Economic Security 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.

Mar 13 2021

Investments necessary for a fair, rapid economic recovery

Web Admin2021-03-15T12:19:39-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Economic Security News Coverage, News Coverage, Tax and Budget Blog, Tax and Budget News Coverage|

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, New Mexico was beginning to move forward on a path to more broadly shared prosperity. The pandemic and recession seem to have put some of that progress on hold. But they don’t have to. We can continue to move in the right direction if we ensure we have adequate and sustainable revenue that is raised in a way that is fair.

Feb 19 2021

Your Social Security benefits are mostly un-taxed income

Web Admin2021-02-19T10:57:56-07:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Economic Security News Coverage, News Coverage, Tax and Budget Blog, Tax and Budget News Coverage|

While we think of Social Security as “our” money, the fact is, most seniors receive much more in Social Security benefits than they actually paid in while working. The majority of the money in your Social Security check comes from other sources.

Feb 10 2021

How combining a just economic transition and strong climate action equals a safer, healthier and more equitable New Mexico

Web Admin2021-02-17T14:24:49-07:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog, Tax and Budget Blog|

New Mexicans are already experiencing severe impacts of climate change – harming our health, air, land, water, and economy. The Climate Solutions Act (HB 9) would establish nation-leading carbon pollution reduction targets to benefit current and future generations while ensuring that all New Mexicans will benefit from the jobs and economic growth provided in a clean energy future.

Sep 23 2020

Time for NMOGA to walk the talk on climate and health

Web Admin2020-09-23T14:01:54-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog|

The article’s revelations are at once shocking and not surprising, with lobbyists who have spent years fighting against regulations to reduce methane waste and pollution admitting the problem is real. And if you suspected the industry is more concerned about its image than protecting your health, you’re right. Its answer to out-of-control methane emissions? More image polishing and public relations advertising.

Jul 15 2020

Still at 50th, New Mexico must continue to invest in our kids in hard times

Web Admin2021-01-06T16:06:44-07:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Education Blog, Health Blog, Kids Count Blog|

New Mexico’s 50th ranking in child well-being is the result of a decade of austerity due to choices lawmakers made during the last recession. In 2019 and early 2020, Lawmakers began to put the state on the right path for our kids. The pandemic and current recession do not need to derail us.

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 13 2020

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

Web Admin2020-05-13T10:41:44-06:00Blog 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

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.