Human Rights and Civic Participation
Our collective and individual needs and voices should be represented in government. Basic human rights and the ability to engage in civic participation should not be limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or country of origin.
Featured Content
Essential But Excluded: How COVID-19 Relief Has Bypassed Immigrant Communities in New Mexico
Despite the fact that immigrants work, pay taxes, and are a vital part of our economy, many were left out of the relief packages Congress passed to help blunt the coming recession and assist displaced workers and small business owners. Not only is that harmful to many New Mexico children and families, it also will impede our ability to rebuild our economy. (Report)
Imagine not being counted
The recent decision to include a question on citizenship status in the 2020 decennial Census is certain to increase the number of people who won’t respond to the census. And that’s exactly the political motivation behind the decision to include a question that hasn’t been asked since 1950. This change will be particularly bad for New Mexico. (Blog post)
A Guide to Legislative Advocacy in New Mexico
Learn the ins and outs of working with your legislators to promote an important policy or cause. (A Fiscal Policy Project publication; Updated March 2018)
Recent Publications
A Guide to New Mexico’s State Budget
Budget Guide Our state budget is a reflection of what we value most and an illustration of the kind of communities we wish to create. How we spend and allocate funding – basically, how we make our values a reality – is decided by the lawmakers we elect to represent us in Santa Fe. They create the annual budget that the state uses to provide services that benefit us collectively, like education and health care. (Link to the executive summary here.)
A Guide to New Mexico’s Tax System
Tax guide The taxes we all pay are how we fund the state’s programs and public services that benefit us collectively. They are how we build our roads, bridges, waterlines, electrical grids, and how we educate our children, advance public health, and uphold our laws. These programs and services form the foundation of our economy, enhance our quality of life, and pay dividends far into the future. (Link to the executive summary here.)
Recent Blog Posts
Advancing Equity in New Mexico: The 2020 Census
Despite numerous challenges, including counterproductive federal policies and now a global pandemic, New Mexico policy-makers and local non-profit organizations are working together to make sure all New Mexicans are counted during the 2020 Census.
Rule change is a moral outrage we must not tolerate for our nation’s children
This revision is not acceptable, it targets immigrant families who are already residing legally in the United States, and it does not reflect America’s historical tradition of welcoming those seeking to make a better life. But there is still time stop this rule from being implemented.
Recent News Coverage
Pandemic has worsened child well being in state
But according to New Mexico Voices for Children, 51 percent of adults in households with children in New Mexico have lost employment since March. “We were really surprised to see how high that number is, but we know it points to a weakness that already exists,” she said.
Governing with moxie
In 2004, Lujan Grisham became health secretary for then-Gov. Bill Richardson. James Jimenez, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children, remembers her well. He served as secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration before becoming Richardson’s chief of staff. “She was kind of a pain, but only in the sense that she was a terrific advocate and didn’t want to let go until she knew that she absolutely had to,” Jimenez said.
Resources
Vote! Your County Clerk’s office can tell you where to register and vote. The Secretary of State’s Office also has information on voter registration, voter rights, and elections in New Mexico. The League of Women Voters of Central NM also provides contact information for voter registration, political parties, and elected officials at the state and local levels.
Advocate for Issues You Care About Meet with, write or call your legislator or congress person about an issue that concerns you. They really do appreciate hearing from you. Not sure who represents you in Santa Fe and Washington? Find out here.
Know Your Rights Do you believe your constitutional rights have been violated? Contact the ACLU of New Mexico to see if you may have a legal case.