New Mexico governor signs nation's first universal child care law
11 hours ago
- #Education Policy
- #Family Support
- #Universal Child Care
- Governor Lujan Grisham signed a universal child care law, making New Mexico the first state in the U.S. to guarantee no-cost child care for families.
- A second law removed local zoning and HOA barriers to expand child care availability in the state, supporting the governor's 'cradle to career' education plan.
- Universal child care aims to help parents work, improve family quality of life, and boost the state's economy, removing the financial burden of child care costs.
- The program has already enrolled thousands of additional families and children, with tens of thousands expected to receive free care this year.
- Funding includes up to $700 million from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund through 2031, with fiscal safeguards for sustainability.
- Investments have increased child care wages significantly and grown the number of professionals in the field, addressing workforce needs.
- New Mexico now offers both tuition-free college and universal child care, positioning it as a national model for other states to follow.