NM Voices in the News
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Expanded child tax credit nears end as Senate stalls and parents’ fears grow
Good Morning America--"Data shows these types of programs disproportionately benefit families that are headed by mothers, and that's really important right now because the data also shows that mothers have really disproportionately been harmed by the economic impacts of the pandemic," said Wallin.
COVID-expanded child tax credit benefit nears lapse
Associated Press--Families in New Mexico, which has one of the country’s highest child poverty rates, spent nearly 46% of their child tax credit money on food, a study by Washington University in St. Louis’ Social Policy Institute found. “It says a lot about what families are worried about,” said Sharon Kayne, communications director for New Mexico Voices for Children. “This is hugely important to a lot of families.”
Las Cruces City Council Calls For National Immigration Reform
KRWG FM--Of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants within the United States, around 60,000 reside in New Mexico. According to the nonprofit New Mexico Voices For Children, that group of 60,000 pays more than $67.7 million annually in state and local taxes.
Our history classes need a refresh
Santa Fe New Mexican--It’s a well-known fact that New Mexico has one of the worst education systems in the country. The 2021 Kids Count report from New Mexico Voices for Children shows New Mexico recently ranked last among states for education. This shouldn’t be a surprise to students or their parents who feel our state’s education system is failing them.
Advocates urge more investment in youth at New Mexico Voices for Children conference
Santa Fe New Mexican--“Equality of opportunity is not something that just happens,” said the organization’s deputy director, Amber Wallin. “Moving forward, we have to pass policy that supports families, prioritizes children and … improves opportunities for women and communities of color in our state.”
Conference provides fresh data on well-being of New Mexico children during the pandemic
NM Political Report--“The COVID recession is not a typical one. It’s the most unequal one in history,” Wallin said.
Brewery owner touts benefits of paid sick leave: lower turnover, happier workers
Source NM--New Mexico has fewer workers protected by paid sick leave than any other, with about 50% of workers here working without it, according to New Mexico Voices for Children.
Everything you need to know about the Child Tax Credit – and possibly a little more
Albuquerque Journal--The U.S. Census Bureau is collecting data on how families are spending their monthly payments, so we know that the majority of the spending is going toward food. Wallin said that’s a good sign for a state that’s long struggled with childhood food insecurity. “We’re just glad to see that this relief is helping the families’ most basic needs,” she said.
Fix oil and gas leasing system before new sales
Santa Fe New Mexican--In New Mexico, we have lived through many boom-and-bust cycles of the oil and gas industry. But recent years have shown just how much we need to break this cycle - particularly as we plan for the transition from oil and gas to clean energy - by tipping the scales away from the oil and gas corporations and back toward New Mexicans who have shouldered the consequences.
Leger Fernández introduces bill to help communities’ economic transitions away from fossil fuels
NM Political Report--“This bill is about ensuring a better future for kids,” James Jimenez said. “For years, New Mexico has relied on oil and gas to fund our children’s education programming. But as we battle climate change and protect our land and public health, it’s vital that states like New Mexico are able to diversify their economies.”