Blog Posts

Jun 14 2020

Social sea change only comes when demanded

Alex McCausland2024-04-02T13:15:10-06:00Blog Posts, Human Rights/Civic Participation Blog, Human Rights/Civic Participation News Coverage, News Coverage, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity News Coverage|

Rio Rancho Observer--Like all great social upheaval, change will not occur until it is demanded. Those in power must see that fundamental reform is the only way they can keep their power and that, if they resist, they will be replaced. That means getting angry and channeling the anger constructively. It means taking to the streets and protesting peacefully. And most of all, it means voting. Voting for candidates who are committed to dismantling structural racism in all our institutions.

May 13 2020

Investing in all New Mexicans will lead us to a quicker, more equitable recovery

Alex McCausland2020-05-13T10:41:44-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog, Tax and Budget Blog|

During this public health emergency, New Mexico needs to do all it can to shore up essential services, take care of frontline workers, and extend a hand to New Mexicans who are sick, unable to work, or struggling to provide for their families. But falling tax revenue has put at risk New Mexico’s ability to protect our communities. While the path forward won’t be easy, lawmakers can steer us toward an equitable recovery by putting families first.

May 06 2020

When inequity and capitalism meet COVID-19

Alex McCausland2020-05-06T11:04:47-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the brutal truth that the economic divide between the haves and have-nots – caused by centuries of discrimination and enshrined in unfettered capitalism – is not simply a quality-of-life matter. It is, in fact, a matter of life and death.

Apr 06 2020

How New Mexico can use the safety net to respond to COVID-19

Alex McCausland2020-04-06T14:45:42-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

Even with social distancing, the coronavirus pandemic has made it clear how interconnected we all are – that the health of an entire community is dependent on the health of each of its members. For the community to be healthy, everyone must have access to health care, shelter, and nutritious food.

Mar 30 2020

Advancing equity in New Mexico: The 2020 Census

Alex McCausland2023-02-15T11:34:04-07:00Blog Posts, Human Rights/Civic Participation Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

Despite numerous challenges, including counterproductive federal policies and now a global pandemic, New Mexico policy-makers and local non-profit organizations are working together to make sure all New Mexicans are counted during the 2020 Census.

Mar 27 2020

Methane rule to help fight crises

Alex McCausland2024-04-02T13:27:50-06:00Blog Posts, Education Blog, Education News Coverage, Health Blog, Health News Coverage, News Coverage, Tax and Budget Blog, Tax and Budget News Coverage|

Albuquerque Journal--Each year in New Mexico, oil and gas companies waste hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of natural gas through venting, flaring and leaks, all of which worsens air pollution and costs the state more than $43 million in royalty and tax revenue. That is enough revenue to increase pre-K enrollment by 80% and offer more than 7,000 additional New Mexico kids access to quality early childhood education.

Mar 13 2020

Lawmakers must enact policies to lessen the economic harm of the coronavirus on New Mexico families

Alex McCausland2020-03-13T18:08:55-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog|

On Wednesday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham took the necessary step of declaring a state of emergency in New Mexico in order to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the state moves forward with immediate activity to address the health implications of this global pandemic, we also urge lawmakers to consider enacting policies that will help mitigate its economic fallout for families and children in New Mexico. 

Feb 26 2020

Big oil and gas get break while NM children get shortchanged

Alex McCausland2024-04-02T13:32:26-06:00Blog Posts, Education Blog, Education News Coverage, News Coverage, Tax and Budget Blog, Tax and Budget News Coverage|

Las Cruces Sun-News--Some of the money that supports New Mexico’s education system comes from royalties and rental payments paid by the oil and natural gas industries. Because we understand how fortunate we are to have those natural resources, we tend to forget our responsibility to be the very best stewards of them that we can be.

Feb 13 2020

Your turn: Gas and oil lease sales highlights need to updates rates

Alex McCausland2024-04-02T13:33:34-06:00Blog Posts, Education Blog, Education News Coverage, News Coverage, Tax and Budget Blog, Tax and Budget News Coverage|

Deming Headlight--Public lands belong to all of us, which means every New Mexican should be reaping the benefits. Yet, oil and gas companies continue to enjoy sweetheart deals for drilling on our public lands, as exemplified by this week’s lease sale. We urge Congress to take action and update the federal government’s fiscal policies for public lands drilling; our children’s futures depend upon it.

Dec 15 2019

Most New Mexico Families Will Get Good News this Tax Season

Alex McCausland2024-04-02T13:49:01-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Economic Security News Coverage, News Coverage, Tax and Budget Blog, Tax and Budget News Coverage|

New Mexico Kids!--In all, the tax package that was passed last year was a win for New Mexico families with children. It also protected revenue that we need for our classrooms, road repairs, and health care while still giving working families a much-needed break. There is still work to be done in 2020 to make the tax system fairer, but 2019 was a great start.