For some New Mexicans, the cost of child care is more expensive than their mortgage.

For others, the financial strain is a deterrent to having children.

Parents and caregivers, a reprieve is on the way.

Starting Nov. 1, New Mexico will become the first state in the nation to offer no-cost child care to every family, regardless of income.

Universal child care represents a historic step forward in New Mexico’s ongoing efforts to bring early childhood services to as many children as possible, thereby improving their outcomes later in life, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said at a news conference Monday at the state Capitol.

“There are so many people across the country that say [universal child care is] impossible — not impossible,” the governor said as she was flanked by early childhood adv

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