Child Advocates Pleased with Introduction of State Child Tax Credit Bill

MEDIA STATEMENT
Jan. 23, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sharon Kayne, Communications Director, NM Voices for Children

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Amber Wallin, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, issued the following statement regarding HB 144, sponsored by Rep. Christine Chandler:

“This state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC) will be a big help to New Mexico’s working families and increasing the amount for families who are paid low incomes will truly target the credit to where it’s most needed. We also need to make the credit permanent.

“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.

“Another of the positive aspects of this kind of tax policy is that it’s direct cash assistance, so it allows the family to determine how best to spend the money based on their needs. 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. Credits like the CTC also make our overall tax system much fairer and more racially equitable.”

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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