Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced this week that New Mexico will be the first state to offer free global parenting. Thousands of people out of poverty.
Starting November 1, the state will guarantee cost-free care for all residents, regardless of the income level of what its Governor’s Office calls a “breaking new program.”
“Children care is crucial for family stability, workforce participation, and the future prosperity of New Mexico.” “By investing in universal child care, we are providing financial relief to families, supporting our economy, and ensuring every child has opportunities to grow and grow.”
In 2022, the state became the first country to provide childcare for free, giving most families access to 400% of the federal poverty level for free, which is about $124,000 for a family of four. About half of the children in the state are eligible.
The development is one of the poorest states in the United States, and its poverty rate is beginning to decline. Early childhood educators have lowered poverty rates as New Mexico raises wages for parenting workers and changes the reimbursement rate of their subsidies to reflect the actual cost of providing care. A researcher describe It is “generational change”.
Residents who received the aid said they experienced greater financial stability and had more time to spend with their children, the governor’s office said. A resident told the guardian Earlier this year The state’s support allows her to complete college, enroll, and purchase groceries for her family.
The governor’s office said the annual average savings of the expansion plan were $12,000 per household. The state will also establish a $12.7 million loan fund to build and renovate parenting facilities and launch a campaign to recruit family providers.
Neal Halfon, a professor of pediatrics and public health at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the state’s data-centric and community-driven approach makes it “a model of the country.”
“New Mexico is creating conditions for better outcomes for health, learning and well-being,” said Halfon, who is also a professor of public policy and director of the UCLA Center for Health. Childrenfamilies and communities.
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A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
