SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (AP) -- Republican Gov. Susana Martinez says she will continue a state program through September to supplement federal food stamp benefits for elderly and disabled New Mexicans.
Martinez announced Monday she will use federal economic stimulus money to prevent a reduction of food stamp benefits starting in July for about 4,000 low-income people.
The governor estimated it will cost $50,000 a month to continue the program.
A special session of the Legislature is planned in September to deal with redistricting, and the governor said lawmakers can consider whether to allocate money for the supplemental food stamp program during the rest of the budget year.
The Legislature provided no money for the program in the fiscal year that starts in July despite a $650,000 budget request by the Martinez administration.
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