NEW MEXICO RANKS 48TH IN THE NATION IN CHILD POVERTY ACCORDING TO THE KIDS COUNT SURVEY FROM NEW MEXICO VOICES FOR CHILDREN. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VERONICA GARCIA SAYS THEY'D LIKE TO SEE THE LEGISLATURE ADDRESS THE ISSUE … AND SHE SAYS IT'S POSSIBLE WITH SEVERAL MEASURES.
SHE TELLS US ONE SUCH BILL WOULD RESTORE ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE TO 200 PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. SHE SAYS IT WOULD ALLOW MORE LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, THAT ARE TYPICALLY HEADED BY SINGLE PARENTS, TO AFFORD QUALITY CHILDCARE SO THE PARENT CAN GO OUT AND WORK. SHE SAYS IT'S AN INCENTIVE FOR THESE PARENTS TO FIND AND KEEP JOBS.
GARCIA SAYS RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE AND CONTINUING TO INVEST IN PRE-K EDUCATION WOULD ALSO HELP REDUCE POVERTY IN THE STATE. SHE SAYS THESE ARE ISSUES ADDRESSED IN BILLS BEING INTRODUCED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
