Richard Eeds--Mikayla Ortega from New Mexico Voices for Children talks about their new "New Mexico Children's Roadmap". They are doing a tour around the state with this new child wellfare tool.
Health care is more than a budget item. It is the foundation that allows children, families, and communities to thrive. Yet for far too many New Mexicans, getting the care they need remains out of reach because of rising costs, provider shortages, and harmful federal policy decisions. While New Mexico has made meaningful progress in strengthening its health care system, the work is far from over.
In recent weeks, the Court issued three major immigration-related decisions. One reaffirmed a fundamental constitutional principle: children born in the United States are U.S. citizens, regardless of their parents' immigration status. But the other two decisions make it harder for immigrant families to find safety and security, putting thousands of lives and futures at risk.Â
More than 4 million people nationwide have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since enactment of the 2025 reconciliation law, according to new data. Advocates and policy experts warn the losses are increasing food insecurity for children and families while shifting significant costs to states.
There have been growing calls to legalize online sports betting in New Mexico. Today, sports wagering is limited to tribal casinos, but some lawmakers and industry advocates argue that expanding it online would generate new tax revenue and help diversify the state’s economy. New Mexico should reject online sports betting. Expanding and increasing access to online betting would prioritize short-term revenue over the long-term well-being of New Mexico families and communities.
States across the country are confronting growing budget risks—from volatile economies and demographic change to climate impacts and rapid technological shifts. A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts offers encouraging news: New Mexico is one of only six states recognized for taking comprehensive steps to prepare its budget for long-term fiscal risks.Â
New Mexico has an opportunity right now to make the school day healthier, safer, and quieter for thousands of children, but only if we take advantage of it. The Community Benefit Fund, known as SB 48, passed during the 2025 legislative session, was created to help communities invest in projects that strengthen local economies, create jobs, and prepare for climate challenges.
Previously, New Mexico Voices detailed how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) threatens access to affordable health care. Now, a new interim final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), released on June 1, makes those threats even more severe.Â
Written by Emily Wildau, MPP, and Jonathan Salazar, M.Ed. Produced by New Mexico Voices for Children on behalf of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Download the full report (June 2026; 44 pgs; pdf) Executive Summary [...]
New Mexico improved slightly in child well-being, moving from the 50th to 49th ranking nationally in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, a 50-state report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation that examines how children and families are faring nationwide. While the improvement reflects progress in some areas, the data show New Mexico continues to face significant challenges in education and family stability, underscoring the need for continued investments in children and families.