Healthy & Safe Communities Blog
What to Expect During the Upcoming Special Session
By Jacob Vigil Chief Legislative Officer September 29, 2025 On October 1, 2025, Governor Lujan Grisham will convene a special session to address deep federal budget cuts and changes to SNAP and Medicaid that will directly harm New Mexico’s [...]
How Will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impact New Mexico?
By Emily Wildau, MPP Now that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has been signed into law, New Mexico lawmakers will be forced to defend against cuts to the income support programs that lift many of our families [...]
The Big Beautiful Bill Passed – What We Need From You
Dear Friends, On July 4th, the President signed a devastating reconciliation bill that will hurt millions of Americans, including children and families right here in New Mexico. This bill slashes food assistance, guts health care access, and hands grotesque [...]
Federal SNAP Changes Will Mean More Hungry New Mexicans
No one deserves to go hungry, and the vast majority of our friends and neighbors in New Mexico have held this fundamental belief for generations. But despite the proven success of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Congress is seeking cruel cuts to federal funding that will leave many families hungry.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Will Gut Health Care in New Mexico
New Mexico’s children and families deserve affordable, high-quality health care, but instead they face the fear of losing this basic human right. Medicaid, among other essential services like food assistance, is being threatened in the budget bill moving through the U.S. Congress right now. In late May, the House of Representatives voted to pass the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which has ugly and harmful implications for families and communities throughout the U.S. and New Mexico.
Once again, N.M. ranks 50th for kids; this must change
Santa Fe New Mexican--New Mexicans are a people of strength, resilience and deep-rooted pride — shaped by our commitment to community and our dedication to the well-being of families. That’s why it’s painful to reconcile our values with the news in this week’s release of state rankings on child well-being from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual Kids Count Data Book. Once again, New Mexico is ranked 50th. Two things are true: Progress takes time — and our children can’t afford to wait.
Support New Mexico’s Kids, Not Billionaires
By Paige Knight May 16, 2025 New Mexico’s kids - not billionaires - should be the beneficiaries of the natural resources that belong to us all. Yet, under Congressional Republicans' current budget proposal, oil companies stand to add to [...]
New Mexico Voices for Children Releases 2024 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book
January 21, 2025 As child advocates, we strive for long-term, sustainable change and rely on data to understand which policies will most effectively meet the needs of our families. To support Legislators as they evaluate legislation, New Mexico Voices [...]
As They Say in Hollywood, ‘That’s a Wrap’
Another legislative session is behind us and while this was budget-only, 30-day session, there is still plenty to celebrate for families and children. Read about the highlights here.
Move toward a healthier New Mexico
Santa Fe New Mexican--Nothing is more foundational to one’s well-being than one’s health. Lawmakers can help people be and stay healthy by making strong investments in programs that address health threats and inequities.