American Rescue Plan

The White House and U.S. Treasury have announced yet another round of funding to expand internet access in New Mexico and Colorado’s tribal and rural communities.

While New Mexico’s unemployment rate dropped in June, the state still has an issue with low workforce participation. That’s according to a recent legislative report. But a new $6.4 million federal grant from the American Rescue Plan may help more people access training and better paying jobs.

The White House along with state politicians announced Thursday that New Mexico, along with Minnesota, Maine and Washington DC, would extend post-birth Medicaid coverage from two months to one year after birth.

Advocates and social scientists say the extra money will help low and middle-income families recover from the economic impacts wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and lift millions out of poverty.