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NM State Official Draws Fire Over Hunger Comments

A Democratic legislative leader is calling on Human Services Secretary Sidonie Squier to resign because of her comments there's no "significant evidence of hunger in New Mexico."

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez of Belen said Wednesday the secretary's comments in an email last week to members of a Hunger Task Force is an example of Squier's "utter lack of understanding of what her job requires and the people she serves."

A spokesman for Republican Gov. Susana Martinez said the governor supports Squier but the secretary email was poorly worded.

Squier acknowledged in a statement Wednesday that there are child hunger problems in the state.

A study by a national food bank organization this year found that New Mexico is the highest for childhood hunger in the U.S.

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