Blog
Protecting New Mexico’s Children: Understanding the New Public Charge Rule and Its Impact on Immigrant Families
The reach and impact of the many investments New Mexico’s leaders have made to support immigrant communities, families and children are threatened by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) final “public charge” regulation, which went into effect Friday, Sept. 18.
The Supplemental Poverty Measure Continues to Show Us That Poverty is a Policy Choice
The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2025 data from the Current Population Survey on September 15, which includes a comparison of the most recent Official Poverty Measure (OPM) and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). The data primarily represent national poverty levels, but state-level data for 2023-2025 are also released in supplemental tables.
How H.R. 1 Could Cut $1.2 Billion From New Mexico’s Medicaid System
As New Mexico prepares for the roll out of federally-required Medicaid work reporting requirements, another significant change is looming that stands to decimate the funding system that prevents primary care providers, hospitals, and other providers from closing their doors and worsening access to care for our families.
New Mexico Has $924 Million in New Revenue. What Could This Mean for Families and Children in the State?
New Mexico lawmakers should have enough revenue to build upon their recent work supporting families and children. At the August 26 meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) released their first estimate of how much money the state should expect to be available for the upcoming 2027-28 fiscal year (FY 28).
New Mexico Must Keep Fighting for Affordable Health Care
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.
What Recent Supreme Court Decisions Mean for New Mexico’s Immigrant Families
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.
Sports Gambling: A Bad Bet for New Mexico
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.
Preparing for Emerging Budget Risks
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.
Healthy Kids Start with Clean School Buses
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.
Thousands of New Mexicans Face Medicaid Coverage Loss Under New CMS Guidance
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.