Did You Know – August 2023
Best State Rankings: New Mexico rankings on a number of important items compared to other states are nothing to write home about. The Best States rankings by U.S. News draw on thousands of data points to measure how well states are performing for their citizens. In addition to health care and education, the rankings take into account a state’s economy; its roads, bridges, internet and other infrastructure; its public safety; its natural environment; the fiscal stability of state government; and the opportunity it affords its residents. More weight was accorded to some categories than others, based on a survey of what matters most to people. Health care and education were weighted most heavily. Then came state economies, infrastructure, and the opportunity states offer their citizens. Fiscal stability followed closely in weighting, followed by measures of crime and corrections and a state’s natural environment. Here are some rankings from U.S. News and World Reports for 2023.
Overall Ranking: New Mexico #47!
The Good
Rank #15 Fiscal Stability (Especially Short-Term)
The Bad
Rank #32 Natural Environment (Strong in Pollution, Poor in Air and Water Quality)
Rank #38 Health Care (Poor in Access, Quality and Public Health)
The Ugly
Rank #41 Opportunity (Strong in Affordability, Poor in Equality and Economic Opportunity)
Rank #44 Infrastructure (Okay in Energy, Not Good in Transportation, Terrible in Internet Access)
Rank #44 Economy (Below Average in Growth, Terrible in Business Environment and Employment)
Rank #47 Crime and Corrections (Strong in Corrections Outcomes, Dead Last in Public Safety)
Rank #50 Education (Okay in Higher Education, Dead Last PreK-12)
States ranked below NM: Mississippi, Alaska and Louisiana. New Mexico is 1 of only 2 states within the bottom 10 states that has not been dominated by conservative, Republican politics for years!!!
Observations: Gorgeous sunsets, stunning vistas, and the delicious aroma and taste of green chiles are only a portion of quality of life. The factors measured here are of critical importance for living in the 21st century.
Moving from the bottom quartile to the top quartile on these measures will not happen over night. In fact, that will take decades. Upward movement requires a sustained commitment over time and the will to take the necessary actions to move the needle. Democrats can and will lead the way.