
NM House Advances Universal Child Care, Sends SB241 to Senate for Final OK
The New Mexico House passed SB 241, a universal child-care program aimed at serving about 60,000 children, with copays for higher-earning families under certain conditions. The plan would tap up to $700 million from the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund over five years and include wage requirements for providers and referrals for at-risk children. The bill moves back to the Senate for any House changes before Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham can sign it; the governor expressed optimism it will reach her before adjournment.