By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a historic move, New Mexico will become the first state to offer free child care to all residents, regardless of income, starting in November. This initiative builds on the state’s previous efforts to lower child care costs, removing income requirements and waiving family copayments, potentially saving families $12,000 per child annually. Funding for the program comes from a $1 billion operating budget for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and a portion of a $10 billion fund, alongside a request for additional state funding. The program also aims to improve child care facilities and staff wages, with the goal of creating new child care centers and options, though reactions to the initiative have been mixed.
Read the original article here
New Mexico will be the first state to make child care free, and it’s a significant move with the potential to reshape the landscape of family support. This initiative, removing income eligibility requirements and family copayments, is a game-changer. The state has been working toward this goal since 2019, creating the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and expanding eligibility, but this is the culmination of those efforts.
It’s hard not to be impressed by the potential impact. Considering the financial strain child care places on families, especially in low-income areas, this could provide real relief. Imagine parents who have previously been caught in the ‘benefits cliff,’ where a small raise meant losing daycare assistance and effectively taking a pay cut. Those days could be over. It is worth noting that Vermont has had “low cost or free” options for child care for decades, which demonstrates the feasibility of this initiative and its possible longevity.
The cost to the state seems surprisingly affordable as well, around $1 billion annually. This is a substantial investment in its citizens, one that could yield significant returns in terms of economic stability and improved family well-being. It’s something that’s sorely needed, especially when compared to some other states that prioritize more superficial endeavors.
Of course, there are practical considerations. It’s natural to wonder about logistics. Will there be approved daycare facilities, or will families receive reimbursements? It’s a valid concern, as any system requires careful implementation to prevent potential abuse. However, the potential benefits are so vast that it’s worth exploring and refining. There is also the concern that this initiative could result in a bottleneck for daycare facility availability, a factor that policymakers will need to keep in mind.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t a standalone solution. The move is crucial, particularly when considering the limited parental leave options in the state, but it’s just one part of a broader picture. For families with young children, New Mexico will have to make more investments. The focus of parental leave protections is important.
Of course, there will be the inevitable skepticism and criticisms. The word “free” will be dissected and challenged, as it always is. The argument will be that, of course, it’s not *really* free, as it is tax-funded. While this may be true, it’s a matter of semantics. Someone is paying for it, but the point is that the financial burden is being shifted from individual families to the state.
It’s also likely to trigger predictable reactions from certain groups. Expect claims of “socialism,” and, unfortunately, it is entirely probable that some people will view it as an attack on individual responsibility. The responses will range from those claiming it is “communism” to arguments that parents should not have children if they cannot afford them. It’s a shame to think that such a positive step forward will be met with negativity, but it’s the reality we live in.
Yet, despite the inevitable pushback, the sentiment toward the plan is overwhelmingly positive. This is a step forward, a real investment in families and the future. It’s something to be celebrated, and hopefully, a model for other states to follow. New Mexico, in many ways, is leading the charge.