Rebecca Dow, New Mexico State Representative for District 38, said that Democrats tabled House Bill 225 (HB 225), a tax credit initiative aimed at supporting foster parents. She described this support as a commonsense step toward addressing the state's child welfare crisis. Dow made these remarks in a press release on February 17.
"We should be throwing our full support behind these folks that step up and do such an important job," said Dow. "Supporting foster parents is a step in the right direction."
House Bill 225, introduced in the 2025 New Mexico Legislature, proposes a refundable tax credit of $100 per week for each child fostered by licensed or certified foster parents. The bill aims to provide financial assistance to foster families and is projected to cost the general fund approximately $11.4 million annually. The Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) would be responsible for issuing eligibility certificates to qualifying taxpayers.
According to Las Cruces Sun-News, New Mexico faces a shortage of foster families, with only 1,300 available to care for the state's 2,600 children in need. Efforts to mitigate this issue include developing a "navigator" program to assist prospective foster parents through the certification process and prioritizing placements with relatives. Despite these initiatives, challenges such as high turnover rates and concerns over children being moved between homes persist within the state's foster care system.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that individuals who have aged out of New Mexico’s foster care system are advocating for reforms. Reed Ridens and Delaney are among those calling for workforce stabilization within CYFD, enhanced support for families in need, and greater stability for students in foster care. Ridens stressed the importance of prioritizing policy recommendations from those with lived experience over those from more powerful interest groups.
Dow's website indicates she is a business owner and non-profit founder who has served in the New Mexico House since 2017. Her advocacy focuses on children's education, job creation, and Second Amendment rights. She has also founded several nationally accredited programs for children and families.
