Presentation Created for the NM Public Health Association's annual conference, this presentation looks at the intersection of state tax and budget policies with social determinants of health. It gives examples of evidence-based policy solutions that promote racial justice and some tips on how to participate in policy and budget decisions that improve outcomes for kids. (State-level data on some impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic)
Fact Sheet COVID-19 and the resulting recession have caused great hardship for many New Mexico children and their families. This fact sheet looks at some of the areas where children have been impacted, including their economic and food security, and education. (State-level data on various indicators of child well-being)
Fact Sheet (ninth in the series) The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting recession are wreaking havoc on New Mexico and have led to high unemployment. Federal funding is needed to help the state and local governments to ensure that health care, education, first responders, and other services continue uninterrupted. The HEROES Act could be that tool -- if it is passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by the president. (State-level data on unemployment)
Fact Sheet Despite the state having high rates of food insecurity, some lawmakers still talk about bringing back the tax on groceries. This may become an especially easy target as lawmakers look to replace state revenue that has been wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economy downturn, and drop in oil prices. Here's why they shouldn't. (State-level data on child food insecurity, SNAP usage, and more.)
Fact Sheet (eighth in the series) Health care should be universally available in a global pandemic. While the U.S. still seems to be years away from joining the rest of the wealthy nations in guaranteeing this basic right, Congress did approve some financial assistance to states for their Medicaid programs. (State-level data on rates of uninsurance and Medicaid enrollment)
State Data Sheet New Mexico ranks 50th in the nation in child well-being for the fourth time since 2013. This state profile shows how our children are faring on the 16 indicators of child well-being used in the national KIDS COUNT rankings. (State-level data on the 16 indicators of child well-being.)
Fact Sheet (seventh in the series) Poverty, the lack of affordable housing, and other aspects of housing insecurity were already problematic in New Mexico before the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn. If these additional challenges push families into crowded housing or homelessness, the risk of contagion will increase. Federal stimulus has helped, but much more is needed. (State-level data on housing challenges and poverty)
Fact Sheet (sixth in the series) New Mexico's schools, colleges, and universities have been under-resourced for more than a decade. While the state did increase funding for the past two years, the pandemic and recession will make it difficult to keep our education budgets whole. Federal funding will help, but more will be needed. (State-level data on K-12 funding levels and child care enrollment)
Fact Sheet (fifth in the series) The safety measures put in place across the nation to slow the spread of COVID-19 have led to massive worker layoffs. This has, in turn, overwhelmed the ability of most states to keep up with unemployment insurance claims. This fact sheet looks at how the stimulus passed by Congress will help New Mexico's laid-off workers. (State-level data on unemployment)
Fact Sheet (third in the series) Small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico's economy. While some of the federal aid packages passed by Congress aim to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, few New Mexico businesses are likely to benefit. (State-level data on small business demographics)