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.
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.
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.
A new study from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University shows that the number of uninsured children in New Mexico has increased in recent years. As families across the state continue to grapple with rising costs and coverage disruptions, advocates warn that the trend could only get worse under proposed federal policy changes.
The Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) recently published a powerful new report examining whether targeted tax breaks actually deliver economic growth for New Mexico. The report found the special exemptions for targeted industries are a drain to state revenues and do little to help grow New Mexico’s economy. In many cases, these targeted tax breaks weaken New Mexico’s economy by diverting resources away from proven investments, which help New Mexicans thrive.
Too frequently, taxes get a bad rap. But the truth is, taxes are how we invest in one another and build the strong communities we all depend on. New Mexicans benefit tremendously from public schools, roads, health care, and safety. Taxes also help thousands of New Mexico families afford the basics of a dignified life by creating opportunity, stability and a stronger future.
In the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers, advocates, and community members secured crucial funding to fight food insecurity and improve housing affordability in New Mexico. While federal cuts have threatened the support programs our families and children rely on, our state legislature passed family-focused investments that will keep food on the table for households across the state.