By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, is proposing free childcare for all New Yorkers, potentially modeled after New Mexico’s new policy that eliminates income limits and copays. New Mexico funds its program through oil and natural gas revenue, allowing it to invest in a permanent fund and raise the minimum wage for childcare workers to $18 per hour. Mamdani’s plan would cost approximately $6 billion, funded by taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations, and also includes matching pay with NYC Schools teachers’ salaries. Universal childcare aims to boost economic stability for families and attract and retain workers within the industry.
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Zohran Mamdani, a rising political figure in New York City, is making a bold promise: free childcare for all New Yorkers. While this may sound like a radical idea to some, the reality is that other places are already proving it can work, and even thrive. New Mexico, in fact, has already implemented a groundbreaking policy that could serve as a model.
New Mexico’s initiative, which launched on November 1st, has made childcare accessible to all parents within the state, regardless of their income level. Copays are gone. Furthermore, childcare workers in the state are set to receive a well-deserved pay raise. This is a game-changer for families, offering substantial financial relief. For many parents, it can be the difference between barely making ends meet and having some breathing room in their budget. The financial stress of childcare can be immense, often leading to tough choices.
The impact of such a policy extends beyond just dollars and cents. Affordable, accessible childcare allows parents to work with peace of mind. Without worrying about unreliable childcare, parents are free from the constant stress of potential work absences when their children are sick or have school breaks. As some have pointed out, reliable childcare is “the backbone of our economy” by enabling parents to participate in the workforce. In a world where families are struggling to balance work and the cost of raising children, initiatives like these provide welcome relief.
The situation in New Mexico offers a tangible example of the potential benefits of Mamdani’s proposal for New York City. The city is considering a similar expansion of childcare services, specifically focusing on increasing the number of available slots for children aged six weeks to five years old. Even some of New York’s business leaders have expressed support for universal childcare, even if they disagree with other proposals. It’s an interesting situation, as even those who may disagree with the messenger, may appreciate the message.
The economic advantages are significant. Consider that, prior to the new policy, parents in New Mexico who weren’t eligible for full subsidies were paying an average of $12,000 per year per child. Reinvesting that money back into families’ pockets can give the state economy a real boost. Families can save, pay down debt, and invest in the future.
This initiative is not just about financial support; it’s about valuing families and their contributions to society. Providing affordable childcare encourages work, allowing parents to focus on their careers and contribute to the economic prosperity of the city. While political opponents may try to paint such policies as “socialist” or radical, in reality, they address the real-world needs of working families. It’s not about complex economic theories but practical solutions to the challenges parents face every day.
The success of such policies, as seen in New Mexico and the example of Québec’s long-standing program, highlights the importance of open-mindedness and a willingness to learn from successful models. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but learning from those who have already paved the way. Free public bus systems, as some states are already doing, can also be something that New York City and other locations could consider. These investments, while requiring an initial outlay of funds, can pay for themselves.
It all boils down to values. What does a society truly prioritize? Is it investing in education and the well-being of its children, or does it focus on other areas? By prioritizing childcare, we’re making a clear statement about our values. The argument that it’s too expensive or too difficult to implement doesn’t hold up in the face of what’s possible, and what other successful societies are already experiencing.
There are, of course, practical considerations. How will the program be administered? Will it require expansion of existing city departments? These are important questions that need to be addressed to ensure the program’s success. The fear that childcare facilities might become subpar is a valid concern that must be addressed, but such issues should not be barriers to progress.
The political climate, in which fear mongering dominates the narrative, can be an obstacle. There are those who might try to undermine the benefits of such policies through divisive rhetoric. Some might even try to prevent policies that provide the basis for people’s families to flourish. The solution here is better communications and better education around the benefits of the policies.
Ultimately, Mamdani’s plan for free childcare in New York City, and the example set by New Mexico, is an important step forward. It’s a bold vision, one that, if implemented successfully, can have a profound impact on the lives of families and the economic health of the city.