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Advocates: NM Ranks Last in Child Well-Being

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — As the New Mexico Legislature gets underway, advocates are going to be pushing to improve the well-being of the state's children through education initiatives and other efforts aimed at pulling families out of poverty.

New Mexico Voices for Children is releasing its annual Kids Count in New Mexico report at the State Capitol on Tuesday. The group wants to get the attention of lawmakers.

The report places New Mexico dead last among states when it comes to child well-being.

According to the report, nearly one-third of the state's children live in poverty and 60 percent live in low-income families. About 37 percent have parents who lack secure employment.

New Mexico' statistics are far above the national average.

Advocates are seeking permanent funding for early education and they want to see the minimum wage increased.