Do we really want to bankrupt New Mexico’s state government to give millionaires an extra $150,000 a year while making life harder for the state’s lowest-income residents? That is the staggering implication of proposals to eliminate New Mexico’s personal income tax.
Boosting New Mexico’s healthcare fund is essential to keeping coverage affordable and helping families rise out of poverty. At the end of 2025, Congress failed to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that had helped millions of Americans afford health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Their expiration threatened steep premium increases for tens of thousands of New Mexicans who rely on the ACA marketplace for coverage.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.