Judge Dismisses Challenge to New Mexico’s Universal Childcare Program
A New Mexico judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state’s universal childcare program, allowing the initiative to continue without income caps or co-pays. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing and that subsequent legislative action had rendered the challenge moot. This decision upholds the state’s ambitious program, which aims to provide childcare assistance to all families, and comes as policymakers nationwide observe New Mexico’s model. Attorneys for the plaintiffs indicated they plan to appeal the ruling.
John Q. Hosedrinker