Rebecca Dow, a state representative for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has expressed concerns regarding new government spending plans. She said that these plans overlook the state's core policy failures, which have left many residents in poverty despite record revenues. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
"We'll be voting to spend an additional $200 million on government programs," said Dow, House Representative. "New Mexico is one of the wealthiest states in sovereign wealth, yet our people remain among the poorest. The problem isn't a lack of money — it's failed policies. Too many programs have created dependency instead of opportunity."
New Mexico lawmakers recently convened a special session to consider additional appropriations exceeding $200 million for state programs. The debate is centered on balancing short-term social spending with long-term fiscal reform and economic opportunity.
According to the New Mexico State Investment Council, it manages the Land Grant Permanent Fund and Severance Tax Permanent Fund, totaling over $51 billion in sovereign wealth as of 2025. These funds are among the largest per capita in the United States.
Despite its substantial wealth, New Mexico remains one of the poorest states in the U.S., with a median household income of approximately $56,000 and a poverty rate above 17%, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2024.
Dow is a Republican state representative and former gubernatorial candidate from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Her focus includes education reform, fiscal responsibility, and reducing government dependency to promote opportunity.
