04/05/2026
32,000 young New Mexicans are not in school, not working and not in training, costing taxpayers $623 million a year to sustain. The growing number of disconnected is only getting worse. They’ve been told work hard, get an education, build a life, yet they do not see a path to personal success and growth.
The average first time homebuyer is nearing 40. New Mexico ranks near the bottom in education and child well being, while carrying one of the highest tax burdens and one of the worst returns on taxpayer dollars.
Bad public policy is shaping a culture of hopelessness at an enormous cost to taxpayers. When the system stops rewarding effort, people stop buying in.
Young people see it. They are doing the math.
One party control has not only limited balance and ideas, it has created a system that’s failing our young people.
What needs to change to make New Mexico a place worth building a future?