00:00New Mexico is making history. Starting November 1st, it will be the first state to offer free child care for all families.
00:09Every family, no matter their income, can access state child care assistance with co-payments waived.
00:15Governor Michelle Luhan Grisham says child care is critical for family stability, workforce participation, and the state's future.
00:22There are so many people across the country that say that that's impossible. Not impossible.
00:30In fact, it is the backbone of creating a system of support for families.
00:35The plan has been in the works since 2019 when lawmakers created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department.
00:42Initial focus was on families earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
00:47New Mexico is funding this program through two state investment funds backed by oil and gas revenue.
00:54The Early Childhood Trust Fund started in 2020 with $300 million has grown into billions.
01:00The land-grant permanent fund also contributes, providing a steady stream for child care and early learning.
01:06Children in New Mexico face challenges.
01:08The state ranks last in the nation for child well-being, with 112,000 kids living in poverty.
01:16Median household income is about $64,000, leaving many families one paycheck from financial strain.
01:23New Mexico's program could save parents roughly $12,000 per child each year.
01:28To meet demand, the state is putting $12.7 million into a loan fund for child care centers, with another $20 million requested for 2027.
01:39Expansion will target infants, toddlers, children with special needs, and low-income families.
01:45About 5,000 more early childhood workers will be needed to fully implement the plan.
01:50Over the past 15 years, New Mexico's investment in early childhood programs has skyrocketed from under $200 million in 2012 to nearly $1 billion anticipated in 2026.
02:03Pre-K participation has grown tenfold, and child care assistance now supports nearly 27,000 children.
02:10However, challenges remain.
02:12Rural districts lag in pre-K access, and expanding eligibility could limit slots for families with the greatest need.
02:19Officials are studying child care deserts and balancing growth with quality and equity.
02:24Read more right now on the Straight Arrow News mobile app or visit san.com.
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