New Mexico to Offer Free Child Care for All: A Major Step Forward
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker