Families should grow together
Dear Friend,
Although we have seen signs of economic recovery over the last decade, far too many families in New Mexico and across the nation are still struggling to make ends meet and can't escape multigenerational poverty.
That's why I just reintroduced the bipartisan Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act to increase opportunities for families living in poverty. The two-generation approach aligns and links existing systems and funding streams to target services toward both parents and children at the same time with support aimed at increasing economic security, educational success, social capital, and the health and wellbeing of whole families.
In recent years, I have visited programs all across New Mexico that are already successfully using the two-generation approach. That includes the New Mexico Pre-K Program, which is working to engage parents and increase access to early childhood education for children across our state. Earlier this month, I toured the Jornada Elementary School in Las Cruces and sat down with educators to discuss how Las Cruces Public Schools is working to better coordinate its state and federal funding and resources to improve early childhood learning.
PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich visits Jornada Elementary School in Las Cruces to discuss early childhood education, February 19, 2020.
I have heard firsthand how providing robust services for parents and their children simultaneously allowed families to grow together and get on a more prosperous path. My bill will give states, local governments, and tribes more flexibility to develop innovative two-generation programs that really work to help families find a way out of poverty.
I am committed to investing in New Mexico families and helping them pursue their dreams together. Please stay in touch with me about your ideas for how can make the Land of Enchantment a land of opportunity for everyone. And don't hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
