Publications
Reasons to fully fund the Medicaid expansion #1
Fact Sheet Some lawmakers have balked at fully funding Medicaid now that we have to start paying our share of the Medicaid expansion, but there are many reasons to do it. For one, the number of hospital stays that are not covered by insurance has dropped, while the number that are covered by Medicaid has risen by the same amount. That saves New Mexico money.
2015 KIDS COUNT in New Mexico
NM KIDS COUNT Data Book While child poverty is down slightly, New Mexico now leads the nation with the highest rate of child poverty. This annual KIDS COUNT report on child well-being presents data by county, tribal area, and school district on indicators such as the rates of health care coverage among children, preschool enrollment, child abuse, and teen births. It also tracks trends on some of these important indicators and looks at disparities across racial and ethnic lines. (State-, county-, tribal-, and school-district-level data on indicators of child well-being, some by race and ethnicity)
Economic development begins with a better educated & more skilled workforce
Fact Sheet New Mexico' high rates of poverty are linked to its low rates of educational attainment among adults. That, in turn, leads to poorer outcomes for their children. This fact sheet looks at how the career pathways approach would benefit the state.
Helping Food-Insecure Households in New Mexico Afford Healthier Choices through the SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Program
Policy Brief New Mexico is a poor state with high rates of food insecurity and with too many adults and children suffering from nutrition-related chronic conditions. Programs that incentivize consumption of locally grown, fresh produce to food-insecure individuals offer both health benefits to low-income communities as well as economic benefits to local farmers. (State-level data on economic well-being and health disparities by race and ethnicity)
A Health Impact Assessment of a Food Tax in New Mexico
Report Could something as seemingly small as a tax on groceries be detrimental to the health of some New Mexicans? This health impact assessment shows that taxing food - as some lawmakers at both the local and state levels are considering - could do harm to families who already struggle to put enough food on their table. (State-level data on family economic well-being)
The Gila River Diversion: A drain on limited state resources that are better spent elsewhere
Policy Brief The Gila River diversion is not only bad for the environment, it’s a terrible way to invest what could end up being as much as $1 billion of taxpayer money. There are better ways to meet our state’s water needs and much more important investments to make with those public funds.
Why So Many Parents Can’t Put Enough Food on the Table
Presentation Looks at the economic issues around food insecurity, presents some data on child well-being from the 2015 national KIDS COUNT Data Book, as well as offers some policy solutions. Presented at the Second Annual End Hunger in New Mexico Summit. (State-level data on economic security and child well-being)
Child Well-Being in New Mexico: Data and Policy Recommendations
Presentation Looks at KIDS COUNT and other data on some of the areas where New Mexico does poorly in terms of child well-being. Looks briefly at how recession-era spending cuts and a regressive tax system have exacerbated conditions, and offers some policy recommendations to address them. Presented to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee. (State-level data on indicators of child well-being)
Raising the New Mexico Minimum Wage
Report Raising the minimum wage is an important and effective strategy for reducing poverty particularly given the erosion of the purchasing power of the state wage since it was last raised in 2009. In New Mexico, approximately 112,000 workers are earning the current state minimum wage of $7.50. In January, New Mexico lawmakers should act to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour by 2018. While this increase should not be considered a living wage, thousands of families would benefit. (State-level data on characteristics of minimum wage earners, including by race and ethnicity)
The Benefits of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for New Mexico
Presentation On the opportunities to improve preparation, access to, and success in adult basic education, career pathways, post secondary education, and workforce development through this federal program. Presented at a Mission: Graduate meeting.