NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Parents and providers are expressing support for universal child care in New Mexico. It’s a huge sigh of relief for parents in New Mexico, especially for those scraping by to make ends meet. On Monday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced free child care for all, regardless of income status.
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Mom of three, Ashley Esquibel, said it’s a busy life, and it’s not cheap to raise a four, five, and eight-year-old. “It’s a constant go; there’s never a break,” said Esquibel.
Esquibel has been dropping her children off at the New Mexico Early Learning Academy every school morning for the last two years, calling it a blessing to know their safe and getting a high-quality education. “They have thrived since being here. But with being here means we’ve had to make some exceptions at home to afford quality child care,” said Esquibel.
As a working mom, hoping to one day become a teacher, Esquibel said the more she grows in her career, the less assistance she’s had to help pay for child care, “You want to make the most money you can and you want to not need all this assistance but until you get to that point it’s really hard to find a middle ground.”
Luckily for Esquibel, come November 1, “Universal access, free childcare for every New Mexico family in the state of New Mexico, that starts in New Mexico for the country,” said Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham (D).
While no-cost child care has been available to low-income families, now, the state plans on lifting the income cap completely. The state said this will lead to an annual family savings of $12,000 per child.
“Today’s announcement is truly a game changer for all families of New Mexico,” said Crystal Romero, Owner of New Mexico Early Learning Academy.
“Now I don’t have to worry about will my next raise affect my kids being able to go to daycare,” said Esquibel.
The governor didn’t give an exact price tag, but said that currently, the state spends around $460 million on childcare. She said both state and federal funds, and the state’s Early Childhood Trust Fund, will pay for the increase. But she is also calling on lawmakers to approve another $120 million.
Governor Lujan Grisham also announced $13 million for low-interest loans to help daycare owners build and renovate their facilities to accommodate more kids.
Incentive payments will also be available for providers who give early education teachers a minimum of $18 an hour pay rate. “Our staff are going to be able to receive a living wage that’s going to be able to provide a better lifestyle for them,” said Romero.
But not everyone is sold on the idea. Republican Representative Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) said the state has more pressing issues right now, including a crisis at the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. “It’s hard to celebrate when it’s such a missed opportunity to help the children who need it most,” said Dow.
With one less payment to think about, Esquibel has a message for single working parents: “Bring your kids to daycare, bring them to early child care, and find the career that you’re looking for because it’s worth it.”
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