Oil and gas fuel free child care in New Mexico

New Mexico is making history

Starting November 1st, it will be the first state to offer free child care for all families

Every family, no matter their income, can access state child care assistance with co-payments waived

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham says child care is critical for family stability, workforce participation and the state's future

There are so many people across the country that say that that's impossible, not impossible

In fact, it is the backbone of creating a system of support for families

The plan has been in the works since 2019 when lawmakers created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department

Initial focus was on families earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level

New Mexico is funding this program through two state investment funds backed by oil and gas revenue

The early childhood trust fund started in 2020 with $300 million has grown into billions

The land grant permanent fund also contributes, providing a steady stream for child care and

early learning. Children in New Mexico face challenges. The state ranks last in the nation

for child well with 112 kids living in poverty Median household income is about leaving many families one paycheck from financial strain

New Mexico's program could save parents roughly $12,000 per child each year

To meet demand, the state is putting $12.7 million into a loan fund for child care centers

with another $20 million requested for 2027. Expansion will target infants, toddlers, children with special needs, and low-income families

About 5,000 more early childhood workers will be needed to fully implement the plan

Over 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

Pre-K participation has grown tenfold and child care assistance now supports nearly 27,000 children

However, challenges remain. Rural districts lag in pre-K access and expanding eligibility could limit slots for families with the greatest need

Officials are studying child care deserts and balancing growth with quality and equity

Read more right now on the Straight Arrow News mobile app or visit san.com

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey