New Mexico is the first state that will offer free child care for every family — a move that could save households roughly $12,000 per year per child, according to an estimate from the Governor’s office.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the policy — set to take effect in November — on Monday.
“By investing in universal childcare, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive,” Lujan Grisham said in a press release.
The policy will allow families — regardless of income level — to qualify for waivers for co-pays of child care costs and could help alleviate a key financial burden that many have long shouldered.
According to the Center for American Progress, the median cost of child care for an American family is $800 per month. It is often one of the top expenses in a household’s budget.
