Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog – New Mexico Voices for Children

Mar 15 2021

The HB 291 tax package will make our tax system more racially equitable

Web Admin2021-03-15T12:04:18-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog, Tax and Budget Blog|

Like other public policy, tax policy can either advance or hinder racial and ethnic equity. It is never race-neutral. As the legislative session enters its final week, one important tax bill - HB 291 - is still being debated. There are numerous reasons to support (it raises revenue and makes our tax system more stable, among others), but one reason has particular meaning in a state where people of color comprise the majority of the population. This blog explains.

Dec 07 2020

How the Affordable Care Act has helped make New Mexico families healthier (part 2)

Web Admin2021-01-06T16:02:18-07:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

Since it was implemented in 2010, the ACA has faced strong opposition from Republicans. Although attempts to repeal the ACA have been unsuccessful, the Trump Administration has been highly effective at weakening the ACA by undermining its provisions. This includes making it more difficult to enroll in coverage by adding more administrative hurdles for eligibility and cutting the budget for outreach and enrollment.

Nov 10 2020

How the Affordable Care Act has helped make New Mexico families healthier (part 1)

Web Admin2020-11-10T10:24:07-07:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

The Affordable Care Act not only allowed millions of Americans to receive health insurance, it also improved public health and helped close the health disparity gap for people of color. Part 1 in this 2-part blog series looks at how the ACA benefitted New Mexicans.

Jul 06 2020

COVID-19: 3 Policy Principles to Advance Equity

Web Admin2020-10-15T16:49:30-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog, Tax and Budget Blog|

Over the past few months, the resiliency and strength of communities all across New Mexico have been in full view as people come together to support each other through the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the pandemic has caused disproportionate harm to communities of color, worsening disparities in health and economic well-being. Just as public policies entrenched systemic racism, they can be used to dismantle it.

May 06 2020

When inequity and capitalism meet COVID-19

Web Admin2020-05-06T11:04:47-06:00Blog 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

Web Admin2020-04-06T14:45:42-06:00Blog 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

Web Admin2021-01-06T15:59:33-07:00Blog 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.

Sep 18 2019

Advancing Equity in New Mexico: Education

Web Admin2019-09-18T10:22:20-06:00Blog Posts, Education Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

The decision in the Yazzie/Martinez education lawsuit was a watershed moment for the state of New Mexico, allowing us to finally address the chronic under-funding of our public schools and to tailor them to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of our children. And while the Legislature did provide more money for the system, they failed to meet the judge's order.

Sep 05 2019

Rule change is a moral outrage we must not tolerate for our nation’s children

Web Admin2019-09-17T11:25:47-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Human Rights/Civic Participation Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

This revision is not acceptable, it targets immigrant families who are already residing legally in the United States, and it does not reflect America’s historical tradition of welcoming those seeking to make a better life. But there is still time stop this rule from being implemented.

Jul 23 2019

Advancing Equity in New Mexico: Family Economic Security

Web Admin2019-07-23T12:26:46-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

Several bills were passed during the 2019 legislative session that should improve family economic security. Because these bills were targeted to help families earning low and moderate incomes – and because workers of color and women are disproportionately represented in those wage groups – the bills should also improve equity by helping to ensure that we all have access to the opportunities that help us reach our potential.