In a U.S. First, New Mexico Opens Doors to Free Child Care for All

One of the nation’s poorest states has launched one of its most ambitious social policies: universal child care. 

New Mexico this month became the first state to guarantee free care, regardless of income, starting at six weeks of age. The state says the plan—covered largely by a fund set up with oil-and-gas revenues—should save families roughly $16,000 a year on average on full-time daycare bills.