Healthcare Access & Affordability - Healthcare premiums in New Mexico are projected to increase by 36% [2] - Federal healthcare cuts, potentially totaling nearly $1 trillion, are viewed as detrimental to funding for children, disabled adults, and individuals with chronic diseases [6] - These cuts could lead to clinic and hospital closures, particularly impacting rural and poor states with weakened healthcare systems [3][4] - Prevention measures are being eliminated, and prescription drug costs are rising, exemplified by challenges in accessing vaccines [9][10] State-Level Responses & Initiatives - New Mexico is planning a special session to allocate funds to Medicaid in response to federal cuts, aiming to maintain access to healthcare [5] - New Mexico has the highest per capita enrollment in Medicaid in the country [5] - New Mexico has established a trust fund for universal child care, initially funded with $300 million, now valued at $9 billion, utilizing revenue from the oil and gas sector [14] - New Mexico has expanded child care access to families at 200% and then 400% of the poverty level, with no co-pays [16] - Eleven states are reportedly working on or have implemented changes to their child care systems [12][13] Economic Impact of Child Care - Providing universal child care is seen as a wealth-building strategy for families, improving well-being and outcomes [6] - Lack of access to child care disproportionately affects women, leading to reduced earnings (40% less for those taking a year or two off), retirement savings, and social security benefits [16] - Investing in child care can stimulate rural economic development by creating new child care centers and supporting working mothers [17] - New Mexico is investing in quality child care and paying child care workers $18 to $21 per hour [17]

New Mexico is set to become the first state to offer free universal child care. The state's Democratic governor, Michelle Luhankam, announced the first of its kind program, free child care for all families, regardless of income, starting in November. A move estimated to save families about $12,000 per child each year.But it also comes with a big price tag for the state, leading critics to ask, is this unprecedented universal program even possible. New Mexico Governor Michelle Luhan Gisham joins us now. Gove ...