New Mexico becomes first state to make child care universally free
New Mexico has become the first U.S. state to offer universal free child care to all families, nonetheless of income. Building on an existing program that provided free child care to thousands, the state plans to expand this initiative starting in November. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham emphasized that universal child care supports family stability, workforce participation, and long-term prosperity. The expansion is expected to save families an average of $12,000 per child annually.
This effort follows a 2022 constitutional amendment approved by voters, which allocates part of the state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund-financed through oil and gas taxes-toward early childhood and public education. The program currently benefits families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (about $124,000 yearly). The state’s Early Childhood Education and Care Department received a $113 million budget increase, nearly reaching $1 billion, with half dedicated to child care support.
experts praise New Mexico’s data-driven,community-focused approach as a national model that fosters better health,learning,and well-being outcomes. additionally, the state plans significant investments to build, expand, and renovate child care facilities.
New Mexico becomes first state to make child care universally free
New Mexico officials announced Monday that it will become the first state to make child care free regardless of one’s income.
The universal child care program will build on an existing program that has provided child care at no cost to thousands of children. The expansion will begin in November.
“Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) said in a statement announcing the expanded program Monday. “By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”
The governor’s office said expanding the program will save New Mexico families an average of $12,000 per child per year. Lujan Grisham first campaigned on the issue during her first run for governor in 2018.
In 2022, voters in the state overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment to allocate a portion of the state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund, which is largely funded by taxes on oil and gas, toward funding early childhood and public school education. The amendment paved the way for the state to begin offering free child care to most families. New Mexicans earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or annual household incomes of about $124,000, had qualified for free child care under the program.
In New Mexico’s most recent budget, the Early Childhood Education and Care Department received a $113 million increase in funds, bringing its total operating budget to nearly $1 billion. Half of that fund will go toward child care payment support.
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“New Mexico is creating the conditions for better outcomes in health, learning, and well-being,” Neal Halfon, professor of pediatrics, public health, and public policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, and director of the Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities, said in a statement. “Its approach is rooted in data, driven by communities, and becoming a model for the nation.
New Mexico additionally announced plans to invest millions to construct, expand, and renovate child care facilities.
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