live largely traditional or agricultural lifestyles, relying on the land and acequias. 

“This assistance to land grant-mercedes will help preserve traditional New Mexican culture for future generations, and ensure these communities can continue their way of life,” said Representative Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) who is sponsoring the bill.   

Land grant-merced communities in the Southwest have suffered social and economic hardships for more than a century. As the oldest non-Native American institutions in our nation, land grant-mercedes have long given voice and power to New Mexico’s traditional communities. HB 8 is sponsored by Rep. McQueen, Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe), and Representatives Kristina Ortez (D-Taos), Roger Montoya (D-Velarde) and Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the session. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter the building. Members of the public can view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.  

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