New Mexico's Universal Child Care Model Offers Hope for NYC Families' Relief

New Mexico's Universal Child Care Model Sparks Hope for New York City Families In a bid to address the city's crippling childcare crisis, advocates are pointing to New Mexico as a potential model for universal child care. The southwestern state has implemented a comprehensive system that provides affordable childcare to thousands of families, and some are arguing that it could be replicated in New York City. According to a recent commentary by Yasser Salem, Chair of OneNYC, an independent expenditure committee formed by business leaders, policy-makers, and former government officials, the problem is not theoretical but real and urgent for the approximately 445,000 New York City families with children under five years old. Many of those families – 80% to be exact – cannot afford childcare in the city. A 2024 study found that a family of four needs an annual income of $318,406 to live comfortably in New York City, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in the city was just $79,713 in 2023. When families are coming up short by over $200,000, staying in the city becomes quickly untenable, especially when childcare accounts for so much of a family's monthly budget. For childcare to be considered affordable according to national guidelines, it needs to account for no more than 10% of a family's income. However, in New York City, childcare costs can range from $1,500 to over $3,000 per month, depending on the type and quality of care. Salem argues that New Mexico's model could be adapted for New York City, citing its comprehensive approach to providing affordable childcare. "New Mexico has shown us that it is possible to create a system that works for everyone," Salem said in an interview. "We can learn from their successes and apply them to our own city." However, not all experts agree that the New Mexico model is applicable to New York City. Dr. Rachel Kim, a child development specialist at Columbia University, notes that the two cities have different demographics and economic conditions. "While New Mexico's system may work for its population, it's unclear whether it would be effective in a city like New York with such high costs of living," she said. Despite these concerns, some lawmakers are pushing forward with proposals to implement universal childcare in New York City. In January 2024, the City Council introduced a bill that would provide free or low-cost childcare to families earning below $150,000 per year. The bill's sponsor, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, said that the legislation is inspired by New Mexico's model and aims to address the city's childcare crisis. "We need to make sure that every family has access to affordable childcare, regardless of their income," he said. As the debate continues, advocates are urging policymakers to take a closer look at New Mexico's system and consider its potential for replication in New York City. With over 445,000 families affected by the city's childcare crisis, time is of the essence. In related news, Mayor Eric Adams has announced plans to increase funding for childcare programs in the city. The mayor's office did not provide further details on the proposal but said that it would be unveiled in the coming weeks. The fate of universal child care in New York City remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the need for affordable childcare is pressing and urgent. As policymakers weigh their options, they will have to consider the lessons from New Mexico and the potential impact on families across the city. *Reporting by Fortune.*