New Mexico

LTE: New Mexico’s Approach On Poverty Doesn’t Address Its Root Causes

Published

6 days ago

January 22, 2025

BY BUSHRA ELFARISSI
Vice President
Young Democrats of New Mexico

New Mexico has made significant strides in addressing poverty, but we must ask: Are we truly addressing the root causes of poverty and bridging the wealth divide, or are we merely offering short-term relief? The state’s reposition from first in poverty to 17th in the nation — driven partly by a focus on the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), which accounts for both cash resources and non-cash benefits like housing and food assistance — marks notable progress. However, it doesn’t mean the individuals or families relying on these benefits to survive are no longer poor. Once we shift our focus from merely alleviating the symptoms of poverty to finding long-term solutions, we can pave the way for a more prosperous future for all New Mexicans.

Unlike the Official Poverty Measure, the United States’ standard poverty measure which considers only cash resource availability, the SPM paints a more detailed picture of poverty by factoring in resources like food, health care, and housing assistance. Though the heightened nuance provided by the SPM gives us a better understanding of the lived experiences many face, it’s important to acknowledge that programs designed to address immediate needs, while invaluable, are not a cure for poverty. In fact, they often highlight New Mexicans’ vulnerability rather than their economic independence.

Consider this: in New Mexico, approximately 72% of babies are born into Medicaid. And according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 40.3% of children in New Mexico are part of families receiving public assistance —the highest rate in the nation. While the multitude of assistance programs New Mexico provides are essential, we also need to focus on creating pathways for long-term economic security. It’s similar to how doctors treat a disease – they don’t just focus on mitigating pain; they work toward a cure so those painful symptoms cease entirely. In the case of poverty, we should not only be proud of our efforts to treat its symptoms but also work toward solving the systemic issues that keep people dependent on assistance.

Baby Bonds, a landmark initiative architected by world-renowned economist Dr. Darrick Hamilton and introduced in New Mexico by State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya and New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez, would establish a government-funded trust for every child born in New Mexico after July 1st, 2025. When the recipients reach adulthood, and after taking a financial literacy component, they could use the funds for government-approved wealth-building opportunities, such as down payments on a home or reliable vehicle, higher education, trade school, or startup capital for a new business venture. With the potential to provide over $20,000 per individual by the time they turn 18, Baby Bonds is a forward-thinking solution that can help bridge the wealth divide and provide future generations with the financial knowledge and tools to thrive.

Unlike traditional assistance programs, which are vital in the short term, Baby Bonds is an investment directly in New Mexicans and offer a sustainable pathway to economic independence and wealth while building our economy. True progress isn’t about fewer New Mexicans qualifying as poor on paper; it’s about ensuring every New Mexican has the tools to thrive on their own. But of course, Baby Bonds isn’t a silver bullet[PC1] to address every ailment threatening our state’s economic welfare. To create lasting positive change, we must continue to support and strengthen existing assistance programs that improve quality of life, while also investing in solutions that foster long-term economic independence. By combining Baby Bonds with the robust assistance already in place, we can break generational cycles of poverty and lead New Mexicans to a brighter future.

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New Mexico

New Mexico Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Day results for Jan. 27, 2025

Published

8 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Press Room

The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 27, 2025, results for each game:

Powerball

02-40-47-53-55, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Day: 5-1-3

Evening: 2-6-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Lotto America

03-07-21-33-45, Star Ball: 02, ASB: 04

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 1-9-7-0

Day: 2-8-4-0

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

09-19-24-25-27

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball Double Play

01-09-34-63-67, Powerball: 06

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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New Mexico

NM Legislature Day 5 recap: Senior Day shenanigans • Source New Mexico

Published

20 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Press Room

NM Legislature Day 5 recap: Senior Day shenanigans • Source New Mexico

Hundreds of New Mexicans convened today at the Roundhouse for day 5 of the legislative session.

For the first half of the day, the Roundhouse was packed with older New Mexicans, caregivers and advocates in honor of Senior Day, hosted by the state’s Aging and Long-Term Services Department. Secretary-Designate Emily Kaltenbach said several hundred people attended.

“Those stories you share will have a direct impact on the budget we get for our department this year,” Kaltenbach told the crowd in the rotunda. “That budget, which I think is very reasonable this year but critically needed, will support aging in place, providing services in our homes and our communities.”

Fern Reyna, Laverne Zaragoza and Alfie Levaldo traveled from Acoma Pueblo to ask lawmakers for additional funds for the senior center.

“We’re looking to build a computer center, so we can learn to use computers and our smartphones, which are way too smart for us,” Zaragoza quipped.

In addition, Levaldo said the pueblo needs additional funds to expand services with an assisted living facility and a daycare.

