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New Mexico drops to 48th in national KIDS COUNT ranking

ALBUQUERQUE-New Mexico dropped to a ranking of 48th in child well-being in the 2008 national KIDS COUNT Data Report, to be released on June 12 by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Last year the state ranked 47th. The annual report ranks the 50 states based on ten indicators of child well-being such as child poverty rates, teen birth and dropout rates, and infant mortality rates, using the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data available.
 
"It's always disappointing to see New Mexico so close to the bottom," said Lisa Adams-Shafer, KIDS COUNT Program Manager for New Mexico Voices for Children, which co-releases the annual report. "But, as always there are some bright spots. We continue to do very well in terms of infant mortality rates, and we continue to outpace the national average in improvement in high school drop out rates," she added. "Sadly, our child death rates have continued to worsen."
 
New Mexico ranks 16th in infant mortality rates, but 47th in the percentage of teens who are not high school dropouts - despite a 38 percent improvement between 2000 and 2006. The state's death rate for children between 1 and 14 years of age increased by 55 percent between 2000 and 2005, ranking us 48th in this measure. In contrast, the national average decreased 9 percent over the same time period. Despite our low infant mortality rates, our percentage of low-weight babies rose by 6 percent between 2000 and 2005.
 
As in past years, Louisiana and Mississippi ranked lower than New Mexico. Alabama, which ranked 48th last year, moved up to 47th. New Hampshire ranked 1st this year.
 
Because of the lag in data, the effects of recent New Mexico initiatives such as the pre-K program, raising the minimum wage, and the creation of the Working Families Tax Credit, will not show up for a few more years. "These kinds of programs are a great start, but it will take a lot more to move New Mexico out of the bottom ten," said Adams-Shafer. "Dramatically improving child well-being will take a concerted effort that addresses multiple issues, starting with child poverty. We need to expand early care and education programs and cover all kids with health insurance," she added. "The recent launch of Governor Richardson's poverty task force is also good news." Optimal outcomes for child well-being are outlined in Children's Charter, which was launched by NM Voices late last year.
 
Besides the ten indicators, the data book also looks at demographics, such as the percentage of children without health insurance, and focuses on one child-specific issue. This year, the report focuses on juvenile justice - an issue on which New Mexico does relatively well.
 
"Our rate of youth ages 10 to 15 in custody is less than half the national average," said Adams-Shafer. "The KIDS COUNT essay links this, in part, to changes that began in the Bernalillo County juvenile justice system." The data book essay cites changes in Medicaid rules that allowed the creation of an outpatient clinic for mental health treatment as a model of good public policy.
 
The National KIDS COUNT Data Report is available online at http://www.kidscount.org/datacenter/2008databook/

Child advocates praise Senate passage of measures to safeguard children's health care

ALBUQUERQUE - Advocates for extending health coverage for all children are praising yesterday's passage by the U.S. Senate of a $165 billion war supplemental bill, which included a moratorium on regulations put in place by the Bush Administration on Medicaid. The regulations would lead to large cuts in federal Medicaid funding for states. A recent report from Families USA estimated that New Mexico would lose $183.2 million in the first year alone.
 
The supplemental bill had already passed the House with the moratoria intact. However, the Senate approved an amendment earlier this week that would stave off similar cuts to the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). The amendment imposes a moratorium on the August 17, 2007 directive that limits states' ability to cover children from moderate-income families who do not have insurance. The previously-passed House bill did not address the S-CHIP directive. The Senate bill will be sent to the House for final approval.
 
"This is good news for the children of New Mexico," said Bill Jordan, Policy Director of the child advocacy organization. "The Medicaid regulations and S-CHIP directive would have severely cut funding for children's health care and almost inevitably led to cuts in benefits and enrollment," he added.
 
The domestic spending part of the Senate bill was approved in a veto-proof, stand-alone vote of 75-22. "New Mexicans should be proud and grateful that both of our senators stood up for kids' health care," Jordan said.

NM to lose hundreds of millions in Medicaid dollars

Medicaid regulations will weaken NM economy if Congress does not act.

ALBUQUERQUE-A new report from Families USA estimates that New Mexico will lose $183.2 million in federal Medicaid funding in just the first year if rules issued by the Bush Administration go into effect. The report, "Bad Medicine: The President's Medicaid Regulations Will Weaken New Mexico's Economy," concludes that the regulations would result in the loss of $364.7 million in related business activity, $134.6 million in lost wages, and 4,000 lost jobs in one year.

"The federal Medicaid money that is injected into the state's economy is spent on salaries, which are spent, in turn, on living expenses and other goods and services," said NM Voices for Children Research Director Gerry Bradley. "Given the slowdown in the national economy, these regulations were the absolute wrong thing to do," he added. The total cost will be $1.5 billion over five years. The report also concludes that those hardest hit are likely to be children and people with disabilities.

The U.S. House recently passed the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 on a 349-62 vote, which would place a moratorium on the regulations until March 2009. Of New Mexico's representatives, Udall and Wilson voted in favor of the bill, Pearce voted against. The Senate has not yet taken final action.

