Child care activists have a “mission accomplished” problem

Over the last half-decade, New Mexico has built a reputation as a state that actually supports families with young kids. Lawmakers in Santa Fe authorized hundreds of millions in new child care spending, and grassroots activists succeeded in passing a constitutional ballot measure that dedicates a portion of revenue from a state oil-and-gas fund to early childhood education.

All told, the money represents one of the largest state investments in early childhood, earning New Mexico leaders glowing national praise. Activists in other states now regularly cite New Mexico’s organizing and legislative victories as inspiration as they push for their own funding tools.

But all the acclaim has come with an unexpected cost. In New Mexico, few want to hear about the families still struggling to acce