Santa Fe New Mexican--Through the Opportunity Enterprise Fund, there is now $70 million available “to increase economic activity in the state by providing financing for new or existing commercial facilities to attract businesses to New Mexico communities and allow existing businesses to expand their operations.”
NM Political Report--“Research shows what types of public policy is most impactful for reducing child poverty. Earned income tax credits and child tax credits are some of the most effective ways to reduce child poverty. It was one of the most critical bills under consideration at the legislature,” Wallin said.
Chalkbeat--Emily Wildau, a research and policy analyst at the nonprofit New Mexico Voices for Children, says that after chronic absenteeism shot up in the state during the pandemic, many students would benefit from more consistent tutoring that’s part of their school day.
Santa Fe New Mexican--New Mexico’s greatest asset is its cultural, ethnic and racial diversity. Our people are the heart of our state, and now, our Legislature is recognizing that in a big way. It’s not an exaggeration to say the tax omnibus bill currently under consideration (House Bill 547) does more to improve economic opportunity and equity in our tax code than any legislation in our state’s history.
Albuquerque Journal--Amber Wallin, the executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, a nonprofit group that’s advocated for the child tax credit and other policies, said more than 90% of state taxpayers would see a tax cut under the proposed personal income tax code changes. “All of these things improve fairness in the tax code and level the playing field,” Wallin said Monday.
Las Cruces Sun-News--Court fines and fees are an inefficient way to raise revenue for the state, as collection often costs more than what's brought it. But there are other ways in which this juice isn't worth the squeeze.
Carlsbad Current Argus--Guns are the leading cause of death for kids in New Mexico, with the largest share of gun deaths being suicides. Legislators have the opportunity to protect our children from gun violence with common-sense regulations during this legislative session.
NM In Depth--Just because a particular tax is regressive doesn’t mean it can’t be a part of a pro-poor agenda, according to Sharon Kayne, a spokesperson for New Mexico Voices for Children. The nonprofit has long supported increases in alcohol and tobacco taxes, she said, and voiced support for an alcohol tax increase during the Monday hearing.
Rio Rancho Observer--New Mexico now leads the nation for something good: our expansion of child care assistance. The federal funding that paid for that expansion ends soon, and our state lawmakers need to replace it in order to ensure that our parents can work and their children are well cared for.
Santa Fe New Mexican--Paige Knight, senior research and policy analyst for New Mexico Voices for Children, spoke in favor of the bill but recommended “progressively structured” rebates so “the families who are most in need receive a larger rebate since rising food and energy prices hit lower income households the hardest.”