Abstract

In early spring 2016, New Mexico was experiecing a bleak midwinter. The economy is showing signs of recovery, but the recovery is slow, uneven, and behind the state's western neighbors and rthe nation. Promising economic forecasts in December gave way to downward projections in January and, while costs have risen, state revenues have not. Demographically, more people are leaving New Mexico than are arriving. The people who remain are poorer and less educated than their national or regional counterparts. Political scandals have rocked both the executive and legislative branches. It has been a difficult winter in New Mexico.