By Mo Charnot, Santa Fe Reporter
Jan. 22, 2024
Most education and economic conditions improved for New Mexico’s estimated 455,475 children last year, but rankings still lag behind national averages, according to the latest New Mexico Kids Count Data Book released by New Mexico Voices for Children on Jan. 22.
Emily Wildau, the organization’s senior research and policy analyst, said in a news conference that despite gains, racial inequity persists, and that’s why Voices for Children will focus on increasing equity during the current legislative session.
“Over 77% of New Mexico’s children are children of color, and 30% are of two or more races,” Wildau said. “It’s critical that we understand how even in our long-term improvements, children in families of color often continue to experience worse outcomes as a result of policy choices throughout the history of our nation and our state. Considering the racial equity impact of all policies moving forward will be the only way to begin closing those gaps.”
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