Racial & Ethnic Equity Publications
Increasing the state Child Tax Credit will help New Mexico kids thrive
Updated Fact Sheet New Mexico's new state-level CTC is a great start at helping children thrive. Lawmakers should use the legislative session to make a few improvements. (State-level data on how increasing this tax credit would benefit families)
Federal Student Loan Debt Relief and New Mexico Students and Grads
Policy Brief President Biden’s plan to provide federal student loan debt relief to millions of borrowers is popular – but it’s also a bit complicated. This short policy brief explains what the plan does, who is eligible, and how to apply. There’s even information on changes to Income-Driven Repayment plans and a calendar of deadlines for applications.
Art as an Alternative
Report Given that so many youth within the state’s juvenile system have faced multiple adverse childhood experiences, any effective rehabilitation efforts must address their long-term impacts. This report looks at how informal diversion programs based on the arts can help youth dealing with ACEs and save the state money. (State-level data on the juvenile system.)
New Mexico is Putting Families First in Tax Policy
Fact Sheet Our state’s policy makers made a number of improvements to the tax code since 2019 that will help low- and middle-income New Mexicans, improve equity, and increase economic opportunity for our working families. (State-level data on how recent tax changes will benefit families)
A new state Child Tax Credit would create opportunities for all New Mexico kids to thrive
Fact Sheet Many families are still hurting from the pandemic recession. A new state-level Child Tax Credit would help hard-working families and grandparents raising grandchildren, and make our tax system more fair. (State-level data on how this tax credit would benefit families)
Supporting Parents and Newborns for a Healthier New Mexico
Fact Sheet In New Mexico, new mothers whose births were covered by Medicaid are only eligible to receive health care for another two months. This is particularly problematic for mothers and babies of color, who are more likely to have postpartum health issues. Find out how lawmakers can make our health care system more equitable. (State-level data on maternal death rates by race and ethnicity)
Ending Childhood Food Insecurity in New Mexico
Report New Mexico's childhood food insecurity rate has long been at or near the highest in the nation. The pandemic and resulting recession only made it worse. This updated report looks at why food insecurity is such a problem in New Mexico, how it impacts children and families, and what the state can do about it. (State- and county-level data on food and economic insecurity)
Eligible but Excluded
Report A follow-up to our Essential but Excluded report, this looks at how Asian/Pacific Islander and African immigrants and refugees are unable to access public benefits for which they are eligible - and not just during the pandemic - due to a pervasive lack of language access at many state agencies. This, despite federal laws requiring such access.
Health-in-All-Policies for New Mexico
Report Your state of health is dependent on many variables - including where you live, how much you earn, and even how far you went in school. These are called "social determinants of health" and they not only impact your health but they also impact your ability to choose a healthy lifestyle. Everyone's health could be improved if lawmakers took these determinants of health into account when creating public policies. This report offers an overview of the determinants of health as well as the policies that can improve health for all.
New Mexico’s K-12 Schools: Funding the Education System Our Students Deserve
Policy Brief Despite recent increases in K-12 funding and the ruling in the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit, New Mexico still fails to adequately invest in the kind of educational system our students deserve. This policy brief looks at the state's K-12 funding landscape, educator shortage, the pandemics' impact, and more. (State-level data on student demographics, proficiencies, and graduation rates)