Governing Magazine is calling our approach to child care "game-changing" — and I couldn’t agree more. New Mexico is the first state in the nation to offer no-cost child care to all families, regardless of income. No income caps, waiting lists. In New Mexico, getting the support they need to work, thrive, and build a future in New Mexico. Read the article here: tinyurl.com/3vpdeamw #NewMexico #UniversalChildCare #GoverningMagazine #NMFamilies

Yesterday, we gathered for the final State Tribal Leaders Summit of my administration. Tribal Leaders from our sovereign nations, tribes, and pueblos, Lt. Governor Morales, and cabinet secretaries came together to discuss public safety, childcare, health, and water security. I’m grateful for the partnership of every leader in that room, and proud of the work we've done together over these last seven years. #TribalLeaders #SovereignNations #LeadershipSummit

Proud to break ground today on the Keres Children's Learning Center at Cochiti Pueblo. New Mexico is already seeing the results of investing in early literacy — reading proficiency among Native American students in grades 3–8 is up 13 points since 2022, the biggest gain of any group in our state. This center will build on that momentum, surrounding Cochiti's youngest children with the Keres language and the cultural grounding that sets them up for a lifetime of success. This is the cradle-to-career in action. #KeresLearningCenter #EarlyLiteracy #CradleToCareer

Senate Bill 241 is headed to the Senate floor today! We need your help to push it across the finish line so more New Mexico families can afford child care and keep working, job searching, or going to school. Families save an average of $12,000 a year on child care through Universal Child Care. This investment also helps grow the supply of child care, raise wages for child care professionals, and supports New Mexico’s economy. What to know about SB 241: - Senate Bill 241 creates the Child Care Assistance Program Act, putting New Mexico’s Child Care Assistance Program into state law. This program is administered by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. - Right now, many key program rules live in agency regulations. SB 241 moves those basics into statute—adding stronger, long-term protections and clear guardrails for how the program is run. SB 241 strengthens accountability by requiring strong oversight tools—like internal controls, compliance reviews, reporting, and unannounced site visits—to help ensure the program is run responsibly and transparently. - The bill protects family choice by supporting a mixed-delivery child care system, so parents can choose from public, private, nonprofit, for-profit, and faith-based providers. Call your legislators and tell them you support SB 241 and Universal Child Care for New Mexicans! nmlegis.gov/Members/Find_My_… #UniversalChildCare #SB241Support #InvestInChildren

New Mexico's Universal Child Care initiative is a game changer for families, and on Friday it cleared an important legislative hurdle — the Senate Education Committee. We need your help to keep the momentum going! Please call your lawmakers and ask them to fully fund universal child care for New Mexico. Here are some key highlights: - FREE childcare for all families regardless of income - Average savings of $12,000/year per family - The program pays for itself — bringing back more revenue than it costs by enabling parents to join the workforce - Research-backed: early childhood education shapes lifelong success - Childcare workers earn better wages with improved benefits This isn't just childcare—it's an investment in our children's futures and our state's prosperity. abqjournal.com/news/bill-wou… #NMChildCare #UniversalChildCare #NewMexico #InvestInFamilies

Thank you Senator Padilla for being a champion for young children and their families and for the amazing people who care for and educate them ❤️

It was wonderful to have Lt. Governor Morales join me at the Senate Finance Committee for the department’s budget hearing. The department is currently serving nearly 40,000 children through child care assistance with a projected growth to 60,000 by fiscal year 2029.

Universal childcare isn't just an expense—it's an economic engine. When New Mexico invests in childcare, parents can work. More parents working means more revenue to the state, which helps pay for the program itself. It's a cycle that sustains and grows our economy. Accessible childcare removes barriers to employment, strengthens our workforce, and builds a healthier economy for everyone. Smart investment. Strong returns. A better New Mexico. #NMpol #UniversalChildcare #EconomicDevelopment

Legislators need to hear directly from caregivers, parents, and grandparents on how universal child care has impacted their family. Child care is a public good that improves outcomes for children, allows parents to work and go to school which fuels positive economic outcomes!

Thank you @GovMLG for your bold and courageous leadership. New Mexico families want and deserve #universalchildcare.

RT @GovMLG: We did it, #NewMexico! Yesterday we made history as the first state in the nation to guarantee no-cost child care for every fam…

In New Mexico, our seniors are the living libraries of our communities. They carry the stories that connect us to our roots—whether Indigenous traditions passed down through generations, Hispanic heritage spanning centuries, or the wisdom of all who've made this land home. Our abuelos and abuelas, our Tribal elders, our community matriarchs and patriarchs share memories, the blueprint for resilience, family bonds, and cultural identity that makes New Mexico's tapestry so rich. Join us for the 47th Annual New Mexico Conference on Aging on September 23-25 at Glorieta Conference Center! This year’s event will bring together older adults, caregivers, and professionals from across the state to connect, learn, and celebrate aging well in New Mexico. Visit AginginNM.org to register and learn more. #CoA47 #EngAGEasyouAge #newmexicoconferenceonaging

Studies and rankings may not reflect this progress immediately because transformative change takes time. But make no mistake, New Mexico is making progress on behalf of its children. abqjournal.com/opinion/artic…

High quality child care improves school readiness, supports working families, and promotes a healthy economy. The U.S. needs to invest in the development of a comprehensive, family centered early childhood system. #childcare #thinkbabies #workingfamilies #strongeconomy

Today is American Indian Day at the Roundhouse. This New Mexico legislative body sees you, hears you, recognizes you, that respects your self-determination and independence. #americanindian #NewMexico

I am proud to serve in the @GovMLG administration. She is clear-eyed about what is needed in New Mexico and the country. A wonderful and insightful interview.

NM's investment in families is paying off. Thanks to our efforts, NM’s #childpoverty rate plummeted from 27% to less than 9% over the past three years. Let's keep this momentum going by supporting the @NewMexicoECECD’s budget request next session. shorturl.at/oT383

Who has time to read a 500-page document before the session? Nobody! That’s why I released our proposed FY26 #budget early—to ensure a productive discussion. Keeping families in mind, it focuses on early childhood, infrastructure, and public education. shorturl.at/R5iuF

#BreakingBadHabits is more than a great commercial, it’s an anti-litter movement. Visit breakingbadhabits.nm.gov to learn more about the campaign and sign up for local cleanup events near you. Read more about today's #BreakingBadHabits launch here: tinyurl.com/st7wzkby

ECECD Early Childhood Community Newsletter: Monday, September 23, 2024 - mailchi.mp/state.nm.us/ececd…