New Mexico Voices for Children, a policy research and advocacy organization, revealed the findings from two different measurements of child poverty from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing contrasting results. While the Official Poverty Measurement ranked New Mexico 50th in the nation for child poverty, the Supplemental Poverty Measurement ranked the state 17th and below the national average. The discrepancy between the two measurements is due to the inclusion of benefit programs and tax credits in the SPM, providing a more current and nuanced understanding of poverty.
Emily Wildau, a senior research and policy analyst for Voices for Children, emphasized the importance of the SPM, which takes into account essential needs like food, clothing, and shelter, as well as internet expenses and benefit programs. The organization highlighted that refundable tax credits, including the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the temporary federal child tax credit during the pandemic, are crucial in alleviating poverty.
While the Official Poverty Measurement is based on outdated metrics from 1964, the Supplemental Poverty Measurement provides more accurate and detailed insights into poverty rates. Voices for Children emphasized the need for policy changes to further reduce child poverty in New Mexico, including increasing the state minimum wage, passing the Paid Family and Medical Leave bill, and expanding childcare assistance eligibility.
By shedding light on the impact of recent policies and benefit programs on poverty rates, Voices for Children aims to encourage lawmakers to prioritize anti-poverty measures that can lift families out of poverty and improve child wellbeing in the state.
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Photo credit nmpoliticalreport.com
