Bill to Expand Childcare Access Headed to Governor’s Desk
Legislation would provide loans to open or expand childcare facilities in needed areas
Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to help expand access to childcare in New Mexico.
Senate Bill 175 would provide loans to childcare facilities looking to open or expand in areas of greatest need, including locations with high poverty rates. The program would prioritize childcare providers that provide care during non-traditional work hours and serve the youngest children. Loans could also support companies seeking to create or expand childcare programs for their staff, and providers looking to upgrade their facilities and services.
“Our childcare providers are essential to the development of our children and communities,” said House sponsor Representative Linda Serrato (D-Santa Fe). “This act ensures that these small businesses can grow and provide the reliable love, education, and care that our youngest New Mexicans need, while supporting our working families and boosting our economy.”
This legislation updates the Child Care Revolving Loan Fund, which was established in 2003, but has lacked consistent funding. SB 175 is backed by $10 million in this year’s budget to support the fund moving forward.
“We know that many parents in New Mexico struggle to find childcare in their communities. Meanwhile, many providers would like to expand, but lack the funds to do so,” said sponsor Senator Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque). “This legislation provides childcare facilities with the capital to grow their services, so they can better serve the kids and families of our state.”
SB 175 now moves to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
This year’s budget, which has also passed the House, continues investments in cradle-to-career education, including increased funding to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department by $170 million, or 21.6%, to greatly expand pre-K, childcare assistance, home visiting, and tribal language supports.
This session, House Democrats are pushing forward a slate of legislation to make life better and more affordable for New Mexicans, including efforts to improve access to childcare.
The House has passed more than a dozen bills focused on affordability, access to critical services, and breaking cycles of poverty, including:
Provide a head start at financial independence for every child born in New Mexico, by establishing “baby bonds” that would generate interest throughout the individual’s childhood and which could be used for education, housing, entrepreneurship costs, or investment opportunities when the child graduates from high school (HB 7)
Raising minimum teacher salaries by $5,000 and providing a 4% average salary increase for public school personnel, while increasing funding for employee benefits so educators and school staff can keep more of what they earn (HB 2, 156)
Providing free high school equivalency testing and preparatory services (HB 167)
Expanding access to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program within New Mexico (HB 69)
Raising minimum pay for workers on publicly-supported projects (HB 6)
Stopping employers from taking credit card fees out of the wages of tipped workers (HB 22)
Delivering $15 billion in state and federal funding for Medicaid and other critical healthcare services (HB 2)
Strengthening New Mexico’s healthcare workforce, particularly in high-demand fields, by incentivizing New Mexico alumni working in healthcare to return to the state (HB 5)
Improving food security with $10 million in annual funding for food banks (HB 2)
Directing $110 million to targeted housing development, including transitional housing, with a focus on Bernalillo and Doña Ana counties (HB 2)
Making $45.9 million available to housing providers to focus on specialized housing solutions and a strategic response to homelessness (HB 2)
Improving access to housing and protecting renters from discrimination (HB 339, 253, 453, 448)
Allowing public utilities to implement additional rate structures intended to reduce utility costs for low-income customers (HB 91)
Increasing property tax exemptions for veterans (HB 47)
Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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