FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2021
Contact: Joaquin Romero
joaquin.romero@nmlegis.gov
(505) 506-5798
Senator Gregg Schmedes Issues Statement on Healthcare Worker Shortage
Secretary-Designate of Workforce Solutions estimates about 13,000 available jobs
SANTA FE – In a briefing held yesterday by the Department of Workforce Solutions, Secretary-Designate Ricky Serna reported that more than 13,000 jobs are currently available and needed in the healthcare and social assistance field.
Senator Gregg Schmedes (District 19-Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Torrance), a physician in Albuquerque, issued the following statement in response to the healthcare worker shortage in New Mexico:
"Long before COVID, New Mexico was already facing a healthcare worker shortage. Unfortunately, the heavy-handed, unscientific actions of the Governor have only exacerbated the problem.”
“The crescendo of this debacle was the vaccine mandate in the most recent public health order, as many of my colleagues were forced into early retirement or termination. Those whom the Governor once touted as ‘heroes’ have been carelessly demonized and kicked to the curb at a time when we need them most. This shortage will only decrease our healthcare access in this state and jeopardizes the health and welfare of our people."
###