Families USA is a Washington, D.C.-based group advocating for quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Get the report here   http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/bad-medicine/new-mexico.pdf

S-CHIP Passes House, Tom Udall Urges Bush to Make 'Healthy Choice'

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2007- An expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program passed the U.S. House last night, but it now faces a veto threat from the President, and family advocates say the health and future of thousands of New Mexico children hangs in the balance.  The House of Representatives passed an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program last night, but the threat of a Presidential veto still looms.

New Mexico District 3 Representative Tom Udall (D) voted for the expansion, which he says is essential for over 50,000 children in New Mexico, "We all know that children are more likely to succeed in education and life if they're healthy and they have a good health care system to support them. I just don't understand why the President would veto a bill like this."

The President has said the bill is too costly and unfair to private insurers. Supporters point out that most of the families in question aren't able to afford private insurance in the first place. The bill now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass easily. Sally Moore with Community Action New Mexico says it's children in the Land of Enchantment who will pay the real price if President Bush follows through on his threat,   "It means that more people are sick, it means that more children don't have the help they need, it means that people aren't safe in this country for very basic needs."

Groups Catch Fever to Cover More Kids as Veto Threat Looms

Albuquerque - New studies show the number of uninsured children is increasing nationwide and premiums are getting more expensive. That has children's advocacy groups pushing harder for renewal of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which is under a veto threat from the President.

It's a 'fevered' rush for groups pushing to keep health coverage for New Mexico kids - and a recent flood of data shows it's needed now more than ever. The State Children's Health Insurance Program, which covers thousands of New Mexico families, expires soon, and President Bush has threatened to veto its renewal, despite studies showing an increase in the number of uninsured kids. Bruce Lesley is president of First Focus, which just released a report listing New Mexico with the fifth-highest rate of uninsured children.  He says, "A few years ago we provided an expansion of coverage for seniors to get prescription drug coverage, why would we not do the same for children?"

Plans before Congress would expand health coverage to as many as five million uninsured kids nationwide. The White House has threatened a veto of that expanded coverage, saying it would compete with private insurers. But Eric Griego with New Mexico Voices for Children says the program is critical for thousands of New Mexico families who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance, "They don't have access to health care either through work or whatever. S-CHIP is really, really important for them to get their kids covered."

View more at http://firstfocus.net and at http://nmvoices.org .

Public to Offer 'Prescriptions' for Health Care Reform at Forums Across NM

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Gallup, NM - August 22, 2007- Public forums are taking place across New Mexico this week on the issue of health care reform in part because New Mexico has the second-highest rate of uninsured people in the nation. This week, the 'talk of the town' across New Mexico will be getting 'health care for all.' Both a state legislative committee and a coalition of public health advocates will be holding public meetings to hear what residents have to say about health care reform.

Senator Dede Feldman chairs the Health and Human Service Committee, which will be taking public testimony this week in Gallup and Zuni Pueblo. She says the public spoke loud and clear at earlier hearings, Click to Hear feldman082207.mp3  ("Health care is their number one issue domestically. We can use that opportunity to move forward with a universal health care plan, so we can have affordable, quality health care for all.") Feldman says her committee will work on health care reform legislation for next year's session.

Other forums organized by the "Health Care for All Campaign," made up of public health, senior, children's, women's and religious groups will be held August 23 in Taos and Friday in Rio Rancho. For those in Taos, Sandoval and San Miguel Counties, people can air concerns and share stories at other forums organized by the "Health Care for All Campaign." Charlotte Roybal is with Health Action New Mexico, one of the groups involved with the campaign. She says people should make their voices heard at any of the public meetings, Click to Hear roybal082207.mp3  ("We can't change health policy in New Mexico unless our elected officials and policy makers hear from people. It's very important that people come, form their own opinions, ask questions, take the time to contact their legislators.")

For a full schedules of the Gallup and Zuni meetings go to http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/agendas/HHSageaug22.07.pdf . " The schedule of meetings by the Health Care for All Campaign is:
Taos County, Wednesday, August 22 (Taos Convention Center, Rio Grande Hall, 120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos), 6:00-8:00 PM
Sandoval County, Thursday, August 23 (Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane, Rio Rancho), 7:00- 8:30 PM
San Miguel County, Tuesday, August 28 (Luna Community College, 366 Luna Drive, Las Vegas), 4:00-6:00 PM

A "Healthy" Father's Day Gift Idea - Insurance for All Kids

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - June 15, 2007 - The best gift for Dad this weekend could be health insurance for all his kids. Congress is currently debating the State Children's Health Insurance Program -- and a bill recently introduced in the Senate would streamline the program to ensure easier access to health care for all children and pregnant mothers.

A new tie is great, but this Father's Day weekend, something many New Mexico dads wish they had is health insurance for their kids. And supporters of a bill before Congress say there's a chance to make those wishes come true. The State Children's Health Insurance Program, or S-CHIP, is up for renewal this month, and Nayerra Haq with the Children's Defense Fund says that's a great opportunity to cover New Mexico's 86 thousand uninsured kids, Click to Hear haq1.mp3 ("The All Healthy Children Act would provide all uninsured children with healthcare coverage and healthcare access and it would also cover all pregnant mothers.")

