New Mexico

What Are the Budget Issues Facing New Mexico?

In 2009, New Mexico faces a $454 million budget gap representing 7.5% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in New Mexico

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $630,000,000 in relief for New Mexico’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $260,400,000 in relief to the state of New Mexico to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $106,400,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $92,600,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $19,700,000 for other education programs in New Mexico’s schools.
• $172,000,000 in food stamps for 262,000 New Mexico men, women, and children.
• $8,600,000 in emergency shelter grants for 2,200 households.
• 131,000 New Mexico children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $17,816,534 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 4,450 New Mexico children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 70,351 New Mexico families.
• $2,600,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $6,300,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have New Mexico’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Jeff Bingaman (D)

Tom Udall (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information