MLG outlines another nanny state program (but this time for high earners)

In what seems to be nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt to garner positive headlines nationally and simultaneously divert attention from her abject failures at CYFD and across nearly all aspects of New Mexico government, the Gov. outlined her latest costly expansion of her “cradle to career” government programs.

The twist this time is that her new plan for universal “free” child care is a handout for high income New Mexicans. How is this possible for a supposedly “progressive” Democrat? Simply put, New Mexico already provides child care at taxpayer expense for families making up to 400% of the federal poverty level. We looked up the federal poverty guidelines and found that 400% of the poverty level (this is the current income cap) allows a family of three to earn up to $106,600 annually. According to the Census Bureau the median household income in New Mexico is $62,268.

MLG’s plan is to make “free” child care universal which means that this cap (high as it is) will no longer apply and people making even higher salaries will be able to receive this government benefit at taxpayer expense. The existing program costs $463 million each year. Making the program universal will cost $120 million with an additional one-time capital expenditure of $20 million.

Far from being “progressive,” universal “free” child care is a massive giveaway to high earning New Mexicans. Will this program result in more children being born and raised in New Mexico (NM is seeing a big decline in its youth population)? Will this program have a positive impact on the economy? Will it help New Mexico create new jobs and diversify its economy? Will the workers be available to massively expand this system and will they be vetted to make sure they are competent and don’t have criminal records?

None of this is discussed by the Gov. At the very least there must be answers before this is passed.