The "All Healthy Children Act" would simplify enrollment in Medicaid and S-CHIP for children and pregnant women and make enrollment and renewal automatic for newborns. It's received support from hundreds of school, faith, and civil rights organizations. Bill Jordan with New Mexico Voices with Children says thousands of low-income children and adults are already covered in New Mexico, but more help is needed, Click to Hear jordan061507a.mp3 ("Tens of thousands more who are eligible but not yet covered and we're maxing out on the federal dollars that we get.") Visit New Mexico Voices for Children at http://www.nmvoices.org/

Your Neighbors are the Hungriest in the Country

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - June 5, 2007- It's National Hunger Awareness Day, and the message is especially critical here in New Mexico, the state with the highest hunger rate. Odds are, you have far more hungry neighbors than the average American. On this National Hunger Awareness Day, Jasmin Holmstrup with Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque says part of the goal is to remind New Mexicans that they live in the hungriest state in the country, Click to Hear holmstrup1.mp3 ("Here in New Mexico, there are approximately 354,000 hungry New Mexicans, that's 1 out of 6 that don't have the resources to purchase food.")

She says part of the reason hunger is so widespread here is that our state is largely rural, Click to Hear  holmstrup2.mp3 ("The combination of poverty and people having to travel long distances to get to a job or to get to food makes it very difficult and increases the number of people at risk for hunger.")

Today, June 5, there will be a "Dine Out For Hunger" event across the state. Over a dozen restaurants in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Artesia, Clovis, Las Vegas and Tucumcari will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the state's food banks. For a list of the restaurants and more ways to fight hunger in New Mexico, visit www.rrfb.org.

Holmstrup says the timing of Hunger Awareness Day isn't a coincidence, and that many people are surprised to learn hunger actually increases in the summer, especially for families with schoolchildren, Click to Hear  holmstrup3.mp3 ("They not only have to pay for three meals a day, they also have to pay for child care, and donations to the nation's food banks actually drop off during the summer.")

Food Stamps Turn 30, but Thousands of New Mexicans Still Hungry

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Washington, D.C. / Albuquerque -May 21, 2007- The modern Food Stamp program turns thirty this week, but many eligible families are still going hungry and not taking advantage of the program. One in six New Mexicans don't know where their next meal is coming from, but thousands of them could be getting help. The modern Food Stamp Program turns thirty years old this week, and Laurel Wyckoff, executive director of the New Mexico Association of Food Banks says over forty percent of eligible families aren't signed up, Click to Hear wykoff1.mp3 ("People are afraid sometimes to go to a government office for assistance. Sometimes they don't want their neighbors or friends to know that they need help.")

Another problem is the large amount of paperwork to sign up. And Wyckoff says long drives to government offices are also a barrier for people in rural areas. Many seniors living on social security are only eligible to receive ten dollars a month in food stamps. Wyckoff says that limit hasn't changed since 1979 and she adds, Click to Hear  wykoff2.mp3 ("I don't know about you, but I don't think I could buy very much food for a month for ten dollars. So, I think that needs to be fixed for sure.")

In New Mexico, the state matches that ten dollars for seniors, but Wyckoff says the problem needs to be fixed at the federal level. The Food Stamp Program is tucked into the federal farm bill, which is up for reauthorization this year. A separate bill before Congress would add 4 billion dollars to the program. The bill to add funding to the Food Stamp program is H.R. 2129, the "Feeding America's Families Act of 2007." For more information about the New Mexico Association of Food Banks visit http://www.nmfoodbanks.org/  .

'Bike to Work Week': Trim Pollution & Waistlines, Fatten Your Wallet

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM - May 14, 2007- It's "Bike to Work Week" and events are planned across New Mexico to encourage commuters to ditch the traffic, save a few bucks, get in shape and reduce greenhouse emissions, all with the turn of a pedal. This week is the perfect time to start working off the pounds - not just from your weight, but from your daily greenhouse gas emissions, too.

Long-time bicycling advocate Ken Hughes says there are three great reasons to pedal rather than drive to the office, Click to Hear hughes1.mp3 ("Biking to work is a great way to get in and keep in shape. It's also a great way to save money and third it's a carbon-free way to get to work, there's no greenhouse gases emitted from the bicycle.")

Hughes will lead a "Bike to Work Convoy" along the Santa Fe River on Friday, starting with breakfast and a rally at 7 A-M at DeVargas Park in Santa Fe. Events are also planned for Farmington, Los Alamos, Las Cruces and around Albuquerque, where Rail Runner and Bike ABQ will host four breakfast stops with free bike maps and other goodies.

Hughes says he'd like to see more New Mexico cities become bicycle friendly, Click to Hear  hughes2.mp3 ("To encourage people to get out and bike by offering trails, by offering facilities for parking, for showers and for making more incentives like that available.") On Friday in Albuquerque, city planners will be available at designated Rail Runner stops to talk to commuters about upcoming bike projects. Find out about event schedules and more at http://nmshtd.state.nm.us/main.asp?secid=15680  .