MEDIA STATEMENT
Feb. 10, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sharon Kayne, Communications Director, NM Voices for Children, 505-361-1288 (direct)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Amber Wallin, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, issued the following statement regarding HB 213, sponsored by House Majority Leader Javier Martinez:
“This new state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC) will be a big help to New Mexico’s working families. Not only will it reach every single child, but it will make our tax system much fairer and more racially equitable. And it puts money in the pockets of families who will spend it rapidly and locally – so it’s good for the communities where they live, our small businesses, and the state’s economy.
“Studies have shown that CTCs have positive impacts on the whole family – from improved infant and maternal health to reduced child hunger. They also lead to better test scores for students, and higher graduation rates and college attendance, which leads to higher earnings when these children grow up.
“Temporary expansions in the federal CTC helped many New Mexico parents meet their family’s basic needs and were used to pay for basic necessities such as food and housing and paying off debt. With the fate of those federal expansions uncertain, it is great to see the state taking the lead on ensuring all families in the state can meet their needs and thrive.”
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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. 625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 195, Albuquerque, NM 87102; 505-244-9505 (p); www.nmvoices.org