Health Blog – New Mexico Voices for Children

Feb 20 2019

Tax credits are smart policy investments for a healthier New Mexico

Web Admin2019-02-20T09:59:34-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog|

How much income a family earns determines where they live, what access they have to schools, food, and health care, as well as the amount of stress they experience in making ends meet. Evidence shows that tax credits for working families are critical for not only putting money back into the hands of these consumers, but also for improving their health and well-being. New Mexico's Working Families Tax Credit brings these benefits to families and could do more if it were increased.

Jan 15 2019

Changing the course on child well-being

Web Admin2019-01-15T15:15:28-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Education Blog, Health Blog, Kids Count Blog, Tax and Budget Blog|

The past decade of austerity has been hard on New Mexico’s children. Still, we are optimistic about the future because we believe in the strength and resiliency of New Mexico’s families. We know we can build stronger communities and support more resilient families and children so that they can thrive. But we can only build a stronger New Mexico if our policymakers are willing to provide the revenue we need to make these investments.

Dec 05 2018

Inaction by Congress could Endanger New Mexico’s Parks and Monuments

Web Admin2018-12-07T11:48:06-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Health News Coverage, News Coverage|

One of the best things about living in New Mexico is the abundance of great natural beauty and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it’s the view from just about any rural highway or one of the many state and national parks and forests, New Mexico boasts some of the most beautiful land in the nation. It is a heritage that all proud New Mexicans want to protect for future generations, a pride woven into our culture. The preservation of our public lands is a sacred trust, but it’s being made more difficult by the inaction of Congress.

Nov 14 2018

Speaking out against proposed changes to Public Charge

Web Admin2018-11-14T13:43:30-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Human Rights/Civic Participation Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

A proposed rule change by the Trump administration may lead to thousands of New Mexico children not receiving health insurance and food assistance even though they're eligible -- all because of where their parents were born. Find out more about 'public charge' and what you can do to help stop these changes.

Oct 22 2018

Local conference will focus on childhood trauma

Web Admin2018-10-22T10:33:33-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Health News Coverage, Kids Count Blog, Kids Count News Coverage, News Coverage|

This year’s conference Childhood Trauma: From Symptoms to Systems Change, will take a hard look at ACEs – what causes them, what can be done to prevent them, and how we can promote resiliency. We will look at the importance of building trauma-informed practices throughout our agencies and organizations.

Oct 10 2018

State agencies (still) need a culture shift, and fast!

Web Admin2018-10-10T09:40:47-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog|

Prior to the ACA, the Human Services Department (HSD) played the role of gatekeeper for the programs they administered, such as Medicaid. Instead of working hard to enroll everyone who was eligible, they seemed to view their job as making sure that as few people got enrolled as possible – even though they were eligible.

Aug 29 2018

Fighting the Current: Why New Mexicans need a Higher Minimum Wage

Web Admin2018-11-14T13:50:57-06:00Blog Posts, Economic Security Blog, Health Blog, Racial and Ethnic Equity Blog|

A minimum wage increase is long overdue – it hasn’t been raised in almost a decade. As prices increase, purchasing power erodes, and families find themselves sinking deeper into dire straits. Our $7.50 minimum wage is now worth just $6.30.

Sep 21 2017

Without sick leave, public’s health at risk

Web Admin2018-06-14T18:14:00-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Health News Coverage, News Coverage|

The Healthy Workforce Ordinance that Albuquerque voters will soon decide will give our businesses an edge in attracting the best workers from cities and states that do not have similar provisions to help their workforce – and their communities – stay healthy. Albuquerque voters should pass it. Read more

Sep 20 2017

Where’s Susana on the Senate health care debate?

Bill Jordan2018-06-14T18:14:49-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog|

New Mexico’s governor is responsible for expanding Medicaid here, and it’s had significant economic and health benefits for the state. So where is Governor Martinez on this issue? We don’t know because she hasn’t spoken up.

Jul 12 2017

That women have options is not the problem (stupid)

Sharon Kayne2018-06-14T18:17:37-06:00Blog Posts, Health Blog, Kids Count Blog|

Diana was nervous as she spoke to the nearly 400 people gathered at our 5^th annual KIDS COUNT Conference. As part of the panel discussion on women’s economic security and child well-being, Diana shared her frustration when, after a decade of working in the early education field and rising to the level of assistant director, she was still earning minimum wage. Her only raises, she said, came from changes in minimum wage laws. But this wasn’t the part of her story that I found most powerful. What really stuck with me was when she told us about having to become a single parent after surviving a domestic violence attack.