New Mexico

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

Published

1 year 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

All-American Rejects bring surprise concert to Albuquerque’s South Valley

Published

11 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Press Room

All-American Rejects bring surprise concert to Albuquerque’s South Valley

The All-American Rejects played a pop-up show in a former alfalfa field in the South Valley after telling fans the location just hours before the concert.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A former alfalfa field in the South Valley served as the venue for one of the most highly-anticipated concerts of the year in New Mexico Wednesday night, although no one knew exactly where it would take place until a few hours before showtime.

The All-American Rejects, the band behind hits such as “Move Along” and “Dirty Little Secret” said they were coming to the Albuquerque area for a concert, but only fans who signed up for an alert received the exact location, and that didn’t come down until 5:55 p.m. Wednesday.

It’s part of the band’s free “House Party” concert series, which features performances in barns and backyards instead of more traditional venues in an effort to fight back against rising concert ticket prices.

“The whole tour, the message we’re trying to get across is what’s happened with concerts in general. It’s become a one-percenters club to have access to the one commodity we need for togetherness, which is music,” said Tyson Ritter, the lead singer and bassist for the band.

The owners of the property couldn’t believe their luck when they were selected. Jackeline and Thomas Ingham told KOB 4 their family’s properties in the South Valley have been used for weddings in the past, but certainly never for a major concert.

“And I thought it was a scam, so I hung up,” said Jackeline Ingham when asked about how the band’s manager reached out to her to set up the concert. “So, [my husband] is like, ‘Call her back!’ So, he ended up talking the rest of the way with her.”

Throughout the day, many fans of the All-American Rejects across New Mexico were trying to guess where the band might show up later in the evening.

“I thought it was either gonna be at Ex Novo, New Mexico United, or just somewhere in the South Valley because that’s what Reddit said all day,” said Brooke Palmer.

Fans within a 124-mile (200 km) radius were able to receive the band’s concert alert.

It ended with thousands of fans flocking to the area, and just before 8:30 p.m., an announcement was made saying the venue was at capacity, forcing many to leave.

Others remained outside the main gate trying to get the best view they could from afar.

But the band was ultimately happy with the former alfalfa field that was quickly turned into a concert stage.

“Well, this is number four. And this feels like this is the example,” said Ritter ahead of the show. “This is what a house party is. Right here, man. We’ve got a beautiful field, an incredibly generous host, the weather is with us.”

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New Mexico

Rodeo Recap: Rodeos in California, New Mexico, and Missouri Highlight Weekend

Published

23 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Press Room

Rodeo Recap: Rodeos in California, New Mexico, and Missouri Highlight Weekend

The professional rodeo season continues to heat up as we head into the spring and summer runs. Rodeos across the country drew top athletes over the recent weekend, as they vie for positions at the 2026 National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

Every dollar counts, especially as we enter the last five months of the 2026 season.

Riverdale Rodeo – Riverdale, Calif.

Bareback rider Jacob Lees earned two California victories on the weekend, scoring 81.5 points on Four Star Rodeo’s Sweet Annie in Riverdale. His 83.5-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Socket claimed the win in Stonyford.

Reigning Circuit Champion, Hayle Gibson-Stillwell, topped the barrel racing by two-tenths of a second with her time of 17.04 sconds.

Stonyford Rodeo – Stonyford, Calif.

California cowboy Bailey Small put together a solid weekend in his circuit, winning Stonyford with an 82.5-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Classy Clark. He also finished second in Riverdale.

Barrel racer Kathy Petska continues to dominate the circuit, claiming yet another spring win with a 17.50-second run.

American Royal Rodeo – Kansas City, Mo.

There are now two “Popes” to watch out for in the bareback riding — three-time NFR Average Champion and World Champion, Jess Pope, and his brother, Ty. Ty made a huge ride in Kansas City, scoring 87 points on Smith Pro Rodeos’ Broadway Boots for the win.

In 2025, Kansas cowboy Weston Patterson made his first NFR appearance and has carried that momentum into his 2026 season. Scoring 88 points on Korkow Rodeos’ Joker Poker, he claimed the saddle bronc riding win.

Pioneer Days Rodeo – Clovis, N.M.

Tie-down roper Buck Tate earned the win by over two full seconds, taking home $1,404.

Reigning Breakaway Roping World Champion Taylor Munsell claimed the $2,054 victory with a time of 1.8 seconds.

Helotes Festival Association Rodeo – Helotes, Texas

In bareback riding, Taylor Broussard matched up with Andrews Rodeo’s Empty Promises for a score of 85.5 points to earn the win.

Seven-time NFR qualifier, Isaac Diaz, topped the leaderboard with a score of 89 points on Diamond G Rodeo’s To The Limit. He earned the win in saddle bronc riding and $1,855.

PPCLA PRCA Rodeo – Mineral Wells, Texas

Sissy Winn put together a solid weekend in her circuit, topping the barrel racing in Mineral Wells and finishing fourth in Helotes.

Hailing from Winnie, Texas, Ethan Winckler made the only qualified ride in bull riding, scoring 87.5 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Mr. Blue Sky and taking home a whopping $4,863.

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