NYC's childcare blueprint might be taking place in New Mexico

"New Mexico's new policy, which took effect on November 1, made childcare access universal to parents across the state by eliminating income limits and copays for childcare. Childcare workers are also slated to get a raise. It could be a model for New York City. Mamdani proposed expanding childcare in the city, starting with creating more slots for kids from six weeks to 5 years old. Some of the city's business executives agreed with his proposal for universal childcare, even if they opposed many of his plans aimed at boosting affordability."

"Childcare has increasingly outpaced inflation and forced families to find other cost-effective solutions to day care deserts. Previously, New Mexican parents ineligible for full subsidies were paying an average of $12,00 a year per child. The state's government aims to boost its economy by putting money back into the pockets of parents. "That's huge to a family's budget," said Julie Kashen, senior fellow and director for women's economic justice at The Century Foundation, a progressive, nonpartisan think tank. "That makes a really big difference in what else they can afford, what they can save for the future, how they can get out of debt." It also allows parents to go to work with peace of mind, Kashen added. Without reliable childcare, parents call out of work when their kids are sick or have a day off school. For working parents, "childcare is the backbone of our economy," she said."

New Mexico implemented universal childcare on November 1 by removing income limits and copays and scheduling raises for childcare workers. The policy makes childcare available statewide and aims to boost the economy by returning money to parents who previously paid high fees. New York City's mayor-elect plans to create more childcare slots for children six weeks to five years and proposes funding expansion through taxes on wealthy residents and corporations. Childcare costs have outpaced inflation, forcing families to seek alternatives and causing work disruptions when care fails. Reducing childcare costs increases household savings, affordability, and parents' ability to remain employed.

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