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
