New Mexico made childcare free. It lifted 120k people out of poverty
a year ago
- #childcare
- #poverty
- #education
- New Mexico became the first U.S. state to offer free childcare to most families, significantly impacting low-income households.
- The state's childcare program helped parents like Lisset Sanchez finish college and Ofelia Gonzalez start a childcare business.
- New Mexico's poverty rate dropped due to expanded childcare subsidies and higher wages for childcare workers.
- The state funded these initiatives through oil and gas revenues and a dedicated Early Childhood Trust Fund.
- Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham prioritized education and childcare, establishing a new department and securing voter-approved funding.
- Despite progress, New Mexico still faces challenges with poverty and child wellbeing rankings.
- Advocates hope other states will learn from New Mexico's model of investing in early childhood programs.