Details provided on universal taxpayer-funded childcare copays

The Rio Grande Foundation was the first to alert the public and media to the fact that copays would be required for some participants in New Mexico’s “free” childcare program.

That obviously means the program is no longer “free” to its users. According to the Albuquerque Journal, required payments would range from $15 to $148.50 per month and will start in 2027. This is due to rising inflation. It is a very modest amount of money, but the copays certainly impact the media narrative that the Gov. has attempted to cultivate in the national media around New Mexico being the first to have “free” childcare. The program is expected to cost $850 million starting out and that price will rise dramatically in coming years.

Interestingly enough, the program COULD be in for some bigger changes according to the Journal.

Rep. Doreen Gallegos, D-Las Cruces, one of the sponsors of the 2020 legislation that created the trust fund, expressed concern about the fund’s future solvency after lawmakers diverted some revenue that would have flowed into it to bolster new Medicaid and behavioral health trust funds.

“I want to make sure we can do this not only for this generation, but for generations to come,” she said, referring to the state-paid childcare program.

Gallegos also said she hoped to talk to leaders of Haaland’s transition team about the issue, while adding she plans to push for changes to the universal childcare law during the 60-day session that starts in January.