Adrienne Smith, president and CEO of the New Mexico Caregivers Coalition, joined the crowd to encourage people to find their legislators and share with them their personal stories of caring for loved ones.

“I’ll tell you what, if you’re not a caregiver now, I bet you will be,” Smith said.

She specifically asked Senior Day attendees to encourage lawmakers to reactivate the Long-Term Services Division and call for more direct funding for family caregivers.

Ernest Smith, 61, and Emily Wauneka 66, the Elder King and Queen from both from the Sheep Springs Chapter of the Navajo Nation, sit in the Rotunda for Senior Day. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department seeks $1M to reactivate key division

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also made an appearance at Senior Day, where she maintained her stance on public safety, promising New Mexicans that legislators would address stricter sentencing for drug offenses.

Bill Watch

The Paid Family & Medical Leave Act received its first committee hearing this morning in the House Health & Human Services Committee and passed by a 6-4 vote.

Both bills before the Senate Rules Committee moved on. Senate Bill 85, which proposes expanded definitions of expenditures and donations in campaigns, received a unanimous 9-0 pass, while Senate Bill 5, which reforms the state’s game commission, received two amendments and passed by a 7-2 vote.

Tomorrow, committees are getting warmed up with big bills. House Bill 4 on criminal competency, one of the top priorities by both lawmakers and the governor, will be heard in the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee at its 1:30 p.m. meeting.

Senate Conservation Committee has a full slate, with Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act first up, which would codify state emission reduction goals into law. Committee members will also hear two bills on stream protections, which you can read more about here. The agenda concludes with Senate Bill 23 which proposes increases to the state’s oil and gas royalty rates. NM State Land Office Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard backed earlier this month.

House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources is scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m. to discuss a proposed one-mile buffer zone preventing oil and gas companies from producing pollution around schools, daycare facilities and public parks.

Pups in the people’s house

Dolores Aragon drove up from Clovis, with Pumpkin and Boo, both aged 6, to show up in the Roundhouse on Jan. 27, 2025 for Senior’s Day. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Phillip Mondragon and Dolores Aragon brought their two dogs, Boo and Pumpkin, with them to Senior Day, driving up from Clovis on Sunday. Mondragon told Source NM that their 6-year-old service pups go everywhere with them to help Aragon with her sight.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

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New Mexico

Families host non-local New Mexico Ice Wolves players

Published

1 day ago

January 27, 2025

Press Room

Families host non-local New Mexico Ice Wolves players

Many of the Ice Wolves players come from all around the U.S. and don’t have a place to stay so families in New Mexico are a big help.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Hockey season is well underway, including for our New Mexico Ice Wolves whose out-of-state players are finding themselves right at home here.

Players are all about 17-22 years old. They’re either finishing up high school or taking a gap year before college in hopes of getting NCAA Division I scholarships. Many of them are not only from out of state but also out of the country so they need a place to stay while achieving their goals.

That is where families, like the Shipley family, come in handy.

“She said, ‘Hey, we had this, this young guy, he needs to place a sleep tonight. We’ve already talked about it. Can we do it?’ And I just told her to please make a good decision,” Jeremy Shipley said.

That decision grew Shipley’s family of four to five. They’re letting 18-year-old Connor Hanley have a place to stay while he chases his dreams.

“We were obviously a little nervous in the beginning to open up our home to someone that’s a complete stranger. But just in the short amount of time that Connor’s been here, we’ve really grown,” Jackie Shipley said.

Connor joined the Shipley family in the middle of the season. Since he came to live with them in September, he has become a part of the family.

“It’s been great to see how he interacts with the kids, how he fits right in with like, our life and all the things we do,” Jackie said.

Ten-year-old Easton explained things were a bit awkward in the beginning.

“At first, we were getting to know each other. But then as time went on, we started to get more comfortable with each other,” Easton said.

Now, Easton and seven-year-old Boden feel like Connor is their big brother. They have a lucky stick at home.

It’s lucky because Connor signed it and gave it to them.

With all of the players who come here, like Liam Waugh from Georgia and Tim Hewko from Ann Arbor, Michigan, rookie forwards whom we also talked to, the New Mexico Ice Wolves does their best to not only match up similar lifestyles but also personalities.

“If a player says, ‘I love teaching little kids how to skate or play hockey,’ and I know this family has a couple of kids, I’m like, ‘Ah, that might be a match!’ I meet them and I talk to them, and I just get a sense of who they are. And then I talk to the player and the player’s family. I get a sense of who they are and then I just let my gut kind of do the talking,” explained Tina Tomlin, the host coordinator for the New Mexico Ice Wolves.

Tomlin also hosts a player – goalie Jackson Fuller.

For hosting a player, each family gets $425 a month and discounts on merchandise and food at the rink.

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