POLICY ISSUES

Rep. Leger Fernández poses with students during her visit to Cuba Schools.

We must invest in what we believe, and I believe our students are the future of New Mexico. I began my life-long love of learning at Head Start. I know that education is one of the most powerful ways to empower our youth and lay the foundation of progress. Our communities thrive when quality education is available to every student, regardless of their zip code.

Rep. Leger Fernández views the mountains from the Cerro de la Olla preserve.

Our Planet

Our land, our waters, and our people are intertwined. I represent a beautiful and beautifully diverse district where so much of our culture is tied to the land. When you begin to lose your land, you begin to lose a piece of yourself.

Health

All Americans have a right to quality, affordable health care, in the communities they call home That includes our communities who often lack access to care. In my time in congress I have advocated for policy that puts our gente first. The hardworking families of our country should not live in fear of the cost of a doctor's visit or life saving medication.

Rep. Leger Fernández visiting the Española clinic on March 22.

Veterans

It’s not enough to thank veterans for their service. We need to provide veterans with the services they have earned. During my time in Congress I have worked to expand access to health care, including mental health and suicide prevention resources.

Members of Congress in front of a wall that says Esperanza

Immigration

Immigrants bring invaluable talent and energy to communities in New Mexico and across the United States. Many leave everything they love behind in search of a better life for their families. They care for our elderly, pick and prepare our food, and are incredible entrepreneurs making our economy stronger and more vibrant.

Rep. Leger Fernández at base camp with the Zuni SWFF

Wildfires

New Mexico is getting hotter. Our droughts and wildfire seasons are getting longer, and we are seeing the effects of climate change become increasingly more damaging. We know that if our families want to continue to call this beautiful place home, we have an obligation to address these issues.

Water

As a former acequia commissioner in New Mexico I took on a large developer to protect our water systems because I know that when water flows we all thrive. Agua es vida. Water is life.

Native American Communities

We must protect sacred land, uplift Native voices, and celebrate Indigenous cultures. In New Mexico, we recognize the sacred lands and customs of our Pueblos. Indigenous peoples have taken care of the land and water since time immemorial. Leading by example, they have conserved and treasured precious resources for generations.

TLF attends a field hearing about voter access in New Mexico.

Voting Rights

I was raised in a household that truly believed in democracy. I often tell the story of my grandmother, who when she was literally in hospice, she’d call up people in Spanish and say, "You need to make sure you get to vote." Voting should be a celebration. It’s an opportunity to use your voice. That’s why I am committed to protect this right for every American.

COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our country was not prepared. We have lost so many Americans to this virus. I listened to the stories of need across my district, from our eastern borders, to our northwest quadrant, from our beautiful northern mountain villages to our larger cities of Santa Fe and Rio Rancho. That’s why, when our nation needed it the most, I voted for the American Rescue Plan.