Albuquerque, N.M. - The Democratic Party of New Mexico released the following statement after employees at the Human Services Department (HSD) reported that they were encouraged by HSD officials to falsify SNAP applications, keeping some of New Mexico's most vulnerable residents from receiving the benefits they need.

"Governor Martinez's administration has a long history of abusing power to the detriment of New Mexico's most vulnerable residents," said Joe Kabourek, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "The lengths this administration goes through to create a culture of fear and keep services from New Mexicans is disgraceful. Falsifying documents is fraud, and it's disturbing to know this is happening in our state."

Employees at HSD claim that they were pressured to change income claims on SNAP applications that would have otherwise qualified for expedited processing. As a result, New Mexico families in dire need did not receive benefits in a timely manner as required.

The pattern of eliminating services for New Mexico's most vulnerable residents started in 2013 when Governor Martinez's administration falsely accused 15 New Mexico's behavioral health care providers of fraud, causing many of those providers to close their doors, putting more than 1,600 people out of work, and ultimately eliminating crucial services.