Congratulations to our friends in New Mexico for making history! More recently, it has made itself the first state in America to ensure universal access to child care for families residing there. On September 8, 2025, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham shared some thrilling news. Beginning November 1st of 2025, families will be eligible for no-cost child care for under-3-year-olds! This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide financial relief to families while supporting the state’s economy.
The new program ensures that all families in New Mexico can access free child care services, regardless of their income levels. Such inclusivity will go a long way to include the most diverse of families. Every average American family stands to save more than $12,500 per child annually as a result of this program. To highlight how highly the governor valued this program, he said,
“By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.” – New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
To support the implementation of this ambitious initiative, Governor Lujan Grisham is requesting an additional $120 million in funding during the upcoming legislative session. This funding will be essential to maintaining the program and increasing access to quality child care services.
New Mexico is increasing its outreach to child care facilities to recruit them into the program. They’re even providing bonus incentives beyond moving expenses for employers to improve the overall compensation of their workers. Under its grant, the state will require that entry-level child care staff earn at least $18 an hour. This campaign is part of an overall effort to recruit more workers into the child care industry. Our sector has faced a staffing crisis over the last few years, too.
Other state Republicans have raised serious alarm about offering free child care to more affluent families. Critics have particularly railed against the initiative, branding it as creating nannies for millionaires. They claim that it fails to equitably distribute state resources. These issues have the potential to heat up legislative discussions as the reauthorization progresses.
Despite the criticism, New Mexico’s universal child care initiative is poised to set a precedent for other states across the nation. By taking this step, New Mexico hopes to lead by example and inspire similar programs that prioritize family support and child development.
Our Families in New Mexico are waiting with bated breath for this program to launch on November 1. It has the potential to change child care in the state dramatically and possibly even to influence policy-making throughout the country.
