In a recent statement, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) commended the state of New Mexico for taking a groundbreaking step by offering universal free child care to its residents. He identified this approach as a significant advance and proposed that other states consider adopting similar programs to address the longstanding challenges within America’s child care system.
Sanders articulated his views through a post on the social media platform X, where he framed New Mexico’s strategy as an exemplary blueprint capable of addressing what he described as the nation’s "broken" child care infrastructure. Emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in early childhood support, he asserted, "There is no better rate of return than investing in our children." This investment, according to Sanders, yields tangible improvements in family wellbeing, educational achievement, and overall economic prosperity.
Highlighting the comprehensiveness of New Mexico’s program, Sanders pointed out that it guarantees free child care for all residents irrespective of income. This universal access contrasts with many prior programs that were income-based or partial in scope. By fully subsidizing child care through state-funded vouchers redeemable at participating public and private care providers, the program effectively removes financial barriers for families.
The initiative officially commenced in November, following a series of policy developments dating back to 2019 when New Mexico established the Early Childhood Education and Care Department to oversee related efforts. The program thus represents the culmination of several years of planning and investment targeted at expanding child care accessibility throughout the state.
Notably, New Mexico’s demographics underline the urgency of such measures, as nearly 18% of its population lives below the poverty line based on U.S. Census data. The state ranks among the poorest in the nation, making child care affordability a critical issue for many families.
New Mexico’s pioneering stance appears to be inspiring other regions governed by Democratic leadership. For instance, Connecticut has enacted legislation making child care services free for families with annual incomes below $100,000, while instituting a cost cap at 7% of income for those earning above this threshold. Similarly, in New York City, the incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has proposed a universal no-cost child care program, indicating broader ambitions to expand child care support structures nationwide.
Senator Sanders’ endorsement of New Mexico’s program underscores a focused push to reimagine child care as a fundamental public investment. By emphasizing measurable outcomes such as family support and economic growth, Sanders advocates for a model that prioritizes equitable access and long-term social benefits.
As policy discussions evolve, the successes and challenges of New Mexico’s universal child care initiative will likely inform decisions in other jurisdictions. The program’s comprehensive design, absence of income restrictions, and integration into existing state infrastructure offer a compelling case study for child care reform at the national level.