Press Release

June 28, 2007

CONTACT: Lisa Adams-Shafer, Kids Count Research Associate
505-244-9505 ext.34 (p), ladamsshafer@nmvoices.org

OR

Sharon Kayne, Communications Director, New Mexico Voices for Children
505-244-9505 ext. 30 (p), 505-401-8709 (c), 505-244-9509 (f), skayne@nmvoices.org

New Border Kids Count report:
Children living in border communities
face higher poverty rates

ALBUQUERQUE-New Mexico children who live on or near the U.S./Mexico border face higher rates of poverty than children in the state as a whole, in part because the unemployment rate is higher and paychecks are lower. That's one of the conclusions reached in the latest Kids Count report from New Mexico Voices for Children.

The Border Kids Count report is a series of data 'snapshots' of the 24 state legislative districts on or near the Mexican border. They include data such as child poverty rates, educational attainment, and English proficiency. The snapshots will be released at a press conference today.

"New Mexico has experienced some good economic development," said Lisa Adams-Shafer, Kids Count Director and snapshot author, "but the border region has largely missed out on this opportunity. Better jobs and good educational opportunities are essential to keeping smaller, more rural communities alive."

U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, himself a long-time resident of Southern New Mexico released this statement about the findings: "The Border Kids Count Report raises issues of vital importance to the future of our region, as well as our state and nation. Despite growth and economic progress along our U.S.-Mexico border, many of our children are falling behind at alarming levels and continue to suffer the consequences of poverty, illness, and lack of education. I want to commend New Mexico Voices for Children for their efforts to call attention to these issues, which should serve as a call to action to us all."

The Border Kids Count snapshots will be available online at www.nmvoices.org/kidscount.htm.

The Kids Count program is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which also publishes the annual national Kids Count data book.

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New Mexico Voices for Children is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advocating for policies to improve the health and well-being of New Mexico's children, families and communities.
2340 Alamo SE, Suite 120, Albuquerque, NM 87106; 505-244-9505 (p); www.nmvoices.org