President Donald Trump’s drastic federal workforce cuts are starting to be felt in New Mexico, where federal employees make up a significant portion of the workforce. The state is grappling with the impact of these cuts, including staff layoffs at various federal agencies. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has already led to layoffs and suspensions at national parks, tribal colleges, and healthcare facilities.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park has suspended guided tours due to layoffs of interpreter rangers. The Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque has lost 20% of its staff, affecting tutoring services for students. The Indian Health Services faced layoffs that were later rescinded, but concerns remain over understaffing.
The U.S. Forest Service has seen significant staff cuts in New Mexico, raising concerns about conservation efforts and wildfire risk management. In addition, the New Mexico Ecological Services Office within the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife has lost its only contaminant biologist monitoring oil spills. Natural Resources Conservation Services and Veterans Affairs have also experienced layoffs, impacting services for farmers, ranchers, and veterans in the state.
The fallout from these federal workforce cuts is being keenly felt in New Mexico, with many federal employees facing uncertainty and challenges. The state’s economy and essential services are at risk of being affected by the ongoing layoffs and suspensions. As federal workers grapple with the aftermath of these cuts, concerns linger about the long-term impacts on various sectors in the state.
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