Fact Sheet (first in the series) Stimulus checks – also called rebates – were in one of the aid packages passed by Congress to help Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. This fact sheet looks at who gets them, how much they will receive, who is left out, and what is left to be done. (State-level data on factors of economic well-being)
Fact Sheet (series introduction) Congress has passed several aid packages to help Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. This series looks at what's in the aid packages, how they will impact you, your family, community and state, who was left out of the stimulus, and what should come next.
Report Despite the fact that immigrants work, pay taxes, and are a vital part of our economy, many were left out of the relief packages Congress passed to help blunt the coming recession and assist displaced workers and small business owners. Not only is that harmful to many New Mexico children and families, it also will impede our ability to rebuild our economy. (State- and some county-level data on selected demographics, and state-level data on immigrant tax contributions)
Policy Brief New Mexico is one of just nine states to effectively tax capital gains less than the wages and salaries earned by hard-working New Mexicans. Beginning in 2003, those with capital gains income – who are overwhelmingly the wealthiest in New Mexico – were allowed to deduct 50 percent of their capital gains from their state income taxes. In 2019, legislators reduced the amount to 40 percent.
Policy Brief All New Mexico children deserve to have the opportunities in their most formative years that will help them to thrive and succeed in life. Unfortunately too many kids in New Mexico lack access to such opportunities either because their hard-working families cannot afford them or programs are simply not available in their communities. (State-level data on child and family poverty, and child care costs)
Fact Sheet Like most states, New Mexico has a shortage of professionals whose occupations require licensure -- most notably, doctors, dentist, and teachers. We cannot afford to lose talented professionals, but we are because of federal laws that keep educated and trained immigrants from getting the professional licenses required to practice here. New Mexico needs to follow other states that have removed these barriers.
Fact Sheet New Mexico children face major challenges when it comes to having enough food to eat, but there are common-sense policy solutions that we can take to end food insecurity and improve children's health, well-being, and opportunities to reach their full potential. (State-level data on childhood food insecurity)
Policy Brief These tax credits reduce poverty, improve outcomes for children, and incentivize employment for workers earning low incomes. A growing body of research shows that tax credits like the EITC and WFTC improve the health and well-being of the families and children who receive them.
Policy Brief An inaccurate 2020 Census could negatively impact New Mexico’s democratic representation, economy, and the health, education, and economic security of our kids and families. Young children are uniquely at risk of being under-counted. This policy brief looks at why and what can be done to ensure a full count.
NM KIDS COUNT Data Book We're seeing good news and bad news in this annual publication of the latest data on child well-being in New Mexico. While the child poverty rate has improved, for example, New Mexico still ranks near the bottom of the nation on this indicator. Besides data, policy recommendations are included so the state can take action to improve child well-being. (State-, county-, tribal-, and school district-level data on indicators of child well-being; data by race and ethnicity where available)