SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico has become the first U.S. state to provide free child care to all residents, launching a landmark program on November 1 aimed at reducing poverty, supporting working families, and improving early education outcomes.
The initiative, developed by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department since 2019, offers state-funded vouchers for both public and private child care regardless of family income. It is financed largely by oil and gas revenues, a key contributor to the state’s budget in a region where nearly 18% of residents live in poverty.
The program also raises provider reimbursement rates to retain educators and establishes a low-interest loan fund to help expand facilities. To meet universal demand, New Mexico will need 14,000 new child care slots and 5,000 additional educators.
Supporters say the policy will boost long-term educational achievement and economic growth. Critics, including State Rep. Rebecca Dow, argue that offering no-cost care for all children up to age 13 is overly broad and unsustainable compared to targeted models in other states.
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