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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

NM Kids Count Report Drops – Continued Support for State Programs Urged

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Thursday, January 21, 2010   

SANTA FE, N.M. - The annual KIDS COUNT report for New Mexico will be released this morning at the state capitol, and the data - which doesn't include the worst of the ongoing recession - shows times are tough for children in the state.

Chris Hollis, Kids Count director for New Mexico Voices for Children, says the future of programs currently being debated in the legislative session is intertwined with our children's future.

"We hope lawmakers continue supporting programs that have the great potential to both help improve child and family well being in the state, and help strengthen the economy."

Hollis lists four key program areas she believes need the most continuing support, including quality early childhood care and education; a good educational system with a strong graduation rate; comprehensive health care; and a stable system of family supports such as food stamps and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Continuing to support programs that benefit children and families, she adds, is also a sound investment for the state.

"For example, early childhood education - for almost every dollar that we might spend trying to fund it, we should get back up to 16 or 17 dollars."

Investing in kids from the start leads to more successful citizens that earn more, are healthier, pay more taxes and commit fewer crimes, says Hollis. Her statistics show, overall, New Mexico remains among the lowest-ranked states for child well-being. One of the few available figures that reflects the impact of the recession shows a nationwide increase of more than a third in the number of people using food stamps.

Kids Count will be released at a press conference at the state capitol rotunda beginning at noon. Invited guest speakers include Lt. Gov. Denish and local youth. The report is available at www.nmvoices.org.




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