NYC’s Mamdani Promises Free Childcare, Follows New Mexico Model

BREAKING: New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani vows to implement free childcare for every child under the age of 6, drawing inspiration from New Mexico’s groundbreaking universal childcare policy that launched on November 1. This ambitious plan could reshape the landscape of childcare in America’s most expensive city.

Mamdani’s proposal aims to eliminate financial barriers for families, providing universal access to childcare while also ensuring fair wages for caregivers. To fund this transformative initiative, he plans to tax wealthy residents and corporations, targeting an estimated cost of $6 billion for the program.

New Mexico’s recent policy, which removed income limits and copays for childcare, serves as a potential blueprint for NYC. In a state where parents previously faced costs averaging $12,000 annually per child, the new approach allows for significant savings and economic relief. “That makes a really big difference in what else they can afford,” said Julie Kashen, senior fellow at The Century Foundation. Families can now work without the constant worry of childcare costs, a crucial factor in maintaining workforce stability.

The urgency for such programs has never been clearer. Rising childcare costs have consistently outpaced inflation, leaving many families scrambling for affordable options. In New Mexico, the government anticipates that the universal access will not only benefit parents but will also stimulate the economy by reinvesting in its citizens.

One of Mamdani’s key challenges will be securing sustainable funding. New Mexico benefits from substantial tax revenue generated by its oil and natural gas sectors, bringing in over $11 billion last year. This financial support underpins their $30 billion permanent fund for childcare, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.

In addition to free childcare, New Mexico has addressed the childcare workforce crisis by raising the minimum wage for childcare workers to $18 per hour, significantly above the state minimum wage. “They get paid less than dishwashers and dog walkers,” noted Hailey Gibbs, associate director for early childhood policy at the Center for American Progress. This wage increase aims to attract more dedicated workers to the field, a necessity for expanding childcare services.

In contrast, NYC’s childcare workers currently earn a median wage of just $18.09 per hour, far below the metropolitan area’s median wage of $28.55. Mamdani has suggested that salaries for these workers should align more closely with those of NYC public school teachers, which average around $70,000 for new hires. This move could help retain passionate caregivers who are currently underpaid despite their critical role in supporting families and the economy.

As Mamdani prepares to take office, the pressure is on to deliver on this transformative promise. Advocates stress that childcare is not just a personal issue; it’s an economic one. “Childcare is the backbone of our economy,” Kashen emphasized, highlighting the systemic importance of childcare in enabling parents to work effectively.

With the potential to reshape the landscape of childcare in New York City, the implications of Mamdani’s plan extend beyond immediate relief for families. It could set a precedent for other major cities facing similar challenges. As the details continue to unfold, all eyes will be on Mamdani and how he will navigate the complexities of funding and implementation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Mamdani’s administration begins to take shape and plans for universal childcare move forward.