Understanding WHY New Mexico is dead-last for raising families
A recent report from Wallethub labeled New Mexico the very worst state in the nation as a place to raise a family. We believe this to be a reasonably accurate report although we always like to explore the variables used in producing the study before passing judgement. What is the REAL issue here and what can be done to raise New Mexico out of last place?
- Poverty drives the numbers: when it comes to quality of life poverty is hard to overcome. Poverty is the reason we’re at the bottom of the annual Kids Count report and it’s why we’re at the bottom of this one. It negatively impacts EVERY aspect of a state. Economic freedom is the clearest way out of poverty, but New Mexico politicians (and voters) have not expressed an interest in improving economic freedom in their state.
- When it comes to children having a strong education system is a must. New Mexico has the worst education system in the entire nation. Until that changes we won’t improve much.
- New Mexico is in the midst of a profound medical provider shortage. This impacts ALL residents of the state including young people. There is talk of making some significant changes to medical malpractice law in the state, but those need to be made right away and the changes need to be profound.
What is the upshot of New Mexico being a poor climate for young people? New Mexico is seeing a dearth of young people (2nd worst to Illinois) which sets it up for profound challenges. In addition to a lack of babies being born here people are moving out of state.
While MLG and the Legislature have continued their “cradle to career” approach to expand government programs with the hope of improving outcomes the reality is that New Mexico’s big-government mindset hasn’t moved the needle in the same way that getting a diploma and a steady job would do. That’s not RGF from, that’s the Legislative Finance Committee.
Check out the full Wallethub report here.
