Gallup Sun

Nothing spent on education and job training; benefits like child care assistance not well coordinated

ALBUQUERQUE—New Mexico’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program—what was formerly known as ‘welfare’—could do a much better job of helping families find educational pathways out of poverty. No TANF money is spent on education and training services that help parents gain credentials and secure family-sustaining employment. And while a significant percentage of TANF funding is used to pay for services like child care assistance and NM Pre-K, too few families with young children who receive TANF benefits are able to take advantage of these programs.

That is...

Today is Dec. 16 and there are about two weeks or so left in 2016. Boy how time flies!

As 2016 draws to a close, let’s reflect on the year we are about to leave behind: Did you have goals? Did you reach or surpass those goals?

If you didn’t reach your goals, the bright side of the situation is that there is still some time left to achieve them, so don’t give up.

Many changes are ahead for us as a country. There is a new president and a new vice-president of the United States. No one knows where the newness of everything will take us, but of course we hope and pray for the best.

There will be a new county official in office come January with Bill Lee, president of the...

On December 19, Mercury goes Retrograde and the Sun enters Capricorn on December 21. You may experience a shift in your mental state. If you’ve been under stress this will be a welcome respite. Consider reading Mark Manson’s self-help book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Madame G suggests you get out there and enjoy what’s left of 2016. Have fun!


Aries (March 21-April 19)

What’s waiting for you around the corner? In all your excitement and exuberance don’t forget to look both ways as you cross the street. Don’t knock people down to feel good. Your happiness doesn’t require the misery of others. Take stock of your surroundings and smile. There’s enough love and...

Lots of New Mexico business owners don’t realize they’re required to pay a “compensating tax” for business-related purchases they make on the internet or in a state that doesn’t charge sales tax.

Some know they’re supposed to but they ignore it, assuming the state will never discover the nonpayment.

Most of the time, that’s a safe assumption because the state can’t monitor everything a business does. But it’s risky, nevertheless, because an audit could uncover the nonpayment and this discovery could result in a hefty fine — especially if the business acquires much of its raw materials from out of state, depriving New Mexico of significant tax revenue.

EVEN THE...