OPINION: Sensible, compassionate policies making measurable differences in the lives of New Mexico families

Good policies work.

U.S. Census data released last month that compares two different poverty measures confirms it.

Under the Official Poverty Measure, New Mexico has the second-highest poverty rate in the nation at 18.5%, and the highest rate for children under 18 at 27.4%.

But that’s not the end of the story. Under the census’ Supplemental Poverty Measure, which accounts for federal and state tax credits and direct benefits such as food and housing assistance, New Mexico’s poverty rate drops dramatically from 18.5% to 10.9%.

That’s the most significant improvement between the official and supplemental poverty measures of any state in the nation.

And childhood poverty? Using the Supplemental Poverty Measure, New Mexico’s rate plummets from 27.4% to 8.9% — tied for 17th best in the nation. That’s better than the nation’s overall 10.4% child poverty rate based on the supplemental measure. Figures are taken from census comparisons using a three-year average from 2021-23.

These aren’t just accounting tricks. These metrics validate the idea that people are more likely to thrive when provided more resources.

Over the past five years, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state Legislature have made a measurable difference in the lives of New Mexico families through expanded childcare assistance eligibility, free school lunch and breakfast programs, health care access and progressive tax policy.

New Mexico now operates the nation’s most expansive childcare assistance program, with free childcare — including universal, free Pre-K —provided for most New Mexico families. Even better, every child attending New Mexico public schools is also eligible for free breakfast and lunch.

The state also launched the Summer EBT program, or SUN Bucks, this year, providing grocery benefits to more than 252,000 New Mexico families with children during the summer months when a school lunch isn’t available. And although not considered in the Supplemental Poverty Measure, New Mexico Medicaid — the state’s health insurance program — extended continuous coverage to children from birth to age 6, setting them up for a healthier future at the outset of their young lives.

In terms of tax policy, our state has greatly expanded and improved the Working Families Tax Credit, based on the federal Earned Income Tax credit. These tax credits are widely recognized as among the most effective anti-poverty programs ever created. The tax credits are most substantial for families with children, and they phase out gradually as a family’s income rises.

And this year, for the first time, New Mexico families were able to claim a Child Tax Credit on their state — in addition to federal — income taxes. When the federal government enhanced its Child Tax Credit during the pandemic, childhood poverty fell by 46%. New Mexico took note and decided to continue that assistance at the state level.

It’s clear that New Mexico families are better off with access to quality, affordable daycare, nutritious school meals and enough food for everyone at the dinner table. Simply put, New Mexico families are better off because of sensible, compassionate policies enacted by Gov. Lujan Grisham and the state Legislature over the past five years.

The real-world benefits found in the latest census data are, indeed, proof that good policies are working in New Mexico.

Stephanie Schardin Clarke is Cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. Elizabeth Groginsky is the cabinet secretary of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Kari Armijo is Cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority.