Publications
2020 Special Session Budget Summary
Fact Sheet The New Mexico Legislature was called into a special session on June 18 in order to address revenue shortfalls in the state budget due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and the global drop in oil prices. Although Congress had passed legislation to help the states, New Mexico still had to trim the budget lawmakers had passed in January 2020 by $580 million. This fact sheet shows what got cut and by how much.
Taxing groceries would make New Mexico’s food insecurity problem worse
Fact Sheet Despite the state having high rates of food insecurity, some lawmakers still talk about bringing back the tax on groceries. This may become an especially easy target as lawmakers look to replace state revenue that has been wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economy downturn, and drop in oil prices. Here's why they shouldn't. (State-level data on child food insecurity, SNAP usage, and more.)
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Health Care
Fact Sheet (eighth in the series) Health care should be universally available in a global pandemic. While the U.S. still seems to be years away from joining the rest of the wealthy nations in guaranteeing this basic right, Congress did approve some financial assistance to states for their Medicaid programs. (State-level data on rates of uninsurance and Medicaid enrollment)
New Mexico’s 2020 KIDS COUNT profile
State Data Sheet New Mexico ranks 50th in the nation in child well-being for the fourth time since 2013. This state profile shows how our children are faring on the 16 indicators of child well-being used in the national KIDS COUNT rankings. (State-level data on the 16 indicators of child well-being.)
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Housing Assistance
Fact Sheet (seventh in the series) Poverty, the lack of affordable housing, and other aspects of housing insecurity were already problematic in New Mexico before the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn. If these additional challenges push families into crowded housing or homelessness, the risk of contagion will increase. Federal stimulus has helped, but much more is needed. (State-level data on housing challenges and poverty)
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Education
Fact Sheet (sixth in the series) New Mexico's schools, colleges, and universities have been under-resourced for more than a decade. While the state did increase funding for the past two years, the pandemic and recession will make it difficult to keep our education budgets whole. Federal funding will help, but more will be needed. (State-level data on K-12 funding levels and child care enrollment)
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Unemployment Insurance
Fact Sheet (fifth in the series) The safety measures put in place across the nation to slow the spread of COVID-19 have led to massive worker layoffs. This has, in turn, overwhelmed the ability of most states to keep up with unemployment insurance claims. This fact sheet looks at how the stimulus passed by Congress will help New Mexico's laid-off workers. (State-level data on unemployment)
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Fiscal Relief for Tribes, States & Cities
Fact Sheet (fourth in the series) Tribes, states, and local governments are facing enormous costs in their attempt to contain, treat, and respond to this unprecedented public health emergency. Simultaneously, tax revenues are falling with the plummeting economic activity. Federal legislation was passed to help address the immense revenue needs for New Mexico and all the other states, but more will be needed in the future.
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Small Business Provisions
Fact Sheet (third in the series) Small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico's economy. While some of the federal aid packages passed by Congress aim to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, few New Mexico businesses are likely to benefit. (State-level data on small business demographics)
How the Federal COVID-19 Response Impacts New Mexico: Food Assistance
Fact Sheet (second in the series) With food insecurity already a big problem before the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic slump has only made it worse. Some of the federal aid packages passed by Congress allow states to expand their SNAP programs, which will help. This fact sheet looks at what this means for New Mexico. (State-level data on food insecurity)