Economic Security & Prosperity Blog
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.Â
New Mexico’s Future Depends on a Stronger, More Diverse Tax Base
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.
New Mexico Took Steps to Address the Rising Cost of Living
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.
New Mexico Lawmakers Protected Affordable Health Care This Session
Expanding access to health care for New Mexicans is multifaceted and complex. This legislative session, New Mexico made major investments to help keep health care accessible and affordable, protect families from harmful federal policy changes, and make our state a more attractive place for health care providers to practice.
Decoupling Protected New Mexico from Millions in Lost Revenue
In New Mexico, we prioritize the health and well-being of our families and children, but we can’t support them without enough state revenue for the programs and services they need to thrive. During the 2026 regular session, state legislators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham passed legislation to protect revenue that would have been lost if the state did not take action.
Support New Mexico’s Kids, Not Billionaires
By Paige Knight May 16, 2025 New Mexico’s kids - not billionaires - should be the beneficiaries of the natural resources that belong to us all. Yet, under Congressional Republicans' current budget proposal, oil companies stand to add to [...]
Tax bill further improves fairness by putting people over profits
By Paige Knight March 17, 2025 Our people are our greatest asset. When we prioritize them in tax policy, we provide New Mexicans of all ages greater opportunity for prosperity and economic well-being. This year’s tax omnibus bill (House [...]
New Mexico Voices for Children Releases 2024 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book
January 21, 2025 As child advocates, we strive for long-term, sustainable change and rely on data to understand which policies will most effectively meet the needs of our families. To support Legislators as they evaluate legislation, New Mexico Voices [...]
Let’s Use Childcare Assistance to Lift the Workers Out of Poverty Too
El Semanario--While it’s great to know that the expansion of universal child care has such a dramatic effect on lowering poverty in New Mexico for the children and families who receive the program, there is one significant way in which the CA program falls short: wages for child care and other early care and education (ECE) workers remain unacceptably low. If we can use our CA program to lift kids and families out of poverty, why don’t we use it to lift the people who provide that care out of poverty as well?