With hopes of eliminating the waitlist

The New Mexico Department of Health is mailing applications to about 1,500 residents to provide immediate support for individuals on the waitlist for developmental disabilities support that can help pay for items like eyeglasses, hearing aids or adaptive equipment.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Human Services Department, the Department of Health is contacting all individuals on the waitlist to discuss additional resources and services.  This includes contacting children (their families) and adults to make sure all individuals in need of services are maximizing their Medicaid benefits.  Children on the waitlist, under the age of 21, who...

WASHINGTON, D. C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., issued the following statement on Senate Republicans’ actions in the senate impeachment trial.

“This is a dark moment. President Trump corrupted this country’s rule of law when he put his interests ahead of the country’s to advance his own political needs. The evidence of his wrongdoing is undeniable.

“Despite today’s (Feb. 5) deeply disappointing outcome, President Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives. That will be his lasting legacy.

“As for the Senate Republicans who cowered instead of doing the right thing, history will not be kind to those who sold out our democracy for...

Leaves too many people behind

ALBUQUERQUE - The state’s Working Families Tax Credit is a proven poverty-fighting tool that benefits New Mexico’s children, families, and economy, but it leaves too many low-wage workers behind. That’s the message of a policy brief released Feb. 4 by New Mexico Voices for Children and supported by groups that advocate on behalf of the state’s immigrant community.

Two of the groups of workers who are excluded from receiving the WFTC are childless workers between the ages of 18 and 25 and those filing their tax forms using an Individual Tax Identification Number instead of a social security number.

HB 148, which would end these exclusions, is...

Talking to your child about suicide may be one of the most difficult and uncomfortable conversations you’ll have, but it may also be the most important. Do not be afraid of the word “suicide.” According to research, talking to kids about suicide does not cause or increase suicide. Please read that again. By talking about suicide prevention, kids will know parents are open to discussing serious topics and parents will provide support when needed.

Why discuss mental health matters with kids? Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for kids ages 10-19. And 1 out of every 6 high school students has considered suicide in the past year. Depression and suicide...