NM Voices in the News
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Bills signed by Gov. Grisham go into effect on May 20
Ruidoso News--According to New Mexico Voices for Children "there are major challenges when it comes to having enough food to eat, but there are common-sense policy solutions that we can take to end food insecurity and improve children’s health, well-being, and opportunities to reach their full potential."
Big oil and gas get break while NM children get shortchanged
Las Cruces Sun-News--Some of the money that supports New Mexico’s education system comes from royalties and rental payments paid by the oil and natural gas industries. Because we understand how fortunate we are to have those natural resources, we tend to forget our responsibility to be the very best stewards of them that we can be.
Santa Fe minimum wage will go to $12.10 per hour March 1
Santa Fe New Mexican--“This is good news for Santa Fe and good news for New Mexico,” Amber Wallin, deputy director of the nonprofit child advocacy group New Mexico Voices for Children, said of the citywide minimum wage increase. “More New Mexico families will be able to afford safe housing, great child care and fresh food, and a greater amount of kids will be able to reach their potential.”
Your turn: Gas and oil lease sales highlights need to updates rates
Deming Headlight--Public lands belong to all of us, which means every New Mexican should be reaping the benefits. Yet, oil and gas companies continue to enjoy sweetheart deals for drilling on our public lands, as exemplified by this week’s lease sale. We urge Congress to take action and update the federal government’s fiscal policies for public lands drilling; our children’s futures depend upon it.
Coalition sues over Kirtland Air Force Base jet fuel pollution
Santa Fe New Mexican--The lawsuit is being brought by a coalition that includes the nonprofit groups Southwest Organizing Project and New Mexico Voices for Children; state Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque; state Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-Albuquerque; state Rep. Andrés Romero, D-Albuquerque; and Albuquerque residents Lucille Cordova, Reynaluz Juarez and Dante Smith.
Groginsky becomes New Mexico’s first early ed secretary
Santa Fe New Mexican--Amber Wallin, deputy director of the nonprofit child welfare policy group New Mexico Voices for Children, said she was impressed with Groginsky not only for her knowledge, experience and data savvy but also for her deep understanding of the state’s issues, respect for the people and passion for children.
Census funding bill heads to House Committee
Ruidoso News--“Ensuring an accurate census count is crucial for improving child well-being in our state because so much of the funding for health, education, and food security programs that New Mexico kids depend upon is determined by the census,” said Amber Wallin, deputy director of New Mexico Voices for Children.
Voices for Children’s annual report finds state stagnant, urges sustained investment in youth
Santa Fe New Mexican--“Kids Count is right to point out the enormous challenges facing our state’s early childhood services system,” Groginsky said. “We know that high-quality health and educational programs for children deliver an astonishing return on investment,” she added, “including significant gains in nearly every area we care about: education, health, employment, and social and emotional behavior.”
New Mexico child poverty ranking back to 49th in nation, Kids Count report finds
Associated Press--“We’re clearly not adequately providing (opportunities) for children of color, who make up the largest segment of our child population,” New Mexico Voices for Children executive director James Jimenez said. “When we’re OK with the fact that so many of our children lack the opportunities they need to be successful, we really paint a dire picture for the future.”
Lawmakers propose smaller spending increases for tuition, early childhood programs
Santa Fe New Mexican--“Despite knowing how important early childhood programs are for children’s healthy development and success, the LFC proposal continues to short-change the ECCE programs that give all New Mexico children the chance to reach their full potential,” Jimenez said.