Census data shows us poverty is a policy choice
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic assistance policies like the expanded federal Child Tax Credit resulted in a record decline in child poverty. Now, with the end of COVID-era assistance, the nation saw a record increase in child poverty – clearly showing us that poverty is a policy choice.
Our State Must Continue Its Historic Investments In Families And Kids
Rio Rancho Observer--New Mexico’s children deserve every opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. With the critical funding our Legislature appropriated, these programs will reduce childhood poverty and improve educational outcomes for children. They will also expand economic opportunities for families across New Mexico. And we know that kids do better when families have the resources they need.
As Pandemic Funds Expire, Child-Care Centers Struggle to Survive
Wall Street Journal--In New Mexico, voters approved the first constitutional amendment guaranteeing funding for early childhood education last November. While the impending loss of Covid-relief funding wasn’t the reason for the amendment’s success, it did increase urgency around its passage, said Amber Wallin, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children.
Study shows $1 billion potential bill for oil and gas clean up without BLM rule change
KRWG--For far too long, antiquated policies under the current leasing system have left our families on the hook to pay to clean up messes left behind by bankrupt oil and gas companies – messes involving orphaned wells with decaying and leaking infrastructure that can pollute our air and water. This has robbed our communities of tax dollars that could have been put to use improving our children’s classrooms, and our hospitals and roadways.
Report emphasizes impacts of climate change on children’s health
NM Political Report--Shiv said the harm of climate change comes in the fact that all the issues are interrelated. “Having conditions for drought, we’re more likely to see more wildfires. That worsens air quality; we see poor air quality and that connects to extreme heat. It’s hard to pick out one issue. It’s all linked to climate change,” she said.
Kids are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, new report says
Albuquerque Journal--“Rising temperatures, droughts and floods have huge impacts on food chains — which then impact the amount of food, the quality of food and increases the prices of food,” Shiv said. “All of that makes it harder to access healthy, nutritious food … in a state where 21% of children already have limited access to food.”