Paul Gessing, president of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Foundation, expressed concerns about the well-being of children in New Mexico, stating that there have been no significant improvements despite claims to the contrary. This statement was made in an opinion piece published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on December 21.
"The governor is conflating the U.S. Census Bureau's traditional poverty measure, in which we remain 50th, and its supplemental measure," said Gessing. "I'd argue that if anything, New Mexico children are doing worse than ever. New Mexico's education outcomes…saw our students come in dead last in all four categories in the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2023."
According to Gessing's article, New Mexico continues to face challenges with child poverty and well-being, questioning Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's assertion that the state's child poverty ranking improved from 50th to 17th. He argued that relying on the supplemental poverty measure, which includes government assistance, is misleading compared to the traditional measure where the state remains last. Gessing suggested that broader systemic issues, such as poor education outcomes and high child poverty rates, remain unaddressed.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual report evaluates all 50 states on 16 indicators of child well-being across four categories: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. In its 2024 report, New Mexico ranked 50th overall, reflecting ongoing challenges in these areas. The state's detailed profile highlights persistent issues affecting children's quality of life.
According to the Kids Count Data Center, in 2024, New Mexico's child poverty rate stood at 24%, higher than the national average of 16%. Additionally, New Mexico's high school graduation rate was reported at 76%, below the national average of 85%.
Gessing has served as president of the Rio Grande Foundation since March 2006. He advocates for limited government and individual liberties in areas such as taxes, education, and health care. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in Political Science and the University of Maryland with an MBA, he has contributed to major publications like the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post and frequently appears in New Mexico media.
