Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2025
CONTACT
Julia Sclafani
Public Relations Specialist
Email: julia.sclafani@ececd.nm.gov
Mobile: (505) 699–5937
1120 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed landmark legislation Monday that will double New Mexico’s investment in early childhood education programs to $500 million, benefiting more than 85,000 children from birth to age 5 and further establishing the state as a national leader in early education.
The centerpiece legislation, House Bill 71, the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund Transfer Increase, increases the minimum annual distribution from the Early Childhood Trust Fund from $250 million to $500 million, or 5%—whichever is greater. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Doreen Gallegos.
“HB 71 provides essential support to continue scaling prenatal and early childhood programs that reach every eligible New Mexico family who wants them,” said ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky. “New Mexico is leading the nation in early childhood, and these critical investments further the Legislature’s commitment to transform New Mexico’s future through high-quality supports for our youngest residents.”
The increased distribution from HB 71 is expected to add $202 million to early childhood education funding in fiscal year 2026, without affecting the fund’s long-term sustainability. This will ensure continued access to essential programs, such as Home Visiting, Family Infant Toddler (FIT), Child Care Assistance, New Mexico PreK, Tribal partnerships, and quality initiatives.
Also signed into law this session was a Child Care Revolving Loan Fund bill, creating new financing tools for providers to start or expand child care operations. This complements a $10 million investment in child care supply building from the governor’s FY26 budget, aimed at increasing access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
Additionally, Senate Bill 66, the Criminal Offender Employment Exemptions bill sponsored by Sens. Katy Duhigg and Heather Berghmans, strengthens background check processes and reinforces standards that protect children.
“New Mexico’s lawmakers are making smart, sustained investments and policy decisions that ensure every child has access to high-quality care and education. Together, we are building the strongest cradle-to-career education system in the country,” Groginsky said.
With these legislative victories, New Mexico continues to lead the nation in building a comprehensive, universal and accessible prenatal to age 5 early childhood system.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham launched the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2020, making New Mexico among the first states to consolidate all early childhood programs and services under a single cabinet-level agency. Under this administration, ECECD has led the nation by expanding access to free New Mexico PreK, overseeing the largest investment in early childhood infrastructure in state history, and implementing cost-free child care for a majority of New Mexico families. Learn more about how ECECD supports children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities at nmececd.org. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as @NewMexicoECECD.