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.
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.
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.
Report 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. (An annual KIDS COUNT report; state-, county-, tribal-, and school district-level data on indicators of child well-being; data by race and ethnicity where available)
Policy brief The Trump Administration is trying to change an immigration rule that would harm families and children -- even those family members and kids who are U.S. citizens. This policy brief, co-released with the Fiscal Policy Institute of New York, takes a look at how changes to "public charge" would harm families and New Mexico's economy. (State-level data on fiscal and economic impacts of federal rule change.)
Fact Sheet Improving the Working Families Tax Credit would put more money back into the hands of New Mexico’s hard-working families – and the businesses where they will spend it. (State-level data on Working Families Tax Credit recipients.)
Report New Mexicans are working hard every day to provide a brighter future for their families and our state. When they or their child gets sick, they should be able to take care of themselves or their family with the assurance that they won’t lose wages or risk their livelihood to do so. (State- and some county-level data on share of workers without sick leave.)
Fact sheet In 2019 the state Legislature passed a bill allowing dental therapists to practice in New Mexico. We are the 8th state to allow dental therapists to practice. What does this mean for you? Find out in this English/Spanish fact sheet.
Fact sheet The 2020 Census has been in the news mostly because of the citizenship question (which, hopefully, has finally been resolved). There's been much less news coverage over the routine pre-census test, which has already started. The Census Bureau is sending out test forms and some of those forms include the citizenship question. Confused? Here are five things you need to know about the census test.
Fact sheet New Mexico’s tax system is upside down—most New Mexico families pay more than twice the rate in state and local taxes than the wealthiest pay. A new state-level Child Tax Credit would help hard-working families and make our tax system more fair. (State-level data on how this tax credit would benefit families)