A federal report has, for the first time, detailed New Mexico's child poverty rate after considering anti-poverty measures such as tax credits and food assistance. According to advocates, this is a significant achievement for the state.
Initially, without accounting for these measures, New Mexico had a child poverty rate of over 27%, placing it last in the nation. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of about 17%.
However, when these state interventions are factored in, the U.S. Census Bureau's new report shows that the rate drops to just under 9%. This adjusted rate is below the national average and moves New Mexico from last place to 22nd in the country.
"Advocates said it’s a number the state can be proud of."