New Mexico is the first U.S. state to offer free universal childcare, effective today.
State Government Michelle Lujan Grisham said the initiative would ensure “every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”
Details
Childcare has been free in the state for low-income families since 2019.
Lujan Grisham said she estimates the expanded program will save families $US12,000 ($AU18,000) per child annually.
The State Government will also spend $US12.7 million ($AU19.5 million) on building and renovating childcare facilities.
Lujan Grisham said the state will also provide more funding to organisations that pay their staff a minimum of $US18 ($AU28) per hour.
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Response
In response to the policy coming into effect, the New Mexico Republican Party said: “The Governor misses the mark by pushing New Mexico into government dependency at a cost of millions of dollars to the taxpayers.”
“The Governor’s idea of ‘universal childcare’ [is] a permanent hand out for the wealthy to pay for their in-home nannies.”
Lujan Grisham is a Democrat, and her party also controls both houses of the state’s legislature (Parliament).
Early next year, the legislature will vote on whether to continue funding the program.
While the Democrats control the state’s Government, they can vote to continue the funding.
New Mexico will hold elections for governor and the lower house in November 2026.
