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Report Shows New Mexico Child Poverty Rate Lower Due To Federal Programs

The Annie E. Casey Foundation reports New Mexico’s child poverty rate is decreasing thanks to federal assistance programs. 

The Casey Foundation report finds that without programs like food stamps, housing assistance, and tax credits…100,000 more New Mexico children would live in poverty.

New Mexico Voices for Children Director Veronica Garcia says these programs are extremely important in New Mexico, where nearly 22 percent of state residents live in poverty…the second-highest rate in the nation behind Mississippi. New Mexico’s child poverty rate in 2011 through 2013 was 36 percent, but falls to 16 percent when these programs are taken into account.

Garcia says these supplemental programs make a tremendous difference in the quality of life of children. She noted the effects of hunger and homelessness and how these issues can impact a child’s development.

The Casey Foundation report came out on the heels of the SONG Act being introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Udall. The SONG Act, which stands for Saving our Next Generation, is designed to increase access to federal education and anti-poverty programs.

Garcia says two years ago, Udall found New Mexico's child poverty rate distressing which is why he created the SONG Act with the input of several experts.

The Casey Foundation report indicates anti-poverty programs are proving to be successful but Garcia says there is still a lot of work to be done. She says New Mexico needs more policies and programs to help raise families out of poverty, provide resources for parents to improve their education, and expand access to effective early childhood programs.