Dear Friends:
In case you missed it, our core issues at Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico have been in the news locally and nationally.
Family – New Mexico Ranks Last in the Nation for Child Well-being…Again
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, New Mexico once again ranks last in the nation for childhood well-being. The report revealed that children living in single-parent families has increased to 45% – 11% higher than the national average – and the teen birth rate is now 28 per 1,000 – 9 births higher than the national average. The children living in high-poverty areas is up to 24%, which is double the national average. The full report is available here.
Life – Liberal Ninth Circuit Issues Surprising Pro-Life Ruling
Late last week, it was announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the Trump Administration’s “Protect Life Rule” could go into effect immediately. The Rule, which blocks federal funding to clinics sharing space with abortion providers (e.g. Planned Parenthood), was previously halted by lower courts. However, the three-judge panel for the Ninth Circuit allowed the Rule to go into effect while other lawsuits proceed.
Religious Freedom – U.S. Supreme Court Allows Bladensburg Cross to Stand
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow a 94 yearold World War I memorial in Bladensburg, Maryland to stand. The memorial, which features a 40-foot cross, was previously deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Seven of the nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices, however, disagreed with the lower courts ruling. Justice Alito, writing for the majority, penned that “destroying or defacing the Cross that has stood for nearly a century would not be neutral and would not further the ideals of respect and tolerance embodied in the First Amendment.”
As a reminder, this week is your last chance to have your gift to our Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy doubled thanks to a matching grant provided by some of our generous ministry partners. If you want to help us train and support Christian legislators and aspiring policymakers, please make your tax-deductible donation today!
Thank you for your support!
Vince Torres
Presiden and Executive Director
