ALBANY, N.Y. (September 9, 2025) — In response to New Mexico’s announcement that it will guarantee universal, no-cost child care for every family in the state, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement:
“New Mexico has set a bold new standard for the nation by guaranteeing universal, no-cost child care for all families, by removing income eligibility requirements for child care assistance, eliminating family copayments, raising reimbursement rates to the true cost of care for providers, and investing in expanded access for infants, toddlers, lower-income families, and children with special needs. If New York is serious about being a leader in education and economic opportunity, this is the kind of action we must take. Early care and education is a public good, essential to thriving communities and a stronger economy. Governor Hochul and state leaders have a responsibility to meet this moment and make sure that every family in New York has access to affordable, high-quality child care,” said Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors of the Alliance for Quality Education.
“Governor Hochul and state leaders must commit to building a truly universal child care system that reflects our values, supports working families, respects its workforce, and gives every child a strong start. Governor Hochul and the Legislature must act with urgency and ambition to demonstrate the leadership that we are known for and New Yorkers expect. Kids are only kids once, and every moment our leaders delay moving our state towards universal child care leaves families struggling and children without the care they need. New Yorkers have built the case, fought the fight, and waited long enough. It’s time, and well overdue, that New York State leaders deliver universal child care.”