New Mexico Launches Free Universal Child Care Program Next Week

New Mexico is set to become the first state in the United States to implement free universal child care, beginning next week. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, aims to alleviate the financial burden of child care for families across the state, saving parents an average of $12,000 annually.

Parents in New Mexico will no longer face child care costs, regardless of their income level. Governor Lujan Grisham shared with CBS News that the need for such a program is underscored by the fact that in 41 states, child care payments exceed mortgage payments. This reality resonates with local teachers Hannah Mierley and Nathan Herzog, who currently pay over $14,000 yearly for child care for their toddler, Atticus. Herzog described their child care expenses as “all of the leftover budget that we have,” while Mierley noted it comes second only to their mortgage.

Funding for this ambitious child care plan will be sourced from New Mexico’s oil and gas revenues. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong economy, stating, “You can’t stay that course unless you have a robust early childhood and child care setting.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 67% of women with children under five are participating in the labor force, a statistic that has seen a decline in recent years.

In addition to covering child care costs, the program will also facilitate the recruitment and licensing of more registered home providers, including qualified family members, to expand the availability of care options. Furthermore, the initiative includes the establishment of a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund aimed at supporting the construction, expansion, and renovation of child care facilities. An additional $20 million has been requested for the year 2027 to further enhance this support.

When questioned about criticisms labeling the program as a Democratic handout, Governor Lujan Grisham responded, “I say it’s a Democrat that’s got twice the national average in economic output. This is about investing in mothers and fathers, being able to go back to the workforce.”

For families like Mierley and Herzog, this initiative represents a significant opportunity to shift their focus from immediate financial pressures to long-term planning. Mierley expressed relief at the prospect of reduced expenses, stating, “It gives us some relief.” Herzog added, “It’s the first time that we can really start thinking about, ‘How do I prepare for Atticus’ future?'”

As New Mexico rolls out this program, the implications for families and the broader economy may serve as a model for other states considering similar child care initiatives.