Ahead of Veterans Day, Caucus member, former Interior Secretary and gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland, toured the Veterans Integration Center in Albuquerque. During the tour, she was briefed on veterans’ needs as they move from active service to veteran status. Haaland emphasized her plans to strengthen the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, fill the gaps in veterans programs after the Trump Administration slashed funding, create programs that formally recognize veterans’ transferable skills in the civilian workforce, and crack down on predatory businesses that try to exploit veterans.

“Our veterans have earned the right to come back to the benefits and resources that will put them on their feet,” she said, continuing, “but right now threats from the Trump White House and inaction in Congress are taking those resources away. That’s why the state can strengthen our Department of Veteran Services and partner with places like the Veterans Integration Center to step up for those who risk everything to protect our country,”