Healthy & Safe Communities Publications
Federal Changes to SNAP Work Requirements Will Hurt New Mexico Families
Fact Sheet The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) expands strict work requirements for SNAP participants and restricts states’ ability to be granted waivers based on challenging economic conditions. SNAP recipients who are subject to these work requirements, also known as “time-limited participants,” are the most at risk of losing benefits from the changes in the OBBBA.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Implementation Timeline
Now that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has been signed into law, New Mexico lawmakers will be forced to defend against cuts to the income support programs that lift many of our families and children out of deep poverty. This page is a regularly updated timeline of the SNAP and Medicaid policy changes in the OBBBA, along with analysis of how these changes will impact New Mexico.
From Poverty to Prosperity: How SNAP Benefits Impact Child Poverty and Well-Being
By Emily Wildau, MPP Download this report (May 2025; 8 pgs; pdf) Download the first report in this series, “Understanding the Impact of Income Supports in the Data” (Nov. 2024; 16 pgs; pdf) Download the second report in this [...]
New Mexico Rural Medicaid Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet Medicaid is essential for providing health coverage to New Mexicans, particularly in rural communities. Children and non-elderly adults living in small towns are more likely to rely on Medicaid for their health insurance. Potential federal cuts to Medicaid would be devastating for our state, threatening a vital lifeline to health care.
Support the State Climate Health Program (HB 108) and Extreme Weather Resilience Fund (HB 109)
Fact Sheet Climate change puts New Mexicans’ health and well-being at risk. We must take action to help our communities adapt and build a healthy future. (State-level data on problems related to climate change.)
2024 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book
NM KIDS COUNT Data Book Child well-being continues improving in New Mexico, thanks to investments by our lawmakers. This annual report provides data on numerous child well-being indicators related to economic security, education, health, and family and community, and includes policy solutions. (State-, county-, tribal- and school district-level data on child well-being.)
New Mexico KIDS COUNT County Fact Sheets
County Fact Sheets Some counties have access to a greater variety of economic opportunities and support services. By highlighting data by county, we can discover varying needs for improvement in our systems and policies. (State- and county-level data on child population by race, ethnicity and age group, and 18 indicators of child well-being.)
Income-Support Programs Show Success in Reducing Poverty in New Mexico
Fact Sheet In recent years, increases and expansions of income supports have made a big difference for families who are working their way out of poverty. When the value of these programs are taken into account it is clear that families earning low incomes are receiving the supports needed to help lift them out of poverty in New Mexico. (State-level data on poverty and labor force participation rates.)
2023 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book
NM KIDS COUNT Data Book Child well-being is slowly improving in New Mexico, thanks to investments by our lawmakers. This annual report provides data on numerous child well-being indicators related to economic security, education, health, and family and community, and includes policy solutions. New this year are indicators related to environmental health. (State-, county-, tribal- and school district-level data on child well-being.)
Guaranteed Income: Increasing Employment and Helping Families Thrive
Report Research shows that when people are given unrestricted cash payments -- sometimes called guaranteed income (GI) -- they pursue better jobs, complete educational or vocational training, and create stability for their families. This report (available in English and Spanish) looks at how a GI pilot program for immigrant families in New Mexico improved outcomes for participating families. (Programmatic data on well-being for immigrant families.)