Economic Security & Prosperity Publications
Juvenile fines and fees are bad for youth, families, and the state
Fact Sheet Court fines and fees for juveniles are harmful to youth and their families, racially discriminatory, and costly to administer. They can quickly amount to hundreds of dollars, resulting in a significant financial burden for New Mexico families, taking from them some of the very resources they need to invest in their children’s future and purchase food, education, housing, and health insurance.
2020 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book
NM KIDS COUNT Data Book Child well-being in New Mexico was improving. But then the COVID-19 pandemic and recession struck. This annual report provides data on numerous child well-being indicators housed under four domains (economic security, education, health, and family and community). While we don't know the full extent of the harm COVID-19 has caused our kids, some pandemic-specific data from the fall of 2020 are included. (Data on the state, county, tribal area, and school district levels on child well-being)
Tobacco taxes support a healthy future for New Mexico
Fact Sheet Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined. One evidence-based way to help youth and those earning low incomes to stop or reduce smoking is to increase tobacco taxes. It also raises some of the funding needed to cover the public health care costs. (State-level data on smoking, death rates, etc.)
New Mexico must step up to help our families who are struggling
Fact Sheet Families need economic relief now, and this state rebate can provide relief for those who need it most. But it hasn't been updated in more than two decades. Improving this rebate would make our tax system more equitable and ensure that all New Mexicans can survive through and thrive after the pandemic. (State-level data on child well-being and impacts of the tax rebate)
Tax Policy: A Powerful Tool to Advance Racial Equity in New Mexico
Report Systemic racism isn't accidental - it's the result of public policies that benefit one group while disadvantaging others. Our state and national tax systems have been built to benefit those at the top (who are mostly white) while disadvantaging people of color. This report looks at concrete ways New Mexico can make our tax system more equitable. (State-level data on disparities in income, wealth, home ownership, and tax incidence by race and ethnicity)
Nuevo México debe tomar la iniciativa para ayudar a nuestras familias necesitadas
Fact Sheet El proporcionar ayuda a los más necesitados de nuestras comunidades es una parte esencial para que nuestro sistema tributario sea más equitativo y asegurar que todas/os los nuevomexicanos puedan sobrevivir durante la pandemia y prosperar después.
The Working Families Tax Credit will help New Mexico bounce back
Fact Sheet New Mexico's Working Families Tax Credit has long helped families who work hard but are struggling to make ends meet. Given the crises of the pandemic and its resulting recession, it's time to increase and improve this proven anti-poverty solution. (State-level data on the benefits of this tax credit)
124,000 New Mexicans could miss out on federal stimulus payments
Fact Sheet The stimulus checks that went out as part of the federal COVID-19 relief can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families most impacted by the pandemic, providing money to help them pay bills, cover necessary expenses, and pay for the things they need most right now. The money would also give state and local economies a much-needed boost.
Policy, Advocacy, and Child Well-being In New Mexico:
Presentation Created for the NM Public Health Association's annual conference, this presentation looks at the intersection of state tax and budget policies with social determinants of health. It gives examples of evidence-based policy solutions that promote racial justice and some tips on how to participate in policy and budget decisions that improve outcomes for kids. (State-level data on some impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic)
The impact of COVID-19 on children’s well-being in New Mexico
Fact Sheet COVID-19 and the resulting recession have caused great hardship for many New Mexico children and their families. This fact sheet looks at some of the areas where children have been impacted, including their economic and food security, and education. (State-level data on various indicators of child well-being)