New Mexico
LTE: New Mexico’s Approach On Poverty Doesn’t Address Its Root Causes
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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DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. – (KFOX14/CBS4) — Some El Paso Electric customers in New Mexico are speaking out against a proposed rate increase that could raise the average monthly household bill by more than $40 by late next year.
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which will decide whether to approve the proposal, held a public comment hearing earlier this week in Las Cruces.
During the meeting, customers and community members questioned the size of the request and whether the utility is doing enough to serve customers in southern New Mexico.
“This is a border town. It is a college town. It is a retiree town. It’s a military town. We’re not rich like Santa Fe, and the rates just keep going up and up and up,” said Kathy Lucero, a Las Cruces resident.
“We ratepayers and energy consumers should not be asked to subsidize these excessive profits,” said Lynn Moore, a Dona Ana County resident.
El Paso Electric is asking for a $70.4 million increase to its base rates for customers in New Mexico.
El Paso Electric seeks $70.4M hike; average NM bills could rise nearly $42 a month
The utility says the request is needed to recover costs from more than $400 million in New Mexico system investments, including upgrades, reliability improvements and rising costs.
After the hearing, Israel Chavez, a local civil rights attorney, said accessibility is also a concern as the utility asks customers to pay more.
“El Paso Electric closed its office on Water Street. There is no physical office to go to if you live with a disability, if you don’t have the technology to access your utility bill or to talk to somebody, there is no place to go unless you go to El Paso. And I think it’s wrong for El Paso Electric to cut services and then increase rates,” Chavez said.
In a statement addressing concerns about access, El Paso Electric said, “El Paso Electric continues to provide reliable service, along with a range of customer support resources to meet diverse needs, including assistance with account access, bill understanding, and payments.”
The utility added, “We recognize that changes like this can have its challenges, particularly for customers who may face barriers to technology or prefer in-person support. However, we remain committed to ensuring our customers feel supported and have access to the help they need when they need it.”
El Paso Electric said customers can still manage their accounts online, call customer care, or use authorized payment kiosks throughout its service area.
The New Mexico PRC has not made a final decision on the rate request.
If approved, the increase would start taking effect next year in two phases.
FULL PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING
Final community meeting on proposed EPE rate hike in New Mexico draws mixed reactions
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CHIMAYO, N.M. (KRQE) – A suspect is dead following a shooting involving the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office in Chimayo on Highway 76. Deputies are said to be okay. New Mexico State Police is investigating the shooting.
KRQE News 13 will provide updates as they become available.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A leader in the New Mexico Republican Party was arrested Wednesday, accused of a deadly hit-and-run in Las Cruces.
Former Treasurer of the Republican Party in New Mexico, Kimberly Ann Skaggs, 54, was arrested Wednesday and charged with leaving the scene and tampering with evidence, jail records show.
Police documents show the charges stem from a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened Monday afternoon, which killed 40-year-old bicyclist, Andrew Brown.
Investigators believed Skaggs was involved after an investigation revealed that Skaggs allegedly was driving fast in the area, fled the scene after the crash and then tried to hide the vehicle from authorities.
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The investigation
According to police documents, a witness at the scene of the crash– 850 N. Fairacres Rd.– described seeing a dark blonde-haired woman flee in a black Cadillac Escalade SUV.
Afterwards, investigators said they saw on Flock cameras– A.I. powered license plate readers– a black Cadillac Escalade traveling near the site of the crash minutes before the incident.
READ MORE: Dona Ana County expands Flock license plate cameras as officials cite crime-solving gains
The license plates showed that the vehicle belonged to Skaggs and that, in September 2025, the Las Cruces Police Department had given her a citation for “racing on streets-exhibition driving.”
Investigators stated that a business on Picacho Ave. captured what they alleged was the same black Cadillac Escalade driving fast.
Then, the documents described how investigators tracked down the Escalade using OnStar’s live GPS tracking, discovering the SUV was at a property on the 5000 block of Northwind Road, which investigators said the Dona Ana County Assessors Office confirmed is a property owned by Skaggs.
On Tuesday, at around 6:41 p.m.– over 24 hours after the deadly hit-and-run– investigators executed a search warrant on the property and described finding the black Cadillac Escalade behind a home, under a red metal carport.
Investigators noted damage on the SUV consistent with the crash, highlighting that there was blood splatter near one of the front tires, markings on the front bumper consistent with hitting a bicycle and parts missing, which investigators said were the same parts found at the scene.
Dona Ana County jail records show Skaggs was booked on Wednesday afternoon and remains jailed without a bond.
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About Skaggs
On the official website of the Republican Party of New Mexico, Skaggs was listed as the treasurer before she was removed.
KFOX14/CBS4 has reached out to the Republican Party to learn more and are waiting for a comment regarding the arrest.
Also, according to election statistics, Skaggs ran for State Representative in District 36 in 2022 and 2024, losing both times to Democrat Nathan P. Small.
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