By Susan Dunlap, NM Political Report
Sept. 16, 2024
The U.S. Census Bureau released data last week that shows that when New Mexico’s anti-poverty programs are taken into account under the supplemental poverty measure, the child poverty rate improves so that the state ranks 22nd in the nation for child poverty instead of last.
The official poverty measure, which ranks New Mexico as last, counts only wage-based income. The supplemental poverty measure also counts anti-poverty programs, including refundable tax credits, noncash benefits such as SNAP and the local cost of living, according to a news release from New Mexico Voices for Children.
New Mexico Voices for Children called this “great news.”
“This information is crucial for lawmakers as it shows how anti-poverty policies improve children’s daily lives by providing essential resources that enhance well-being and lead to better long-term outcomes for families,” Gabrielle Uballez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, said in a news release.
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